50 Key MCQs About Saudi Arabia — This carefully prepared multiple-choice quiz explores important but lesser-known facts about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Covering history, politics, geography, economy, culture, and religion, these questions are ideal for students, competitive exam aspirants, and general knowledge seekers. Whether you’re preparing for CSS, PMS, UPSC, or simply expanding your awareness, this MCQ set will help you learn hidden yet essential insights about Saudi Arabia.
Key Fact Sheet for Saudi Arabia
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capital | Riyadh |
| Official Language(s) | Arabic |
| Currency | Saudi Riyal (SAR) |
| Population | Approx. 36 million (2025 est.) |
| Area | 2,149,690 sq km |
| Government | Unitary Islamic absolute monarchy |
| Famous Personalities | King Abdulaziz Al Saud (Ibn Saud), King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal |
| Famous Places | Mecca, Medina, Al-Ula, Edge of the World, Jeddah Corniche |
| Famous Buildings | Masjid al-Haram (Kaaba), Masjid an-Nabawi, Kingdom Centre, Al Faisaliyah Tower, Masmak Fort |
| Office of International Organizations | Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) – Secretariat in Jeddah, Saudi is a G20 member |
| Famous Sporting Event | Dakar Rally stages (hosted since 2020); Diriyah E-Prix (Formula E) |
| Nobel Prize laureate | None yet |
Important MCQs about Saudi Arabia
1. Which year was the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia officially founded?
A. 1923
B. 1925
C. 1932
D. 1935
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Explanation: Saudi Arabia was officially founded by King Abdulaziz Al Saud on 23 September 1932.
2. Which city is known as the birthplace of Islam?
A. Medina
B. Mecca
C. Riyadh
D. Jeddah
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Explanation: Mecca is the birthplace of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the site of the Kaaba, the holiest place in Islam.
3. Saudi Arabia holds the world’s largest reserves of which natural resource?
A. Natural Gas
B. Gold
C. Oil
D. Coal
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Explanation: Saudi Arabia has some of the largest proven crude oil reserves and is a major global oil exporter and OPEC leader.
4. Which Saudi leader is closely associated with Vision 2030 reform plans?
A. King Abdullah
B. King Salman
C. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
D. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal
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Explanation: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been the principal architect and public face of Vision 2030, launched to diversify the economy away from oil.
5. What is the capital city of Saudi Arabia?
A. Jeddah
B. Riyadh
C. Mecca
D. Medina
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Explanation: Riyadh is the political, administrative, and financial capital of the Kingdom.
6. Which Saudi city is known as the main gateway for pilgrims traveling to Mecca?
A. Dammam
B. Medina
C. Jeddah
D. Tabuk
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Explanation: Jeddah is the primary entry point (via Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz International Airport) for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims bound for Mecca.
7. The world’s largest oil company, Saudi Aramco, originated under a concession in which year?
A. 1925
B. 1933
C. 1948
D. 1952
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Explanation: The concession that led to the formation of Saudi Aramco was signed in 1933 with Standard Oil of California (Caltex), leading to large-scale oil development.
8. Which vast desert covers a large part of southern Saudi Arabia and is one of the largest sand deserts in the world?
A. Sahara
B. Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter)
C. Gobi
D. Thar
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Explanation: The Rub’ al Khali is a massive sand desert covering parts of Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, and Yemen, known for its dunes and harsh climate.
9. Where is the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) located?
A. Mecca
B. Medina
C. Riyadh
D. Taif
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Explanation: Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina is the second holiest mosque in Islam and contains the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) tomb.
10. What is the currency of Saudi Arabia?
A. Riyal
B. Dinar
C. Dirham
D. Pound
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Explanation: The Saudi Riyal (SAR) is Saudi Arabia’s official currency and is pegged to the US dollar.
11. Which planned futuristic mega-city project in northwest Saudi Arabia aims to use advanced technology and renewable energy?
A. Diriyah Gate
B. Red Sea Project
C. NEOM
D. King Abdullah Economic City
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Explanation: NEOM is a flagship Vision 2030 project designed as a high-tech, sustainable economic zone, including concepts like “The Line”.
