Although the Saʿudi state is now highly visible, thanks to the infrastructure it has created, its relations with its people and history remain contentious. For this reason, state-sponsored representations of the past, embedded in official historiography, political rhetoric and festivities create a historical memory that serves to enforce obedience to the ruling group. Oil wealth has not only enabled the state to promote economic modernisation but has also created historical narratives that encourage a new kind of legitimacy. While the state dominates the material infrastructure and resources of the country, it has become increasingly important to extend this domination to the symbolic realm of ideas and visions of the past, present and future.