Holding the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia for four decades, Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud navigated the complexities of international relations from 1975 until his retirement in 2015. His tenure spanned the reigns of multiple monarchs, placing him at the center of critical regional shifts and global diplomatic discourse across the Middle East.
Early Career and Education
Born in 1940 in Ta'if, Saud bin Faisal was the second son of King Faisal and Iffat Al-Thunayan. He attended the Hun School of Princeton before enrolling at Princeton University, where he earned a bachelor of arts in economics in 1964. Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, he transitioned into the public sector, initially working as an economic consultant for the ministry of petroleum. By 1966, he moved to the general organization for petroleum and mineral resources, known as Petromin, eventually becoming deputy minister of petroleum in 1971.
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Appointed foreign minister by King Khalid on 13 October 1975, Saud replaced the late Omar Al Saqqaf. Throughout his forty-year service, he addressed regional conflicts, including interventions in Bahrain and the security crisis in Syria, where he advocated for arming the opposition against the forces of Bashar al-Assad. His diplomatic efforts were marked by complex balancing acts, such as his 2014 invitation to Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to visit Riyadh, aimed at addressing tensions regarding the nuclear program and regional security.
Policy and Governance
Beyond his role in foreign affairs, Saud bin Faisal exerted influence over the Saudi energy sector. Starting in 1998, he helped manage energy policy alongside Crown Prince Abdullah through a committee of technocrats. In 1999, he assumed the role of chairman of the Saudi Aramco project assessment committee. Later, in 2009, he was appointed chairman of the supreme economic council and served as a member of the military service council, reflecting his broader role within the Saudi state apparatus.
Final Years
Saud bin Faisal concluded his long career on 29 April 2015, stepping down from his ministerial duties due to health concerns. He was succeeded by Adel al-Jubeir, a former Saudi ambassador to the United States. Saud died on 9 July 2015 in Los Angeles. He was buried at the Al Adl cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1940, Ta'if
- Died: 2015, Los Angeles
- Education: Princeton University
- Foreign Minister Term: 1975-2015
- Languages spoken: Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew
- Notable Award: Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (1977)
Questions readers ask
How long did Saud bin Faisal serve as Foreign Minister?
He served from 1975 until 2015.
Where is Saud bin Faisal buried?
He is buried at the Al Adl cemetery.
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