Known as the House of Saud, the royal family of Saudi Arabia has long been at the center of the country’s government, thanks to their key positions in the Saudi government.
From interior ministers to deputy prime ministers, and from ministers of defense to governors of provinces, the family is integrated deep within the system.
Table of Contents
Origins of the Al Saud Family
The Al Saud family has roots that stretch back to the eighteenth century, making it one of the most influential families in central Arabia. Originally a small tribal clan, the Al Saud family began to gain power and influence by forming strategic alliances with other tribes and religious leaders.
These alliances helped them establish a solid foundation of authority within the Saudi region. Over time, the family expanded its influence across the Arabian Peninsula.
The family established the foundations of what would later become Saudi Arabia. By the early twentieth century, they had united a vast territory under their leadership.
Key Figures
One of the most important figures in the history of Saudi Arabia’s royal family is Muhammad bin Saud. In the mid-eighteenth century, he founded the first Saudi state, setting the stage for what would eventually become modern Saudi Arabia.
His leadership launched the Al Saud family’s rise to power in the Arabian Peninsula. However, it was his alliance with the Islamic reformer Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab that truly solidified the family’s influence.
The early alliance between Muhammad bin Saud and Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was more than just a political maneuver; it was a turning point that strengthened the family’s hold on the region.
Together, they worked to unify the various tribes under a single religious and political banner. This alliance allowed the Al Saud family to expand their influence, not only politically but also economically and religiously, across the Arabian Peninsula.
This period of expansion was marked by both strategic alliances and intense conflicts with rival tribes. Despite its challenges, the Al Saud family managed to maintain their dominance, largely due to their strong leadership and the support of their Wahhabi allies.
Formation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Under Ibn Saud’s leadership, Saudi Arabia transformed from a collection of disparate regions into a cohesive nation-state with a central government.
Beginning in the early twentieth century, Ibn Saud worked tirelessly to consolidate power across the region by forging alliances and gathering support from various tribes. He handled the tribal dynamics with skill to bring together the diverse areas of the Arabian Peninsula under a single banner, but it didn’t come easily.
The unification of Saudi Arabia resulted from a series of battles, treaties, and smart diplomatic moves led by Ibn Saud, including the capture of Riyadh in 1902.
By the 1920s, Ibn Saud had successfully unified the central Arabian Peninsula by defeating rival tribes and negotiating treaties.
One of the most important diplomatic treaties he negotiated was with the 1915 Anglo-Saudi Treaty. The British, who were a dominant power in the region, recognized Ibn Saud’s control over a large part of the Arabian Peninsula, which helped him to further consolidate his power.
By 1932, Ibn Saud’s efforts paid off and he officially became king and declared the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
As the first king, he built the foundation for the country’s political and social structures. Ibn Saud’s leadership style was characterized by a blend of traditional tribal governance and modern statecraft, which allowed him to maintain control over a vast and diverse territory.
To secure that control under his bloodline, he appointed his sons to key positions. This move ensured that the line of succession remained within his direct descendants, creating a strong royal family structure.
The Line of Succession
In the Saudi royal family, the line of succession follows a traditional process that blends seniority, family consensus, and the influence of key royal members. Rather than automatically passing from father to son, the title of king of Saudi Arabia often moves through a pool of senior princes.
Usually, near descendants of the first king of Saudi Arabia, seniority plays a big part, with the most experienced and respected members of the family often being considered first.
However, the process is not solely based on age. A consensus among the family’s branches is crucial, and influential figures, such as deputy crown princes or deputy ministers, often sway the decision.
Key Figures
In Saudi Arabia’s history, certain figures stand out for their positions in shaping the kingdom. Among these, the founder and first king of Saudi Arabia holds a special place.
King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud (1932–1953)
King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud was born in 1875 and was only twenty-seven years old when he captured Riyadh in 1902. Over the next 30 years, Abdulaziz led his forces to victory against rival tribes and consolidated his control over the region before being named king. His reign lasted until his death in 1953.
