Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud arrived in London in 1919, becoming the first Saudi royal to pay an official state visit to England. This early diplomatic engagement initiated a long public career that saw him transition from regional military commander to the absolute monarch of Saudi Arabia, fundamentally reshaping the kingdom through sweeping economic and administrative reforms.
Early Political Training
Born in Riyadh in 1906, Faisal was the third son of Abdulaziz, the founder of the modern Saudi state. Raised by his maternal grandparents after his mother died in infancy, he received an education focused on Islamic law and the Quran. By his teenage years, his father entrusted him with significant military responsibilities, including leading a force of six thousand fighters to consolidate control over the province of Asir in 1922.
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Faisal served as the viceroy of Hejaz starting in 1926. In this role, he presided over the Consultative Assembly and took charge of interior affairs. By 1930, he began his tenure as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a portfolio he retained for most of his adult life. He was instrumental in the state's early international presence, visiting Iran, Poland, and Turkey before formally announcing the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932.
Ascension and Governance
Following the death of King Abdulaziz in 1953, Faisal became the Crown Prince under the reign of his half-brother, King Saud. He assumed the position of Prime Minister in 1954, attempting to rectify the state's financial instability. By 1964, with the support of the royal family and the Grand Mufti, he ascended to the throne as King. During his eleven-year reign, he implemented modernization policies while formally abolishing slavery.
Foreign Policy and Death
His administration focused on pan-Islamism and a firm stance against communism and Zionism. In response to regional conflicts, he led the oil embargo that triggered the 1973 oil crisis. Faisal served as the Supreme Commander of all military forces until he was assassinated in 1975. He is interred at the Al Oud cemetery in Riyadh.
Fast facts
- Born: 1906, Riyadh
- Died: 1975, Riyadh
- Reign: 1964-1975
- Offices: Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Finance
- Religion: Islam
- Language: Arabic
- Final Resting Place: Al Oud cemetery
Questions readers ask
What were the major achievements of his reign?
He stabilized the state bureaucracy, outlawed slavery, and modernized the national administrative infrastructure.
How did his death occur?
He was assassinated in 1975 by his nephew, Faisal bin Musaid.
Achievements
- King of Saudi Arabia (1964–1975)
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia (1930–1960)
- Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia (1962–1975)
- Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia (1964–1975)
- Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud
- Collar of the Spanish Order of the Civil Merit — 1966
- Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
- Knight Grand Cross with Collar of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
