Which country is known as the ‘Land of Black Gold’?

The moment we hear the phrase “Land of Black Gold,” it immediately conjures the image of Saudi Arabia, a beautiful country in the Middle East. The term “black gold” is used for crude oil which is the foundation of the nation’s contemporary identity which has been attracting travellers from across the globe. It’s the country’s natural wealth that makes visitors curious and man-made beauty which leaves people in awe. Let’s find out more:The Land of Black GoldSaudi Arabia is home to some of the largest proven petroleum reserves in the world. The oil has shaped the country’s economy, lifestyle and culture since commercial quantities were discovered in Dammam in 1938. This discovery of oil changed the destiny of the country overnight and from the land of desert, it became the land of black gold. It turned into a global energy powerhouse.Crude oilSo crude oil is a thick, dark, and highly valuable natural asset. And that is why it earned the sobriquet of “black gold”. It has the ability to generate wealth like no other natural resource. Oil revenues are the reason for modern healthcare, great education, and overall urban development. Today, travellers from all over visit the country to understand how this natural wealth shaped the identity of a nation.Travel ExperienceAmong the most interesting travel experiences linked to Saudi Arabia’s “black gold” legacy is exploring its energy heritage sites. Cities including Dhahran and Dammam have incredible oil stories. Dhahran is home to oil wells and the headquarters of Saudi Aramco, which is the world’s largest oil company.When here, visitors make sure to visit the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra). It is a global landmark. It is not an oil museum in the traditional sense, but shows how wealth generated from oil has been reinvested into arts and culture. The architecture is awe-inspiring. There are interactive exhibitions offering visitors an insight into Saudi Arabia’s oil discovery journey.Must-visit oil-related attractions in Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia’s identity as the Land of Black Gold is a story one can actually travel through.King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), DhahranAlso known as the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia, Ithra is a must visit attraction in the country for its history. This very site where oil was first discovered. Tourists can explore museums, exhibitions and libraries. Visit here to understand how black gold powered a cultural change.Dammam Oil Well No. 7 (The Prosperity Well)Also known as the birthplace of Saudi Arabia’s oil industry, it’s a historic well in Dhahran. It is where the destiny of the nation changed forever. This is a must-visit site for history buffs and curious travellers.Saudi Aramco Exhibit & Energy Experience CentersVisit here to understand the behind-the-scenes look at the international energy industry. For travellers, it’s a perfect chance to step inside the world’s most influential energy company.Dhahran & the Eastern Province Oil TrailThe Eastern Province comprising Dhahran, Dammam, and Al Khobar together form the hub of Saudi Arabia’s oil story. Traveling through this region allows people to know how oil wealth shaped education, and lifestyle of people here.For people curious about how natural resources can change the life and destiny of a country, Saudi Arabia offers most compelling travel stories.