Saudis officially call their country المملكة العربية السعودية (al-Mamlaka al-ʿarabiyya as-Suʿūdiyya), which translates to "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
The Official Name in Arabic
When referring to their nation, Saudis primarily use the Arabic name المملكة العربية السعودية. While commonly known as "Saudi Arabia" in English-speaking countries, the full Arabic name is the official and most common way locals refer to their homeland.
This name emphasizes key aspects of the nation's identity and governance structure.
Official Designations
The country's full official name reflects its sovereign status and historical lineage across different languages.
| Language | Official Name | Transliteration (Arabic to Latin) |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | المملكة العربية السعودية | al-Mamlaka al-ʿarabiyya as-Suʿūdiyya |
| English | Kingdom of Saudi Arabia | N/A |
Understanding the Terminology
The full Arabic name المملكة العربية السعودية (al-Mamlaka al-ʿarabiyya as-Suʿūdiyya) carries specific meaning that reflects the nation's identity:
- المملكة (al-Mamlaka): Means "The Kingdom," signifying its governance structure as a monarchy.
- العربية (al-ʿarabiyya): Translates to "The Arabian," indicating its cultural and geographical ties to the Arab world.
- السعودية (as-Suʿūdiyya): Refers to "The Saudi," which is derived from the ruling House of Saud, the royal family that founded and continues to govern the country.
This structure highlights the deep connection between the land, its people, and its ruling family. The term "Saudi" is also used as a demonym for the people of the country. For example, individuals are referred to as Saudi or Saudi Arabian. The official language of the country is Arabic, making the Arabic nomenclature the primary way citizens identify their nation.
For more details on the country, you can refer to the Saudi Arabia Wikipedia page.
