Real estate agent’s commission rules are changing: what home buyers and sellers need to know

Saudi Arabia is a country in the Middle East that is the birthplace of Islam and home to its two holiest cities, Mecca and Medina. Founded in 1932 by King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the nation has a rich history as a crossroads of trade and culture, and in the modern era it has transformed from a largely desert kingdom into a global economic power due to its vast oil reserves. Today, Saudi Arabia is known for its ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and open its society to tourism and international influence.

Riyadh is the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. Originally a small, walled desert settlement known as Hajr, it rose to prominence in the 18th century as the stronghold of the Al Saud dynasty and was later conquered by King Abdulaziz in 1902, becoming the nucleus for the unification of the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Today, it has transformed into a sprawling, modern metropolis blending its rich cultural heritage with futuristic skyscrapers and ambitious development projects.

Dammam is the capital of Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and a major oil hub on the Persian Gulf coast. Its modern development began in the 1930s after the discovery of oil, transforming it from a small fishing village into a thriving industrial and commercial center. Today, Dammam is part of the larger Dammam metropolitan area, known for its port, King Fahd International Airport, and cultural landmarks like the Dammam Corniche.

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, located in western Saudi Arabia. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, the sacred structure toward which Muslims pray. Every year, millions of Muslims perform the Hajj pilgrimage there, a tradition dating back to the time of Abraham.

Medina, located in present-day Saudi Arabia, is the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca, originally known as Yathrib before the Prophet Muhammad’s migration (Hijra) there in 622 CE. This event marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and transformed the city into the political and spiritual center of the early Muslim community, where the first mosque, Masjid al-Nabawi, was built. Today, Medina is a major pilgrimage destination, drawing millions of Muslims annually to visit the Prophet’s Mosque and his tomb.

Hajr, also known as the Black Stone, is a sacred Islamic relic set into the eastern corner of the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. According to Islamic tradition, it originated from paradise and was placed by the Prophet Abraham and his son Ishmael during the construction of the Kaaba. Pilgrims seek to touch or kiss it during the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Dammam Corniche is a scenic waterfront promenade stretching along the Arabian Gulf coast in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. Developed as part of the city’s modernization efforts in the late 20th century, it has become a popular recreational area featuring gardens, fountains, and walking paths. The Corniche reflects the region’s transformation from a small fishing village into a major urban and industrial center.