Holy land takes centre stage after rising from humble beginnings

Saudi Arabia is best known as the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest places, Mecca and Medina. More recently, the country has accelerated to a position of economic prominence in the Middle East, thanks to its huge oil reserves and strong government.

The kingdom's gradual path to wealth and modernisation gathered pace in the 1930s with King Abdulaziz, who oversaw the establishment of the country's basic infrastructure, building roads and communications systems, introducing modern technology and improving education, health care and agriculture.

In 1953, King Abdulaziz's eldest son, Saud, acceded to the throne. During the course of his nine-year reign he established ministries of health, education and commerce, and set up many schools and the first university, which opened its doors in 1957.

The following decade, King Faisal assumed the throne, ruling the country with equal respect for both innovation and tradition. As well as establishing the first of a series of economic and social development plans that had a particular impact on Saudi Arabian industry, he also oversaw the establishment of the first public school for girls. During his reign, which witnessed two Arab-Israeli wars and the oil crisis of 1973, King Faisal remained the voice of peace, moderation and stability.

In 1975, King Faisal was succeeded by King Khalid, heralding an era of explosive growth and great wealth and prosperity for the country.

King Khalid was one of the main instigators behind the formation of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which promotes economic and security co-operation among its members.