During his rule, King Abdulaziz focused on unifying the various branches of the family and ensuring a smooth transition of power. He managed relations with powerful nations, like Britain and, later, the United States.
These alliances were crucial, especially after the discovery of oil in the late 1930s, which transformed the kingdom’s fortunes.
King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1953–1964)
King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born in 1902 as the eldest son of King Abdulaziz. After his father’s death in 1953, Saud ascended the throne.
His reign brought about significant efforts to develop the country’s infrastructure. For example, he established new schools, hospitals, and universities to improve education and healthcare.
However, King Saud faced challenges during his rule, particularly in managing the kingdom’s finances. The rapid expansion of public services led to economic difficulties, which caused tensions within the royal family.
By 1964, these issues, combined with pressure from key figures like Prince Faisal and other royal family members, led to his abdication.
King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1964–1975)
King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ibn Saud’s third son, was born in 1906 and played a vital part in Saudi Arabia even before becoming king. As crown prince and foreign minister, he was instrumental in establishing Saudi Arabia’s position on the global stage.
When he became king in 1964, Faisal focused on reforming the kingdom’s economy and government. He introduced policies to reduce government spending and stabilize the economy.
King Faisal’s foreign policy was also influential. He was a strong advocate for the Palestinian cause and used Saudi Arabia’s oil resources as a political tool, most famously during the 1973 oil embargo against Western nations.
Unfortunately, King Faisal’s reign ended abruptly when he was assassinated in 1975.
King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1975–1982)
King Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, also a son of Ibn Saud, was born in 1913 and ascended the throne in 1975 after the assassination of his brother, King Faisal. Known for his calm and steady leadership, King Khalid’s reign focused on modernization and economic development.
One of his most significant achievements was the improvement of Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure, including the expansion of roads, hospitals, and schools.
During King Khalid’s reign, Saudi Arabia experienced rapid economic growth, thanks to the continued high revenue of oil exports. This period included an increase in the standard of living for many Saudis.
King Khalid’s leadership style was more consensus-driven, often relying on advice from senior princes. Unfortunately, his health issues limited his public appearances and he died in 1982.
King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1982–2005)
King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born in 1921 and became king in 1982, following the death of his brother, King Khalid. Early in his rule, in 1986, he adopted the title “custodian of the two holy mosques,” reflecting his dedication to Islam and his part in overseeing the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
One of King Fahd’s most notable achievements was his position in international politics, particularly his role in the Gulf War of 1990–1991. He played a key part in inviting coalition forces to Saudi Arabia to defend against the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.
His reign also brought about the rise of new influential figures within the royal family. Despite suffering a stroke in 1995, King Fahd remained the official monarch until he died in 2005.
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2005–2015)
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born in 1924 and became king in 2005 after the death of his half-brother, King Fahd. Before becoming king, Abdullah had already played a significant position in Saudi governance as crown prince and the de facto ruler during Fahd’s illness.
In 2009, he initiated the King Abdullah Scholarship Program, which sent thousands of Saudi students abroad for higher education. He also focused on improving women’s rights, notably appointing the first female members to the Shura Council in 2013.
King Abdullah’s reign also involved efforts to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil. He invested in various sectors, including infrastructure, health care, and education, to prepare the country for a future less dependent on oil revenues.
Despite facing challenges, including the Arab Spring in 2011, King Abdullah maintained stability in Saudi Arabia until his death in 2015.
Modern Era: Key Figures in the Current Saudi Royal Family
Here are some of the key figures in the current Saudi royal family:
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on December 31, 1935. He is the son of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. King Salman became the Crown Prince in June 2012, following the death of Crown Prince Nayef.
Before this, he served as the governor of Riyadh for over 48 years, from 1963 to 2011. During his time as governor, he transformed Riyadh from a small desert town into a major urban center.
He became king on January 23, 2015, after the death of his brother, King Abdullah. Since then, King Salman has overseen major shifts in Saudi Arabia, particularly in its economic and social policies.
King Salman later appointed his son, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), as his heir.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often known as MBS, was born on August 31, 1985. As the son of King Salman, he quickly rose through the ranks of the Saudi government.
