The 119th child of King Saud, Basmah bint Saud entered the world in March 1964, the same month her father was deposed as the absolute ruler of Saudi Arabia. Her life has since spanned continents and roles, evolving from a royal upbringing to a career defined by independent business ventures and vocal advocacy for social reform within the kingdom.
Early Life and Education
Born in Riyadh, Basmah spent her formative years navigating international environments. Following her father's death, her mother, Jamila Merhi, relocated the family to Beirut. The outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War prompted further moves to England and the United States. Her academic path included studies at the Leaders College, the National American University, and the American University in Lausanne. She earned a BSc in Sociology and an MSc in Social Economics and Political Science. Additionally, she studied medicine, psychology, and English literature at Beirut Arab University.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Following her 2007 divorce from Shuja bin Nami bin Shahin Al Sharif, with whom she had five children, Basmah pivoted toward business. She established a chain of restaurants in Saudi Arabia and founded a media firm, Media Ecco, in 2008. These ventures were accompanied by catering services, with stated plans to expand these operations into the British market.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Advocacy and Reform
Basmah frequently utilized media platforms to advocate for improvements in the lives of Saudi women and social service reform. She criticized the enforcement methods of religious police and questioned the traditional interpretation of Islamic law regarding male guardianship and female modesty. Her public commentary, while targeting administrators rather than the monarchy, drew scrutiny from officials and reportedly led to the censorship of her articles.
The Fourth Way Law
In 2014, the research center GURA, based in London, registered the Fourth Way Law with the European Union. Basmah promoted this framework, which addresses security, economic, and administrative standards. She received recognition for her monitoring of human rights and geopolitical shifts. Elements of the law were reportedly incorporated into social media monitoring policies in the United States and human rights legislation in Britain.
Detention
In March 2019, while preparing to travel to Switzerland for medical treatment, Basmah and her daughter, Suhoud Al Sharif, were detained. They were held in al-Ha'ir Prison without formal charges. During this period, she reportedly lacked adequate care for various health conditions, including heart and colonic issues. The detention lasted until their release on 6 January 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 March 1964, Riyadh
- Father: King Saud
- Mother: Jamila bint Asad Ibrahim Marei
- Academic Degrees: BSc in Sociology, MSc in Social Economics and Political Science
- Media Firm Founded: Media Ecco, 2008
- Detention Period: March 2019 to 6 January 2022
- Children: Five
Questions readers ask
Why was Basmah bint Saud detained in 2019?
She was arrested while attempting to travel to Switzerland for medical care. Official accusations involved illegal travel attempts, while her daughter faced charges related to alleged assault and cyber-crime.
What is the Fourth Way Law?
It is a documented framework registered by the London-based research center GURA in 2014, covering topics such as economic and security policy.
Achievements
- Educated at Beirut Arab University
