Islamist terrorist activity increased dramatically in 2003 , with the Riyadh compound bombings and other attacks , which prompted the government to take much more stringent action against terrorism . The king ( Abdullah ) has also taken steps to rein back the powers of the ulema , for instance transferring their control over girls ' education to the Ministry of Education . Some have complained that the king 's dominance over the ulema has weakened the traditional Islamic legitimacy of Saudi throne
Riyadh compound bombings
Riyadh compound bombings
Islam in Saudi Arabia