MBS was appointed crown prince on June 21, 2017, after the removal of his cousin, Mohammed bin Nayef, from the position.
This move surprised many because it represented a significant shift in the traditional succession order, bypassing other senior princes, such as Muqrin bin Abdulaziz and Saud bin Nayef.
Since becoming crown prince, MBS has been the driving force behind several key reforms in Saudi Arabia. His Vision 2030 Plan, perhaps his most ambitious project, aims to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil and diversify its economy.
However, MBS’s rise to power has not been without controversy. His aggressive stance on regional issues, particularly his position in the conflict in Yemen, has drawn criticism. Additionally, the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul severely tarnished his reputation internationally.
Still, MBS has instituted social reforms, such as allowing women to drive and reducing the power of the religious police.
Prominent Princes and Princesses
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is one of Saudi Arabia’s most well-known and influential figures. Born in 1955, he is the grandson of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and Riad Al Solh, Lebanon’s first prime minister.
Prince Alwaleed is a global business magnate and investor, often referred to as the “Warren Buffett of the Middle East.” He founded Kingdom Holding Company, which has stakes in companies like Citigroup, Twitter, and Four Seasons Hotels.
Despite his vast wealth and influence, Prince Alwaleed’s career has faced challenges, particularly in 2017, when he was detained during an anti-corruption crackdown led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and imprisoned in a luxury hotel for several months.
Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud is another prominent member of the Saudi royal family, known for her groundbreaking positions in both business and diplomacy.
Born in 1975, she is the daughter of Prince Bandar bin Sultan, who served as Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States for over two decades.
Princess Reema made history herself when she became Saudi Arabia’s first female ambassador to the United States in 2019. Beyond her diplomatic function, she promotes women’s rights and sports in Saudi Arabia.
Reema has served on the International Olympic Committee and been a key figure in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, working to empower women in the workforce and promote the Kingdom on the international stage.
Relationships with Other Royal Families and Dynasties
The Saudi royal family is one of the largest in the world, with thousands of members spread across various branches.
Global Connections
The Saudi royal family has a vast network of connections with other royal families around the world. These ties have been established through strategic marriages, diplomatic alliances, and long-standing relationships.
For example, Prince Khalid bin Sultan is married to Princess Lulua Al-Faisal, linking him to the royal family of Jordan. Additionally, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s mother was the daughter of a Lebanese prime minister, further connecting the Saudi royals with other Middle Eastern families.
The Saudi royals also maintain relationships with Western monarchies and political leaders. Many members of the Saudi royal family, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, frequently engage in diplomatic visits with European and American leaders.
The family’s connections extend to various international organizations as well, with several members, like Princess Reema bint Bandar, serving in prominent positions within the United Nations and other global bodies.
Strategic Alliances
The Saudi royal family’s relationships with other monarchies and governments worldwide are crucial to Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy. These strategic alliances help Saudi Arabia secure its position as a dominant power in the Middle East and give it leverage on the global stage.
For instance, the close ties with the United States, strengthened by Prince Bandar bin Sultan during his long tenure as ambassador, have been vital for military cooperation and economic partnerships.
Similarly, connections with European royals, such as those between the Saudi and British royal families, have facilitated strong diplomatic and trade relations, allowing Saudi Arabia to expand its influence in Europe and beyond.
These alliances also play a significant part in regional stability and security. The marriages between Saudi royals and members of other Gulf royal families, for example, help create a united front among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members, which is essential in countering regional threats.
In an effort to further defend the region from threats, Saudi leadership have long tried to form an Islamic Alliance and other regional alliances and partnerships that could function similarly to NATO, but so far the attempts have been ineffective.
Wrapping Up the Saudi Royal Family Tree
The Saudi royal family is a powerful and influential force, with a rich history that continues to shape not just their country, but the entire region. Despite the vastness of the kingdom, the royal family’s presence is felt in every corner, from cultural traditions to modern developments.
They’re a family with deep roots and an even deeper influence, and as their story continues, they’re sure to remain a key part of the global conversation.
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