Gulf | Saudi Arabia
The modern day Saudi monarchs
There have been five rulers of Saudi Arabia since the modern day kingdom was born in the 1930s.
- Gulf News Staff Report
- Published: 23:31 May 3, 2009
 |
King Faisal bin Abdul Aziz |
 |
He was the first minister of foreign affairs after the establishment of the kingom under king Saud.
King Faisal was described as a great respecter of tradition, and a far-sighted innovator. During his reign, a number of major economic and social development plans took place.
He also showed a resolute commitment to the essential interests of the Arab and Islamic world.
Among the famous quotations attributed to him was when he told former US secretary of State Henry Kissenger "I want to pray in al-Aqsa mousque", in reference to his position to the necessiaty of solving the Arab-Israeli conflict.
 |
King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz |
| |
Accredited for much in both internal and foreign policies, despite his heart problem. He launched second five-year-plan, which set much of the development in the infrastructural projects.
He involved himself with the developments on the Arab arena, including civil war in Lebanon, Arab summit, and the launching of Gulf Cooperation Council in 1981.
King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz: 1982-2005
To affirm his commitment to Islam, he took on the title the "Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques".
| |
| |
| |
| |
It has been, however, in the field of international diplomacy, that Fahd bin Abdull Aziz as king has made his greatest contribution.
King Fahd passed away on Monday, August 1st, 2005.
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz: 2005 Present
It is believed that Crown Prince Abdallah was the driving force for modernization in Saudi Arabia. He has also tried to mediate in a bid solve inter-arab disputes.
Share this article
More from Saudi Arabia
More from Gulf
Popular in News
News Editor's choice
-
Ajtebi's phenomenal assent
The former camel jockey was at the peak of his powers when upstaging Garret Gomez
-
US pushing for more aid to Philippines
Obama administration eyeing $667m security assistance package
-
Mohammad launches H1N1 campaign
Shaikh Mohammad was the first one to receive the H1N1 vaccine.
