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Abdullah of Saudi Arabia

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Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Born (1924-08-01) 1 August 1924 (age 102)
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Died23 January 2015(2015-01-23) (aged 90)
Occupation(s)King and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
Years active1961–2015
Known forKing of Saudi Arabia (2005–2015), Crown Prince (1982–2005), Commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard (1963–2005)

Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1 August 1924 – 23 January 2015) served as the King and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia from 2005 until his passing in 2015. As the tenth son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the Saudi state, he held the position of Crown Prince beginning in 1982.

His mother, Fahda bint Asi Al Shuraim, hailed from the Al Rashid family, a historic rival to the Al Saud dynasty. Abdullah’s political journey commenced in 1961 when he was appointed mayor of Mecca, followed by his leadership of the Saudi Arabian National Guard starting in 1962—a role he maintained until his accession to the throne. He also fulfilled duties as deputy defense minister and was elevated to Crown Prince upon the enthronement of his half-brother Fahd in 1982. Following Fahd’s debilitating stroke in 1995, Abdullah effectively governed as acting ruler until he officially became king in 2005.

Throughout his reign, Abdullah fostered robust alliances with both the United States and the United Kingdom, securing defense agreements worth billions. He skillfully navigated internal challenges during the Arab Spring, ensuring continued political equilibrium. Known for having numerous marriages—reportedly up to thirty—and fathering over thirty-five children, he ranked among the wealthiest monarchs globally.

The line of succession under Abdullah mirrored complex familial relations: he named his half-brother Sultan bin Abdulaziz as crown prince; after Sultan’s death in 2011, Nayef bin Abdulaziz succeeded him but passed away in 2012. Subsequently, Abdullah appointed Salman bin Abdulaziz as crown prince. Upon Abdullah’s death at age ninety, Salman ascended to kingship, while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman emerged as the kingdom’s effective leader.

Early life

Abdullah is believed to have been born on 1 August 1924 in Riyadh, though some accounts suggest he may have been approximately eight years older. He was King Abdulaziz’s tenth son. His mother, Fahda bint Asi Al Shuraim, originated from the Al Rashid dynasty—longtime adversaries of the Al Saud family—and was a descendant of the prominent Shammar tribe. She passed away when Abdullah was six years old. He had two full sisters named Nouf and Seeta, along with two maternal half-brothers from his mother's earlier marriage. His maternal lineage and an early speech difficulty reportedly slowed his advancement within royal ranks.

Commander of National Guard

In August 1963, Abdullah assumed command of the Saudi National Guard (SANG), succeeding Saad bin Saud. This appointment strengthened his stature within the House of Saud. Under his direction, SANG transformed from its original Ikhwan roots into a contemporary military organization. Beginning in 1985, SANG also took on sponsorship of the Janadiriyah festival, which showcases traditional folk dances, camel racing, and tribal customs.

Second in line

On 29 March 1975, soon after King Khalid took the throne, Abdullah was appointed second deputy prime minister—a role that underscored his position as second heir apparent and placed him third within Saudi Arabia’s governing hierarchy. This elevation caused tensions within the royal family since Crown Prince Fahd and the influential Sudairi Seven preferred their brother Prince Sultan for prominent positions. Abdullah faced pressure to surrender control of SANG in exchange for this new governmental role. Despite intense discussions among princes in Riyadh during August 1977, he retained command over SANG to preserve his influence.

In March 1979, during Crown Prince Fahd’s prolonged stay in Europe, Abdullah chaired the council of ministers and took on increased diplomatic responsibilities. He was also a member of King Khalid’s inner family council alongside key princes such as Mohammed, Fahd, Sultan, Abdul Muhsin, Ahmed, and Musaid.

Crown Prince and Regent

Following the death of King Khalid on 13 June 1982, Fahd bin Abdulaziz ascended to the throne, and Abdullah was named Crown Prince while continuing to lead the National Guard. As Crown Prince, Abdullah was regarded as a figure of conciliation who successfully garnered support from sidelined princes uneasy about the Sudairi brothers' dominance in succession matters. His leadership of the National Guard was a crucial factor in his political ascent. After King Fahd experienced a stroke in 1995, Crown Prince Abdullah effectively assumed the responsibilities of regent.

