The Greatest "Saudi Arabia, Fiction" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Saudi Arabia

The "Saudi Arabia" category in books encompasses a diverse range of literature that delves into the rich tapestry of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's culture, history, politics, and society. Titles within this genre may explore the nation's rapid modernization, its pivotal role in the geopolitics of the Middle East, the intricacies of its Islamic faith and practices, or the daily lives and experiences of its citizens. From travelogues and historical accounts to analyses of its oil-based economy and the challenges of reform and human rights, this category offers readers an in-depth look at a country that is often at the crossroads of tradition and transformation. Whether penned by Saudi writers providing an insider's perspective or by foreign authors offering an outside view, books in the "Saudi Arabia" category aim to provide a nuanced understanding of this influential and enigmatic desert kingdom.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. Cities Of Salt by Abd al-Rahman Munif

    The book is a sweeping narrative set in an unnamed Gulf country in the 1930s, chronicling the seismic cultural and social shifts that occur when oil is discovered in a traditional desert community. As American oil companies arrive and begin exploitation, the story unfolds through the eyes of the region's inhabitants, whose lives are irrevocably changed. The novel explores themes of colonialism, environmental destruction, and the clash between modernity and tradition, painting a vivid picture of a society in transition and the human cost of progress.

  2. 2. City of Salt by Abdelrahman Munif

    "City of Salt" is a novel that explores the dramatic transformation of a remote desert oasis when it becomes the site of oil extraction. The story is set in an unnamed Middle Eastern country and follows the lives of the local inhabitants who are profoundly impacted by the arrival of American oilmen. The book delves into themes of cultural imperialism, greed, and the destructive power of wealth and industry on a traditional society.

  3. 3. A Hologram For The King by Dave Eggers

    "A Hologram For The King" by Dave Eggers follows the story of Alan Clay, a washed-up salesman who is sent to Saudi Arabia to pitch a holographic teleconferencing system to the king. Struggling with personal and professional setbacks, Alan navigates cultural differences and the challenges of doing business in a foreign country while also reflecting on his own life and regrets. Along the way, he forms unexpected connections with the locals and learns valuable lessons about the meaning of success and the importance of human connection.

  4. 4. City Of Veils by Zoë Ferraris

    In this gripping mystery set in Saudi Arabia, a young woman's brutal death becomes the center of an intense investigation that delves deep into the cultural and social fabric of the conservative Muslim society. The story intricately weaves the lives of several characters, including a female forensic scientist fighting against gender barriers, an American woman navigating her new life in a restrictive environment, and a devout Muslim detective torn between his duty and his faith. As they work together to solve the murder, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that challenge their beliefs and threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of their community. This novel not only offers a suspenseful crime story but also provides a nuanced exploration of the complexities of life in a society where tradition and modernity are in constant conflict.

  5. 5. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

    The book is a gripping espionage thriller that follows a retired intelligence agent known only by his codename, Pilgrim, who is drawn back into the world of covert operations to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack. The protagonist is a master of disguise and forensic investigation, and he must use all his skills to track down a brilliant adversary who has crafted an unstoppable bio-terrorism plot. As Pilgrim races against time across international borders, he uncovers a chilling connection to his own past, forcing him to confront the moral ambiguities of his clandestine profession and the haunting memories he has tried to leave behind. The narrative weaves together intricate plotlines, rich character development, and a deep understanding of the darker aspects of global intelligence work.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download