I have a friend in Saudi Arabia, I can ask him some questions too. From my knowledge of Middle Eastern history, Saudi Arabia has changed A LOT since the year 1000. Saudi Arabia came into existence in the 1920s (a few weeks ago was their holiday to celebrate the anniversary of their founding). Before that, I would have to look for you because my knowledge is the Middle East was very rich in gold, Europeans often traveled there for conquest. After World War I, that changed and the formation of the countries we know today came into existence.

Right now, Saudi Arabia is a monarchy. They are still ruled by a king and life is pretty good, at least according to my friend. I just read that Saudi businesses are looking to switch to the Julian calendar from the Hijra calendar so they don't have to pay their workers as much. Some think that is signalling some money problems in Saudi Arabia.