In June 2000, Abdullah initiated the Al Saud Family Council to manage internal royal affairs, including business interests and the matrimonial arrangements of princesses. In 2001, he declined an invitation to visit the United States in protest against American backing of Israel during the Second Intifada. Demonstrating a stronger inclination toward economic reform than King Fahd, Abdullah advocated for curtailing government expenditures and supported Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Trade Organization.

In August 2001, he recalled Saudi Ambassador Bandar bin Sultan from Washington following reports of Israeli military actions against Palestinians that he deemed excessively harsh, denouncing such conduct. He also publicly condemned Israeli attacks targeting families of alleged suspects.

Abdullah formulated the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002—often referred to as the "Abdullah plan"—which sought a resolution to the Arab–Israeli conflict. This initiative was endorsed by the Arab League during their summit in Beirut that same year.

On the second anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Abdullah sent a message to US President George W. Bush underscoring resilience inspired by faith and advocating collaboration for worldwide peace and prosperity.

In response to a series of al-Qaeda bombings in Saudi Arabia by late 2003, Abdullah and fellow leaders emphasized political stability by encouraging religious tolerance and combating extremist ideologies. He supported launching the National Dialogue, which convened prominent Sunni and Shi'i religious leaders to promote national cohesion.

King of Saudi Arabia

Upon King Fahd's passing, Abdullah ascended to the throne and was officially crowned on 2 August 2005.

Domestic affairs

In 2005, Abdullah designated Saudi National Day on 23 September as an official public holiday aimed at reducing religious dominance and easing social constraints—a decision that faced criticism from religious authorities.

His reform agenda included a significant reshuffle in the education sector in 2009, appointing his reform-minded son-in-law Faisal bin Abdullah as Minister of Education and Nora Al Fayez as Deputy Minister responsible for female students. He championed the establishment of King Abdullah University for Science and Technology, a coeducational institution focused on advanced research. The 2010 national budget allocated approximately one-quarter of its funds to education, reflecting these priorities as well as serving as an economic stimulus measure.

The administration responded firmly to terrorism through arrests and public executions. In August 2010, Abdullah decreed that only scholars officially sanctioned by the Senior Council of Ulema could issue fatwas, thereby restricting unauthorized religious edicts.

During the Arab Spring uprisings, Abdullah announced a $37 billion expenditure plan targeting unemployment benefits, educational improvements, housing subsidies, and infrastructure projects, promising a total investment of $400 billion by 2014 to strengthen critical sectors. Nevertheless, authorities detained around 100 Shiite protesters accused of discrimination-related dissent. In September 2011, he extended voting rights to women for municipal elections scheduled in 2015 and allowed their participation in the Consultative Assembly.

In January 2012, Abdullah appointed a more moderate cleric to lead the religious police, aiming to reform enforcement practices surrounding conservative Islamic norms. The commission had already begun internal restructuring and addressing misconduct under previous leadership.

By July 2012, Saudi Arabia permitted female athletes to participate in the Olympics for the first time under conditions ensuring adherence to cultural traditions. On 11 January 2013, Abdullah appointed thirty women members to the Shura Council with a mandate that women constitute at least 20% of its membership.

In August 2013, the cabinet passed Saudi Arabia’s inaugural law criminalizing domestic violence with penalties including imprisonment up to one year and fines reaching 50,000 riyals. The legislation covers psychological, sexual, and physical abuse while mandating workplace reporting obligations. Although welcomed by advocates for women's rights, concerns persisted regarding enforcement challenges due to limited judicial training and entrenched male guardianship customs.

Interfaith dialogue

In November 2007, King Abdullah became the first Saudi ruler to pay a visit to Pope Benedict XVI at the Apostolic Palace. By March 2008, he had advocated for a "genuine and fraternal dialogue among followers of all faiths".

In June 2008, Abdullah organized a summit in Mecca urging Muslim leaders to unify their voices alongside Jewish and Christian counterparts. He obtained consent from Islamic scholars to pursue interfaith discussions, which paved the way for an agreement with Spain to host a landmark conference in Madrid in July 2008. This gathering brought together religious representatives from various faiths and played a role in the establishment of World Interfaith Harmony Week in 2010.

