King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the current monarch of Saudi Arabia and the head of the House of Saud. He was born on December 31, 1935, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and became king in January 2015, following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah.
King Salman’s early life was spent in the service of his family and his country. He received his education at the Princes’ School in Riyadh and then went on to study law and political science at the University of Riyadh. He entered public service in 1954, serving as the governor of Riyadh Province for more than 50 years before becoming the Minister of Defense in 2011.
King Salman’s wealth is difficult to estimate, as much of his fortune is tied up in the Saudi royal family’s vast wealth and holdings. However, it is widely believed that he is one of the richest men in the world, with a net worth estimated at around $18 billion.
Much of King Salman’s wealth is derived from his family’s investments in Saudi Arabian oil and gas, as well as other businesses and investments. The House of Saud has been one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the world for decades, with vast holdings in energy, finance, and real estate.
King Salman has also been a generous philanthropist, donating large sums of money to a variety of causes and organizations over the years. In 2015, he pledged to donate his entire fortune to charity.
Despite his great wealth and power, King Salman is known for his humility and dedication to public service. He has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people and to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
In 2017, King Salman announced a major economic reform program, aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil. The program, called Vision 2030, is focused on developing new industries, improving infrastructure, and creating jobs for young Saudis.
King Salman has also been a vocal advocate for peace and stability in the region. He has worked to build strong relationships with other countries in the Middle East and around the world, and has played a key role in efforts to resolve conflicts and promote diplomacy.
Overall, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is a highly respected and influential leader, known for his dedication to public service, his commitment to philanthropy, and his vision for a more prosperous and peaceful future for his country and the world.
Here is a timeline of the key events in the life of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud:
- 1935: Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is born in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- 1954: Salman becomes the governor of Riyadh Province, a position he holds until 1960.
- 1963: Salman is appointed the deputy governor of the Eastern Province, where he remains until 2011.
- 2011: Salman is named the Minister of Defense and serves in that position until becoming King of Saudi Arabia in 2015.
- 2012: Salman is named the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, after the previous Crown Prince, Nayef bin Abdulaziz, dies.
- 2014: Salman becomes the deputy Crown Prince after the previous deputy Crown Prince, Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, is removed from the line of succession.
- 2015: King Salman ascends to the throne of Saudi Arabia following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
- 2016: Salman announces the Vision 2030 plan, a comprehensive economic and social reform initiative aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil and modernizing the country.
- 2017: Salman visits Russia, the first trip to Russia by a Saudi monarch, and signs several agreements on economic and military cooperation.
- 2018: King Salman issues a royal decree allowing women to drive in Saudi Arabia, overturning a longstanding ban on women driving.
- 2020: The Saudi economy is hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic and the drop in oil prices, prompting the government to launch a stimulus package and austerity measures.
Note: This timeline is not exhaustive and includes only some of the key events in King Salman’s life and reign.
Here are 5 interesting facts about King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud:
- King Salman is the 25th son of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
- He is known for his philanthropic work, including donations to disaster relief efforts and funding for medical research and education.
- Salman has been involved in Saudi Arabia’s government and politics for decades, serving in various positions including governor, minister, and Crown Prince.
- He is a strong advocate for maintaining the kingdom’s traditional values and culture while also promoting modernization and economic diversification.
- Salman is reportedly very close with his son, Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, who is widely seen as his designated successor.
Here are 5 quotes from King Salman:
- “The world is changing rapidly, and we must keep up with it and remain at the forefront.”
- “Our country has always been a land of Islam, moderation, and tolerance.”
- “We must strengthen our resolve to confront those who aim to undermine our security and stability.”
- “Our efforts to achieve economic diversification will continue, and we will strive to create new opportunities for growth and development.”
- “We must work together to build a brighter future for our nation and for all those who call Saudi Arabia home.”