12. Which major Saudi port serves as the busiest gateway on the Red Sea?
A. Yanbu
B. Dammam
C. Jeddah Islamic Port
D. Jubail
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Explanation: Jeddah Islamic Port handles a large volume of Saudi imports and plays a vital role in trade and pilgrimage logistics.
13. Which city in Saudi Arabia is the religious capital that houses the Kaaba?
A. Medina
B. Mecca
C. Riyadh
D. Jeddah
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Explanation: Mecca is Islam’s holiest city, containing the Kaaba inside Masjid al-Haram, and is the destination for Hajj pilgrims worldwide.
14. Who is the Crown Prince who has driven many recent economic and social reforms (as of 2025)?
A. Prince Alwaleed
B. Mohammed bin Salman
C. Mohammed bin Nayef
D. Sultan bin Salman
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Explanation: Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has spearheaded Vision 2030, social reforms, and major state investment strategies.
15. Which mountain is the highest peak in Saudi Arabia?
A. Jabal Sawda
B. Jabal Nour
C. Jabal Uhud
D. Jabal al-Lawz
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Explanation: Jabal Sawda in the Asir region is often cited as Saudi Arabia’s highest peak at around 3,000+ meters.
16. Which oil field in Saudi Arabia is recognized as one of the world’s largest conventional oil fields?
A. Ghawar Field
B. Safaniya Field
C. Rumaila Field
D. North Field
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Explanation: The Ghawar Field in Saudi Arabia is one of the largest conventional oil fields globally and has been a major source of Saudi crude production for decades.
17. In which year did Saudi Aramco conduct its landmark partial IPO on the Riyadh stock exchange?
A. 2017
B. 2018
C. 2019
D. 2020
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Explanation: Saudi Aramco’s partial listing on the Tadawul (Riyadh exchange) in December 2019 was the world’s largest IPO by valuation at the time.
18. What is the official corporate name of Aramco?
A. Saudi Petroleum Company
B. Saudi Arabian Oil Company
C. Kingdom Energy
D. Royal Oil of Saudi Arabia
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Explanation: Saudi Aramco’s formal name is the Saudi Arabian Oil Company, commonly known as Aramco.
19. What formal title used by Saudi monarchs signifies their role over Islam’s two holiest mosques?
A. King of the Arabs
B. Defender of the Faith
C. Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
D. Supreme Imam of Islam
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Explanation: Saudi monarchs use the title “Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques” to denote responsibility for Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina).
20. Which causeway links Saudi Arabia with the island kingdom of Bahrain?
A. King Fahd Causeway
B. King Abdullah Bridge
C. Salman-Link Causeway
D. Riyadh Connector
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Explanation: The King Fahd Causeway, opened in 1986, connects the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia with Bahrain and facilitates trade and travel.
21. Which archaeological site (also called Al-Hijr or Madain Saleh) became Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site?
A. Mada’in Saleh (Al-Hijr)
B. Al-Ula Oasis
C. Diriyah Ruins
D. Qasr Marid
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Explanation: Mada’in Saleh (Al-Hijr) was inscribed as Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 for its Nabatean archaeological remains.
22. When did Saudi Arabia introduce an e-visa/tourist visa regime to boost tourism?
A. 2016
B. 2017
C. 2019
D. 2021
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Explanation: In 2019 Saudi Arabia launched a tourist e-visa scheme to encourage international tourism as part of Vision 2030 diversification efforts.
23. Which project within NEOM is envisioned as a zero-carbon, linear urban development called “The Line”?
A. The Ring
B. The Line
C. The Grid
D. The Pillar
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Explanation: “The Line” is a proposed zero-carbon linear city within NEOM intended to reimagine urban living with minimal environmental footprint.
24. Which international organization has its Secretariat located in Jeddah and is closely associated with Muslim-majority countries?
A. Arab League
B. Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
C. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
D. Islamic Development Bank
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Explanation: The OIC Secretariat is based in Jeddah, and Saudi Arabia has been a central member of the organization.
25. Was Saudi Arabia a founding member of OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries)?
A. Yes
B. No
C. It joined later in 1970
D. It is not a member
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Explanation: Saudi Arabia was among the founding members of OPEC, established in 1960, and plays a leading role within the organization.