While previous dialogues primarily involved monotheistic religions, including Sikhism, the Mecca meeting also focused on coordinating Islamic institutions’ efforts regarding interfaith initiatives. Prominent participants included Sheikh Badrul Hasan Al Qasimi and Abdullah bin Omar Nassif from the World Islamic Council for Preaching and Relief.

In November 2008, under Abdullah’s leadership, Saudi Arabia facilitated forums at the United Nations General Assembly that promoted intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue as a path to peace. The event attracted global figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israeli President Shimon Peres, US President George W. Bush, and King Abdullah II of Jordan, all working to dispel stereotypes associating Islam with terrorism.

By 2011, Austria, Spain, and Saudi Arabia had formalized an agreement to create the Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue based in Vienna. Officially inaugurated in November 2012, the centre appointed Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal as its inaugural general secretary and Austria’s ex-justice minister Claudia Bandion-Ortner as deputy general secretary.

Arab common market

In January 2011, Abdullah championed the creation of an Arab common market. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud bin Faisal anticipated that the Arab Customs Union would be implemented by 2015, followed by the establishment of the common market by 2017. Initiatives have concentrated on connecting Arab nations through infrastructure projects such as a railway system and an electrical power grid, with some advancement achieved particularly in developing the power grid.

United States

Abdullah consistently upheld a pro-American approach and nurtured close relations with the United States. His interactions with US leaders began in October 1976 during his leadership training when he met President Gerald Ford. Subsequent visits included meetings as Crown Prince in 1987 with Vice President George H. W. Bush, a state visit in 1998 with President Bill Clinton, attendance at millennium celebrations at the UN in 2000, and state visits alongside President George W. Bush in 2002 and 2005. In 2009, Abdullah engaged with President Barack Obama at an international summit and later hosted him in Saudi Arabia; Obama reciprocated with a visit to the White House.

Abdullah voiced strong endorsement of Obama’s presidency, describing it as a beacon of "great hope" for Muslims worldwide. He underscored the enduring US-Saudi partnership, reflecting on shared sacrifices during conflicts in Kuwait and Iraq spanning seven decades. Despite occasional differences, he stressed their ability to maintain cooperation and resilience. Additionally, Abdullah was a notable benefactor to Obama’s administration during its initial two years, presenting gifts exceeding $300,000 in value—including a ruby and diamond jewelry set worth $132,000—which First Lady Michelle Obama accepted on behalf of the US government in accordance with federal regulations.

Iraq

Despite warnings from him and Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal, the Bush administration proceeded with the invasion of Iraq. Although many Arab governments expressed only superficial opposition, largely influenced by public sentiment, their resistance was limited. Prior to ascending the throne, Prince Abdullah was thought to strongly oppose the US-led invasion; nevertheless, Riyadh played a crucial role in supporting the conflict, reflecting a pragmatic approach. The King harbored significant distrust toward Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and doubted that Saudi-Iraqi relations would improve as long as Al Maliki remained in power. Abdullah confided to an Iraqi official, "You and Iraq are dear to me, but that man is not."

In September 2014, during the emergence of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), he urged Islamic authorities and scholars to denounce those who misuse Islam to justify extremism and terrorism. He highlighted the critical historical moment facing the Muslim world and condemned those who are manipulated by adversaries seeking to fracture and defame Islam.

Iran

In 2006, Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei dispatched adviser Ali Akbar Velayati with a letter requesting Abdullah’s consent to create a secret communication channel between the two leaders. Abdullah approved the initiative, establishing contacts through Velayati and Saud Al Faisal; however, reports indicate this channel was never actively utilized.

A leaked US diplomatic cable from April 2008 disclosed that Abdullah encouraged US Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker and General David Petraeus to "cut off the head of the snake," advocating for US measures against Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Saudi Ambassador to Washington, Adel al-Jubeir, recalled the King's persistent appeals for US military action targeting Iran. Abdullah accused Iran of forming Hezbollah-style groups in Africa and viewed Iranian missile tests as intimidation tactics. He described a "heated exchange" with Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki concerning Iran’s interference in Arab affairs, asserting that Persians should not meddle in Arab issues. Abdullah supported Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani during Iranian elections.

