China’s U17 men’s football team beat Saudi Arabia to reach the Asian Cup semifinals.

Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East that holds deep historical and religious significance as the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the nation emerged from the unification of tribal regions and has since transformed from a largely desert kingdom into a global energy powerhouse due to its vast oil reserves. Today, Saudi Arabia balances its rich cultural heritage with ambitious modernization efforts under Vision 2030, aiming to diversify its economy and open its society to international tourism.

Mecca, located in western Saudi Arabia, is the holiest city in Islam and the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. It has been a center of pilgrimage for centuries, even before Islam, due to the Kaaba—a sacred structure Muslims believe was built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Today, millions of Muslims visit Mecca annually for the Hajj pilgrimage, a key religious duty in Islam.

Medina, located in western Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca. It is renowned as the city where the Prophet Muhammad migrated in 622 CE, an event known as the Hijra, and where he established the first Muslim community. The city is home to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), which contains his tomb and remains a major pilgrimage site for Muslims.