The monarch who reigned immediately before King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was his half-brother, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The Succession of Saudi Kings
King Salman ascended to the throne of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015, following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah. This succession continued the tradition of transferring power among the sons of the Kingdom's founder, King Abdulaziz ibn Saud.
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud: A Legacy of Reform
King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud served as the King of Saudi Arabia from August 1, 2005, until his passing in 2015. Before officially becoming king, he had been the de facto ruler and regent since 1995 due to his predecessor, King Fahd, suffering a debilitating stroke. During his formal reign, King Abdullah implemented various reforms aimed at modernizing the kingdom, including:
- Educational Initiatives: Investing heavily in scholarships abroad and establishing new universities within Saudi Arabia.
- Economic Diversification: Efforts to reduce reliance on oil by promoting other industries and private sector growth.
- Social Changes: Introducing limited women's suffrage for municipal elections and appointing women to the Shura Council.
- Interfaith Dialogue: Promoting understanding among different religions through various international initiatives.
For more information on King Abdullah's life and reign, you can refer to his biography on Wikipedia.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud: The Current Era
Upon his ascension in 2015, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inherited the mantle of leadership as the seventh King of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. His reign has been marked by significant domestic reforms, including economic transformations outlined in Vision 2030, and dynamic shifts in foreign policy. Since January 2024, King Salman holds the unique distinction of being the oldest surviving son of King Abdulaziz, further underscoring his pivotal role within the Saudi royal family.
To learn more about King Salman's background and current leadership, visit his profile on Wikipedia.
Recent Succession in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Understanding the line of succession helps contextualize the transfer of power within the Saudi monarchy, which typically passes among the sons of King Abdulaziz.
| Monarch | Reign Years | Relationship to Predecessor |
|---|---|---|
| King Salman | 2015 – Present | Half-brother |
| King Abdullah | 2005 – 2015 | Half-brother |
| King Fahd | 1982 – 2005 | Half-brother |
| King Khalid | 1975 – 1982 | Half-brother |
| King Faisal | 1964 – 1975 | Half-brother |
This table illustrates the direct lineage of kings who have ruled Saudi Arabia since its modern formation, highlighting the transition from one half-brother to another.