He advised General Jones that internal unrest in Iran presented an opportunity to covertly weaken the regime but cautioned that overt backing of reformist factions might have unintended consequences. Abdullah believed that robust and continuous sanctions could erode the Iranian government’s stability.

Bahrain

Saudi Arabia, with backing from the Gulf Cooperation Council, deployed approximately 1,200 troops to Bahrain to secure industrial infrastructure amid civil disturbances, causing tensions with the United States. These forces were part of the Peninsula Shield Force, headquartered in Saudi Arabia but representing several Gulf nations.

Guantánamo Bay

In December 2010, WikiLeaks disclosed that Abdullah had proposed monitoring all former detainees released from Guantanamo Bay by implanting microchips, akin to those used for racehorses. This suggestion arose during a 2009 meeting in Riyadh with White House counterterrorism adviser John O. Brennan, who responded that such a proposal would encounter legal obstacles within the United States.

China

Following King Abdullah's trip to Beijing in January 2006—the first visit by a Saudi monarch since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1990—the focus of Saudi-Chinese ties has been primarily on energy cooperation and commercial exchange. The volume of bilateral trade has increased more than threefold, positioning China to become Saudi Arabia's leading importer in the near future. Saudi investments in China have been substantial, including the $8 billion Fujian refinery project. Leaked diplomatic communications suggest that Abdullah proposed a guaranteed supply of oil in return for Chinese diplomatic pressure on Iran concerning its nuclear ambitions.

In March 2011, King Abdullah sent Bandar bin Sultan to China to garner support for Saudi Arabia's position on the Arab Spring, accompanied by significant arms agreements. Abdullah regarded both China and India as crucial emerging markets for Saudi energy exports.

Relations with other nations

King Abdullah was the first Saudi monarch to officially visit Turkey, doing so in August 2006. He met with French President Nicolas Sarkozy in November 2009, although relations were reportedly less cordial compared to those under Jacques Chirac’s presidency. In January 2011, Saudi Arabia granted asylum to Tunisia’s deposed leader Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali under the condition that he abstain from political activities. Leaked documents reveal that Abdullah was more open to engagement with former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh than Crown Prince Sultan was.

Abdullah advocated for restoring diplomatic ties with Syria and its president Bashar al-Assad, meeting him in Damascus in October 2009; Assad also attended the inauguration of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology that same month. However, relations worsened during the Syrian conflict, leading Saudi Arabia to recall its ambassador and shut down its embassy in August 2011.

In December 2011, Abdullah called upon Gulf Cooperation Council leaders to deepen their alliance into a unified "single entity" capable of addressing security challenges, stressing the importance of progressing beyond mere cooperation toward full integration.

Criticism as king

On 16 February 2003, David Wallechinsky of Parade magazine ranked King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah as the world's second most oppressive dictators. Much of the criticism stems from Saudi Arabia’s stringent Wahhabist interpretation of Sharia law, which mandates penalties such as hand amputation for theft and flogging for offenses like intoxication. Public executions by beheading are routinely carried out for crimes including murder, rape, drug trafficking, and accusations of witchcraft. Abdullah’s approach to women’s rights has also drawn considerable condemnation. Conversely, prisoners from Najran Province sent their regards to the King during his period of illness.

Abdullah faced reproach for limiting religious freedoms; reports claim that Shiite pilgrims were detained during the Hajj pilgrimage. On 24 January 2007, Human Rights Watch issued an open letter urging him to cease persecution against the Ahmadi community and called for lifting travel restrictions imposed on government critics; however, no official response was recorded.

During a state visit to the United Kingdom on 30 October 2007, Abdullah encountered demonstrations branding him a "murderer" and "torturer," with protesters highlighting concerns over Saudi policies toward women and LGBTQ individuals as well as allegations of corruption linked to arms contracts between Saudi Arabia and Britain.

Succession to the throne

Initially, Abdullah's designated successor was his half-brother, Crown Prince Sultan, until Sultan passed away on 22 October 2011. The crown then transferred to Sultan’s full brother, Nayef, who died on 16 June 2012 in Geneva during medical examinations. Following this, Abdullah appointed his half-brother Salman as Crown Prince on 18 June 2012; Salman ultimately ascended the throne in 2015.

