Births on January 15

Saud of Saudi Arabia (d. 1969)

Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, born on 15 January 1902, was a pivotal figure in the early modern history of Saudi Arabia. Known in Arabic as Suʿūd ibn ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Suʿūd, with a Najdi Arabic pronunciation often rendered as [saˈʕuːd ben ˈʕabd alʕaˈziːz ʔaːl saˈʕuːd], he served as the King of Saudi Arabia from 9 November 1953 to 2 November 1964. Prior to his ascension to the throne, he held the esteemed position of Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia from 11 May 1933 until his enthronement. As the second son of King Abdulaziz, the visionary founder of the modern Saudi state, Saud was unique in being the first of Abdulaziz's six sons who would eventually rule the kingdom. His five half-brothers who subsequently succeeded to the throne were King Faisal, King Khalid, King Fahd, King Abdullah, and King Salman, highlighting a distinctive pattern of succession within the Al Saud dynasty.

Early Life and Formative Roles

Born to King Abdulaziz and Wadha bint Muhammad Al Orair, Saud's path to succession was significantly influenced by an unforeseen event. The untimely death of his elder brother, Prince Turki, in 1919 due to the Spanish Flu pandemic, positioned Saud as the direct successor to his father. This led to his official appointment as Crown Prince in 1933, solidifying his role in the future leadership of the burgeoning kingdom.

Contributions Before Kingship

Even before becoming king, Saud played a crucial role in the consolidation and early administration of Saudi Arabia. He actively participated as a commander in many of King Abdulaziz's military campaigns that led to the unification of disparate regions and the eventual establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. From 1926 to 1932, he served as the viceroy of Nejd, a key central region, where he gained valuable administrative experience governing a significant portion of the newly formed state. His responsibilities also extended to diplomacy, where he frequently represented his father in engagements with neighboring countries, laying the groundwork for future foreign relations.

Saud was instrumental in the nascent stages of Saudi Arabia's financial and infrastructural development. He oversaw the preparation of the Kingdom's first formal state budget in 1948, a significant step towards modern economic governance. Further cementing his legacy in financial reform, he was behind the establishment of the Saudi Central Bank (originally known as the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency, SAMA) in 1952. This institution was vital for managing the country's growing oil revenues and stabilizing its financial system. Beyond finance, Saud supervised critical infrastructural developments across the nation, including the construction of new roads, hospitals, and educational institutions, which were essential for modernizing the country and improving the lives of its citizens.

King Saud's Reign (1953-1964)

Upon the passing of his revered father in November 1953, King Saud ascended to the throne, inheriting the immense responsibility of leading a rapidly developing nation. He immediately set about reorganizing the government structure, establishing the significant convention that the King of Saudi Arabia would personally preside over the Council of Ministers (the cabinet), thereby consolidating executive power and ensuring direct royal oversight of national policy.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

In foreign affairs, King Saud's reign was characterized by a dual approach. He consistently sought to maintain and strengthen friendly relations with the United States, a partnership that had begun with his father and was increasingly vital given Saudi Arabia's burgeoning oil industry and strategic importance. Simultaneously, he was a staunch supporter of other Arab countries in their ongoing conflicts with Israel, providing political and financial backing in line with pan-Arab solidarity. Reflecting a broader geopolitical strategy, Saudi Arabia, under King Saud's leadership, joined the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961. This diplomatic stance allowed the kingdom to navigate the complexities of the Cold War without formally aligning with either the Eastern or Western blocs, emphasizing its sovereignty and independent foreign policy objectives.

Economic Challenges and the Power Struggle

Despite significant efforts towards modernization, King Saud's reign faced considerable economic challenges, primarily stemming from the country's accumulating national debt. This financial strain, alongside internal political dynamics and concerns over administrative efficiency, precipitated a profound power struggle between King Saud and his highly influential half-brother, Crown Prince Faisal. The escalating tension and the need for decisive economic management led to a period of intense political maneuvering within the royal family and among influential religious scholars (Ulama).

Abdication, Exile, and Legacy

The culmination of this power struggle was the forced abdication of King Saud on 2 November 1964. This unprecedented event in modern Saudi history was orchestrated through a consensus among senior members of the Al Saud family and supported by a fatwa from the Council of Senior Ulama, who deemed a change in leadership necessary for the kingdom's stability and prosperity. Crown Prince Faisal was subsequently proclaimed King.

Following his abdication, King Saud went into exile, initially residing in Geneva, Switzerland, and later in Athens, Greece, and briefly in Egypt. During his exile, he made an attempt, with the support of some of his sons, to reclaim the throne. However, these efforts proved unsuccessful, and he was unable to regain power. King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud passed away in Athens, Greece, on 23 February 1969, bringing an end to a significant chapter in the history of the Saudi monarchy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When was Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud King of Saudi Arabia?

Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reigned as the King of Saudi Arabia from 9 November 1953 to 2 November 1964.

Who was King Saud's father?

King Saud's father was King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.

What was King Saud's role before becoming king?

Before his ascension to the throne, King Saud served as the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia from 1933 to 1953, and he also held the title of Viceroy of Nejd from 1926 to 1932. He was also a commander in the unification campaigns and played a role in early financial reforms.

What significant financial institutions were established during King Saud's time?

During his period of influence, the first state budget was prepared in 1948, and the Saudi Central Bank (originally Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency - SAMA) was established in 1952, contributing significantly to the country's financial infrastructure.

Why did King Saud abdicate?

King Saud's abdication was the result of a power struggle with his half-brother, Crown Prince Faisal, primarily due to concerns over the national debt and the management of the country's finances and administration. The royal family and religious scholars eventually decided on a change in leadership.

Where did King Saud die?

King Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud died in Athens, Greece, on 23 February 1969, while in exile.