Both countries had diplomatic contact since 7 July 1880, with the opening of an Austrian consulate in Jeddah (then under Ottoman occupation).

Official and direct diplomatic relations were established on 10 September 1957.

In October 2001, the President of Austria Thomas Klestil paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia.

[1][2] In April 2004, then Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia paid a state visit to Austria.

[3] In March 2006, the President of Austria Heinz Fischer paid a state visit to Saudi Arabia.