In 2006, Abdullah founded the Allegiance Council, a body comprising sons and grandsons of King Abdulaziz, tasked with electing future kings and crown princes through secret ballots. Although the council’s authority was intended to commence after the reigns of Abdullah and Prince Sultan, uncertainty emerged when Sultan died before Abdullah. Nonetheless, Prince Nayef was named Crown Prince on 27 October 2011 after consultations with the Allegiance Council.

By November 2010, as Abdullah’s health deteriorated, Prince Nayef presided over a cabinet meeting. That same month, Abdullah delegated control of the Saudi National Guard to his son Prince Mutaib. Abdullah had restructured this force from a ceremonial unit into a modernized entity of approximately 260,000 personnel, serving as a balancing power against the army and safeguarding the royal family. This handover signaled Abdullah’s gradual withdrawal from active leadership responsibilities.

Personal life

Abdullah married predominantly women from tribal origins and fathered thirty-six children with around thirty wives. Since 2017, travel restrictions have been imposed on his wives, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Wives

His spouses included daughters from influential tribes such as the Al-Fayez of Bani Sakher, Al Shaalan of Anizah, and Al Jarbah from the Iraqi Shammar tribe. Among his notable wives were Munira bint Abdullah Al Sheikh, mother of his eldest surviving son Prince Khaled; Aida Fustuq—sister-in-law to Rifaat al-Assad—with whom he had two children before their divorce; Sultana bint Abdulaziz bin Ahmed from the Al Sudairi family; and Jawahir bint Ali Hussein of the Al Jiluwi clan, mother to Princess Anoud and Prince Saud. Tathi bint Mishan Al Faisal Al Jarba bore six children including Prince Mishaal and Prince Turki. Malka bint Saud bin Zaid Al Jarba Al Choumri had three children including Prince Sultan. Haifa Al Muhanna was mother to his youngest son, Prince Bandar. Another significant wife was Hessa bint Trad Al Shaalan, mother to Prince Faisal and Princess Abeer.

Sons

Abdullah fathered thirty-six children, sixteen of whom were sons. His eldest son Mutaib died at a young age. The second eldest son, Prince Khalid, held the position of deputy commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard West until 1992. His third son, also named Prince Mutaib, served as both commander and minister of the National Guard. Prince Mishaal governed Makkah Province between 2013 and 2015. Prince Abdulaziz was formerly an adviser on Syria affairs and held the role of deputy foreign affairs minister from 2011 to 2015. Prince Faisal led the Saudi Arabian Red Crescent Society. Abdullah’s seventh son, Prince Turki, an Air Force pilot in the Royal Saudi Air Force, served as governor of Riyadh Province from 2014 to 2015. His youngest son, Prince Bandar, was born in 1999 when Abdullah was approximately seventy-five years old.

In October 2015, Prince Majid was detained in Los Angeles on allegations of sexual assault amid accusations involving unlawful confinement, threats, harassment, and assault while allegedly under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. He was released on bail and felony charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence; however, a civil lawsuit filed by three housekeepers remained ongoing. Another son, Mohammed, is married to Nouf bint Nayef, daughter of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz and Maha bint Mohammed Al Sudairi.

Daughters

Abdullah fathered twenty daughters. Among them, Princess Adila was married to Faisal bin Abdullah, a former education minister, and stood out as one of the few Saudi princesses maintaining a somewhat public presence, notably advocating for women's driving rights. She was often described as "the public face of her father." On 6 June 2011, Princess Sahab wed Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Another daughter, Abeer, is the spouse of Fahd bin Turki Al Saud. Sara bint Abdullah married Turki bin Talal, with whom she had a son named Abdulaziz; she later remarried Fahd bin Badr and had five children.

