Born on 15 January 1902 in Kuwait City, Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud rose to become the second King of Saudi Arabia. His tenure spanned from 9 November 1953 until his forced abdication on 2 November 1964. As a central figure in the state’s early development, he navigated significant regional political shifts, financial restructuring, and internal power struggles.
Early Campaigns and Administrative Roles
The son of King Abdulaziz, Saud spent his youth learning tribal diplomacy, military strategy, and Sharia. He participated in the campaigns that resulted in the 1932 establishment of Saudi Arabia. Before his accession, he served as the viceroy of Nejd between 1926 and 1932. His military experience included service at the battles of Jarrab, Yatab, and Trubah in 1915 and 1919. In 1934, he led an expedition to recover Najran during the conflict with Yemen.
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Appointed Crown Prince on 11 May 1933, Saud functioned as his father's representative abroad. In 1937, he attended the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Following the Second World War, he represented Saudi interests regarding Palestine, including meetings with President Harry S. Truman in 1947. His diplomatic efforts sought to align Saudi foreign policy with broader Arab concerns while maintaining international relations.
Governance and Fiscal Reform
Upon becoming King in 1953, Saud initiated structural government reforms, notably establishing the convention that the monarch presides over the Council of Ministers. He focused on modernizing state finances by linking the Saudi riyal to the US Dollar and founding the Saudi Central Bank in 1952. Despite these initiatives, mounting national debt and internal political pressure led to a power struggle with his half-brother, Crown Prince Faisal.
Exile and Final Years
Following his removal from power in 1964, Saud departed for exile. He attempted a failed effort to regain the throne with the support of some of his sons. He eventually settled in Athens, Greece, where he passed away on 23 February 1969. His remains were returned to Saudi Arabia and interred at the Al Oud cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 15 January 1902, Kuwait City
- Died: 23 February 1969, Athens
- Reign: 1953-1964
- Military Rank: Supreme Commander of all military forces
- Religion: Islam
- Language: Arabic
- Burial site: Al Oud cemetery
Questions readers ask
What official positions did Saud hold?
He served as King of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister, and Crown Prince.
Why did he abdicate the throne?
His inability to manage the growing national debt resulted in a power struggle with Faisal, leading to his forced abdication.
Achievements
- King of Saudi Arabia (1953–1964)
- Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (1933–1953)
- Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia (1953–1964)
- Order of the Umayyads
- Order of King Abdulaziz al Saud
- Imperial Order of the Yoke and Arrows — 1952
- Collar of the Spanish Order of the Civil Merit — 1962
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