26. To which currency is the Saudi Riyal traditionally pegged?
A. Euro
B. British Pound
C. US Dollar
D. IMF SDR
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Explanation: The Saudi Riyal is effectively pegged to the US dollar (officially at around SAR 3.75 = 1 USD), supporting currency stability.
27. What popular natural escarpment near Riyadh is known as the “Edge of the World”?
A. Jabal Sawda
B. Jebel Fihrayn
C. Al Ula Cliffs
D. Jabal al-Lawz
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Explanation: The dramatic escarpment near Riyadh called Jebel Fihrayn (“Edge of the World”) is a well-known scenic and hiking site.
28. In which year was the ban on women driving officially lifted in Saudi Arabia?
A. 2016
B. 2017
C. 2018
D. 2019
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Explanation: In 2018 Saudi Arabia lifted its ban on female drivers, a landmark social reform under Vision 2030.
29. When were public cinemas and film screenings officially permitted again in Saudi Arabia after decades-long restrictions?
A. 2015
B. 2016
C. 2018
D. 2020
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Explanation: Public cinemas reopened in 2018 as part of social liberalization efforts to diversify entertainment options.
30. What is “Janadriyah” in Saudi cultural life?
A. A religious sermon
B. A national heritage and cultural festival
C. A local currency unit
D. A military parade
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Explanation: Janadriyah is an annual heritage festival near Riyadh showcasing Saudi culture, crafts, and traditions.
31. Who founded the modern Saudi state and is often called Ibn Saud?
A. King Saud
B. King Abdulaziz Al Saud
C. King Faisal
D. King Fahd
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Explanation: King Abdulaziz Al Saud (Ibn Saud) unified the Arabian Peninsula and founded the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
32. Which industrial city on the Persian Gulf coast is known for petrochemical and heavy industry complexes?
A. Yanbu
B. Jubail
C. Jeddah
D. Medina
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Explanation: Jubail Industrial City is a major petrochemical and industrial hub built with large-scale infrastructure and industrial plants.
33. Which UNESCO-listed site in northwest Saudi Arabia is rapidly being promoted as a major cultural-tourism destination?
A. Mada’in Saleh (Al-Hijr)
B. Al-Ula (including Hegra)
C. Diriyah Historic Centre
D. Jubbah rock art site
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Explanation: Al-Ula and the Hegra (Madain Saleh) area are central to Saudi’s heritage tourism push under Vision 2030.
34. Which domestic institution manages Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth investments?
A. Saudi Sovereign Council
B. Public Investment Fund (PIF)
C. Kingdom Investment Bureau
D. National Wealth Authority
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Explanation: The Public Investment Fund is the Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund, central in financing diversification projects and strategic investments.
35. Which historic city served as the original home of the first Saudi dynasty and is being restored as a cultural site?
A. Diriyah
B. Taif
C. Najran
D. Al-Qassim
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Explanation: Diriyah was the original seat of the Al Saud family and is undergoing major restoration as a UNESCO-worthy heritage site.
36. Which major international motorsport event has staged rally stages in Saudi Arabia since 2020?
A. World Rally Championship (WRC)
B. Dakar Rally
C. Formula 1 Grand Prix
D. MotoGP
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Explanation: Saudi Arabia has hosted stages of the Dakar Rally since 2020, bringing world-class motorsport to desert terrains.
37. What is the legal system of Saudi Arabia primarily based on?
A. Civil code system
B. Common law
C. Sharia (Islamic law)
D. Customary tribal law only
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Explanation: Saudi law is primarily derived from Sharia (Islamic law), interpreted through schools of Islamic jurisprudence and royal decrees.
38. Which national airline is Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier?
A. Flynas
B. Saudia (formerly Saudi Arabian Airlines)
C. Flyadeal
D. Nesma Airlines
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Explanation: Saudia is the Kingdom’s national airline, operating domestic and international routes.
39. Which key economic revenue source did Saudi Arabia move to partially privatize as part of economic reforms?
A. State-run utilities
B. Saudi Aramco (oil company)
C. Public education system
D. National museums
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Explanation: As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia took the historic step of partially listing Saudi Aramco on the stock exchange to raise capital and diversify ownership.