One daughter, Noura, tragically passed away in a car accident near Riyadh airport in 1990; she was married to Sultan bin Turki Al Saud. Fayza is the mother of Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Saud, who faced allegations related to the murder of his servant in London in 2010. Fayza’s daughter Hayfa was featured on Vogue Arabia’s cover in June 2018. Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud is married to Oraib, one of Abdullah’s daughters and sister to Turki bin Abdullah. Another daughter, Seeta, is married to Faisal bin Thamir, son of Thamir bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

From his union with Al Anoud Al Fayez—arranged when she was only fifteen and later ending in divorce—Abdullah had four daughters: Sahar, Maha, Hala, and Jawahir. These daughters have been confined to house arrest for several years and prohibited from leaving Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate that Maha and Hala were subjected to forced sedation using medications such as Valium and Xanax, which severely affected their health. Following media exposure in 2014, Sahar and Jawahir reportedly experienced deprivation of food and water; their mother staged weekly protests outside the Saudi embassy in London. The daughters released videos appealing for international assistance while still under house arrest. Media coverage ceased after that year.

Princess Hala suffered a decline in health attributed to substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol; she lost much of her hair and exhibited incoherence. She passed away on 30 September 2021 at age 47; no official cause was revealed. Her funeral prayer took place at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.

Illness and death

Starting from June 2010, King Abdullah curtailed his public engagements due to undisclosed health problems. Diplomats expressed uncertainty regarding his condition after he canceled a scheduled visit to France. During a televised appearance in 2012, he appeared using a cane but insisted he was in good health despite some discomfort. By April 2014, US diplomatic sources observed him requiring breathing tubes, indicating deteriorating health.

Between 2010 and 2012, Abdullah underwent four separate back surgeries—two performed in New York (one in 2010 addressing a slipped disk and blood clot; another in 2011 to stabilize vertebrae) and two conducted in Riyadh (one in 2011 and another in November 2012). His spinal ailments became publicly known in November 2010 when it was disclosed he had accumulated blood around the spinal cord alongside a herniated disc. To ensure governance continuity during his recovery, Crown Prince Sultan returned from Morocco. Abdullah received surgery at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital followed by recuperation at The Plaza hotel in New York City. He departed the United States for Morocco in January 2011 before returning to Saudi Arabia the following month.

On 27 August 2012, Abdullah commenced "special leave." Although reports circulated about a potential heart operation at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, no official confirmation was provided; instead, he spent time recuperating in Morocco before coming back in September. In November of that year, he underwent another back operation in Riyadh and was discharged from hospital by December.

On 2 January 2015, Abdullah was admitted to a Riyadh hospital with pneumonia and subsequently died on 23 January at age 90. His funeral prayer occurred the same day at Riyadh’s Grand Mosque followed by burial at Al Oud cemetery. Saudi Arabia declared three days of national mourning with flags lowered to half-mast; comparable honors were observed at Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey in London.

Influence

Abdullah was recognized as the most influential Muslim among a group of 500 Muslims for four straight years, culminating in 2012. In December of that year, Forbes placed him seventh on its "World's Most Powerful People" ranking, making him the sole Arab to appear within the top ten.

Wealth

In 2011, Forbes appraised the declared wealth of King Abdullah and his close family at approximately US$21 billion, positioning him among the wealthiest monarchs worldwide. Another assessment estimated his fortune at US$18 billion, ranking him as the third richest reigning head of state internationally.

During his younger years, King Abdullah was a skilled horseman and owned Saudi Arabia’s largest equestrian stables, housing more than 1,000 horses organized into five divisions overseen by his son, Prince Mutaib. He also possessed Janadria Farm, a significant equestrian facility located near Riyadh.

For his vacations, he maintained an expansive palace estate with several residential units in Casablanca, Morocco. This complex included two heliports and extensive landscaped grounds.

While serving as Crown Prince, Abdullah financed the surgical separation of Polish conjoined twins at King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh in 2005. He contributed $50 million in cash alongside $10 million worth of relief supplies following the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. Moreover, in May 2008, he donated $10 billion to establish the endowment fund for King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Honours and awards

Abdullah was the recipient of numerous international distinctions, including being named an honorary knight of the Roman Catholic Order of the Golden Fleece (Spanish branch), a decision that generated some controversy.

In April 2012, he was awarded a gold medal by the United Nations in recognition of his efforts toward fostering intercultural dialogue and peacebuilding.

Foreign honours

External links






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