Prince Saud bin Al Faisal was a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family, born on January 2, 1940, in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia. He was the son of King Faisal, who ruled the country from 1964 to 1975, and the half-brother of King Abdullah, who ruled the country from 2005 until his death in 2015.
Prince Saud bin Al Faisal attended school in Saudi Arabia and then went to the United States to pursue his higher education. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Princeton University and later obtained a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Berkeley.
After returning to Saudi Arabia, Prince Saud bin Al Faisal began his career in government service, serving as the deputy governor of the Eastern Province and then as the minister of foreign affairs from 1975 to 2015. During his time as foreign minister, he was instrumental in developing and maintaining Saudi Arabia’s relationships with other countries, particularly the United States.
As a member of the royal family, Prince Saud bin Al Faisal was also incredibly wealthy. The exact value of his personal fortune is not publicly known, but it is estimated to be in the billions of dollars. His wealth came from his family’s ownership of the Saudi Arabian oil industry, which is one of the largest and most profitable in the world.
In addition to his government and business responsibilities, Prince Saud bin Al Faisal was also involved in philanthropic work. He established several charitable foundations that supported education, healthcare, and other social causes in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
Prince Saud bin Al Faisal passed away on July 9, 2015, at the age of 75. His legacy as a diplomat and public servant continues to be remembered, and his wealth and philanthropic work have had a significant impact on Saudi Arabian society and beyond.
Here is a timeline of the major events in the life of Prince Saud bin Al Faisal:
- January 2, 1940: Prince Saud bin Al Faisal is born in Ta’if, Saudi Arabia.
- 1958: He graduates from high school in Saudi Arabia and goes to the United States to pursue higher education.
- 1964: His father, King Faisal, becomes the King of Saudi Arabia, and Prince Saud bin Al Faisal returns to Saudi Arabia to begin his government career.
- 1975: Prince Saud bin Al Faisal is appointed as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he holds for 40 years until his retirement in 2015.
- 1981: He plays a key role in negotiating the release of American hostages in Iran.
- 1991: He leads the Saudi delegation to the Madrid Peace Conference, which aimed to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- 2002: He helps facilitate the Arab Peace Initiative, which proposes a comprehensive peace plan for the Middle East.
- 2015: Prince Saud bin Al Faisal passes away on July 9, at the age of 75, after serving as the longest-serving foreign minister in the world.
- His philanthropic work included establishing the King Faisal Foundation, which supports education and research, and the Alwaleed bin Talal Foundation, which focuses on poverty alleviation and disaster relief.
This timeline highlights the major events in Prince Saud bin Al Faisal’s life, including his diplomatic career, key negotiations, and philanthropic work.
5 Interesting Facts about Prince Saud bin Al Faisal:
- He was the longest-serving foreign minister in the world, holding the position for 40 years.
- He was known for his eloquence and diplomatic skills, which helped him negotiate complex international agreements.
- He was fluent in several languages, including Arabic, English, and French.
- He played a key role in strengthening Saudi Arabia’s relationship with the United States.
- He was a strong advocate for the Arab world and worked to promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
5 Quotes from Prince Saud bin Al Faisal:
- “Our religion commands us to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and tolerance, and we will continue to work towards these goals both at home and abroad.”
- “Our relationship with the United States is based on mutual respect and shared interests, and we will continue to work together to promote peace and stability in the world.”
- “Dialogue is the key to resolving conflicts and achieving lasting peace. We must always be willing to listen to each other and find common ground.”
- “Our goal is not just to build a prosperous and secure Saudi Arabia, but also to contribute to the development and progress of the entire region.”
- “Philanthropy is an important part of our culture, and we have a responsibility to give back to our communities and help those in need.”
