Faith, Oil & Power: The Real Story of Saudi’s Al Saud Dynasty

Aug 29, 2025 | Saudi Arabia is one of the wealthiest and most powerful countries in the Middle East today, but its rise is rooted in a dramatic and complex history of tribal alliances, religious ideology, and global oil politics. This documentary traces the story of how a single ruling dynasty—the Al Saud family—used religious teachings and tribal authority to unify the Arabian Peninsula, challenge the Ottoman Empire, and build a nation that would become a key player in global energy and geopolitics. We start with the geography and tribal dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula, featuring early maps and key trade routes. From the rise of Islamic reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and his alliance with Muhammad ibn Saud in the 18th century, to the military confrontations with Ottoman forces, we follow the growing political ambitions of the Al Saud dynasty. The 20th century brings oil to the forefront: Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud consolidates his rule and strikes oil deals with the West, transforming Saudi Arabia’s economy. Archival footage reveals the oil boom, the 1979 seizure of the Grand Mosque in Mecca, the regime's brutal reaction, and the long-term impact of these events on regional politics. This is the story of power, faith, and oil—how the House of Saud shaped not just a country, but an entire region. …