Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Faisal of Saudi Arabia

Role / Field:

A pivotal King of Saudi Arabia, instrumental in the nation's modernization and foreign policy.

Born:

1906-04-14

Died:

1975-03-25

Century / Era:

1906s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (14 April 1906 – 25 March 1975) was King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 until his assassination in 1975. Before his ascension, he served as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia from 1953 to 1964, and he was briefly regent to his half-brother King Saud in 1964. He was prime minister from 1954 to 1960 and from 1962 to 1975. Faisal was the third son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Faisal was born in Riyadh to Abdulaziz, then Emir of Nejd, and Tarfa bint Abdullah Al Sheikh. Faisal's mother was from the Al ash-Sheikh family, which has produced many prominent Saudi religious leaders. Faisal emerged as an influential political figure during his father's reign. He served as viceroy of Hejaz from 1926 to 1932. He was the Saudi foreign minister from 1930 and prime minister from 1954 until his death, except for a two-year break in both positions from 1960 to 1962.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

After his father died in 1953 and his half-brother Saud became king, Faisal became crown prince, and in that position he outlawed slavery in Saudi Arabia. He persuaded King Saud to abdicate in his favour in 1964 with the help of other members of the royal family and his maternal cousin Muhammad...

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Frequently Asked Questions about Faisal of Saudi Arabia