40. Which traditional Saudi dish is widely considered a national favorite, often served at large gatherings?
A. Tabouleh
B. Kabsa
C. Shawarma
D. Hummus
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Explanation: Kabsa is a spiced rice dish with meat (often lamb or chicken) and is a culinary staple across Saudi households and celebrations.
41. Which international summit grouping includes Saudi Arabia as a member and where it plays an active role?
A. European Union (EU)
B. G20 (Group of Twenty)
C. ASEAN
D. MERCOSUR
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Explanation: Saudi Arabia is a G20 member and has hosted G20 meetings, participating in global economic policymaking alongside major economies.
42. Which Saudi royal initiative focuses on cultural and heritage restoration in Riyadh and beyond?
A. Red Sea Initiative
B. Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA)
C. Riyadh Renewal Program
D. Heritage and Arts Commission
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Explanation: The DGDA is charged with restoring Diriyah and developing it as a major cultural, educational, and tourism destination.
43. Which large oil-producing facility/area on the Persian Gulf coast is known for huge petrochemical complexes and the city of Jubail?
A. Yanbu Industrial City
B. Jubail Industrial City
C. Jeddah Industrial Zone
D. Dammam Free Zone
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Explanation: Jubail Industrial City is a leading industrial hub for petrochemical processing and heavy industry on the Persian Gulf coast.
44. Which Saudi port and city hosts the annual Hajj pilgrim arrivals and is also a major Red Sea port?
A. Dammam
B. Jeddah
C. Yanbu
D. King Abdullah Economic City
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Explanation: Jeddah handles pilgrim arrivals and is a principal Red Sea port and gateway to Mecca.
45. Which Saudi city has been the focus of a major winter and entertainment festival called “Riyadh Season”?
A. Mecca
B. Jeddah
C. Riyadh
D. Dammam
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Explanation: Riyadh Season is a large-scale entertainment and cultural campaign featuring concerts, sports events, festivals, and exhibitions to boost tourism and local activity.
46. Which Saudi historical fortress in central Riyadh symbolizes the city’s pre-modern era and resistance to foreign control?
A. Al-Ula Fort
B. Masmak Fort
C. Qasr Marid
D. Tabuk Fort
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Explanation: Masmak Fort is a mudbrick fortress in Riyadh where Ibn Saud initiated his reconquest of the city in 1902, pivotal to the modern state’s formation.
47. Which Saudi policy introduced in recent years aims to attract international tourists and diversify the economy?
A. Saudify Program
B. Tourist e-Visa and relaxed tourism rules
C. Oil-for-Tourism Exchange
D. Passport-Free Entry Plan
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Explanation: The introduction of tourist e-visas and opening new tourist zones (e.g., Al-Ula, Red Sea) are central to Saudi efforts to expand tourism under Vision 2030.
48. Which Saudi institution is primarily responsible for religious endowments and managing the Two Holy Mosques?
A. Ministry of Culture
B. Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
C. General Presidency for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque
D. Royal Religious Council
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Explanation: This presidency manages the operations, expansions, and services of Masjid al-Haram (Mecca) and Masjid an-Nabawi (Medina).
49. Which large-scale tourism and luxury hospitality initiative launched along Saudi Arabia’s western coast aims to attract global travelers?
A. NEOM Beach Project
B. Red Sea Project
C. Jeddah Waterfront Initiative
D. Gulf Coast Luxury Trails
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Explanation: The Red Sea Project aims to develop luxury resorts and sustainable tourism on Saudi Arabia’s western seaboard across islands and coastline.
50. Which traditional mode of transport has deep cultural significance in Saudi Arabia and remains important in desert regions?
A. Horse-drawn carriages
B. Camel (dromedary) travel
C. Donkey caravans
D. Ox carts
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Explanation: The Arabian camel (dromedary) has been fundamental to desert transport, culture, and heritage across the Arabian Peninsula.
We hope you found these MCQs about Saudi Arabia useful and informative. By solving these questions, you gain valuable knowledge about the country’s historical background, modern developments, and global influence. Keep exploring our Geopolitical Section for more country-wise and topic-wise MCQs to strengthen your preparation. Stay consistent in your learning journey and continue practicing daily to boost your competitive edge!
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