Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia, officially known as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is a country in the Middle East, known for its rich Islamic heritage, significant oil reserves, and evolving socio-political landscape. It is the birthplace of Islam, housing the religion’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina, making it a major center for Islamic pilgrimage and culture. The country has been ruled by the Al Saud family since its establishment in 1932, with Riyadh as its capital.

Saudi Arabia’s economy is primarily driven by oil, which accounts for a significant portion of its GDP and export revenues. In recent years, the kingdom has pursued economic diversification under Vision 2030, a strategic plan spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The vision aims to reduce dependence on oil by fostering sectors like tourism, entertainment, and technology, along with implementing social reforms, such as expanding women’s rights, easing restrictions on entertainment, and promoting moderate Islam. However, the country’s human rights record, particularly concerning freedom of speech, women's rights, and treatment of dissent, remains a point of international criticism.

In terms of social reforms, MBS announced in 2018 that women in Saudi Arabia would be allowed to drive and have greater freedom in public spaces, marking a significant shift in the traditionally conservative kingdom.

In July 2024, BOOM fact-checked a misleading post that revived an ambiguous quote from 2018 attributed to the crown prince, suggesting that Saudi women could freely choose not to wear an abaya or head cover.

BOOM’s investigation found that the quote was misinterpreted and misrepresented, failing to accurately reflect the context of Saudi Arabia’s dress code changes.