Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud

Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud , 1905-75, king of Saudi Arabia (1964-75), son of Ibn Saud, brother of Saud. Faisal led several military campaigns in the making of Saudi Arabia. In 1958 he became premier and foreign minister in the cabinet of his brother, King Saud. Faisal was removed from office in 1960, but was reinstated as premier in 1962. Due to poor health and domestic opposition, King Saud was forced to abdicate (Nov., 1964) by the ruling family in favor of the more popularly approved Faisal. After becoming king, Faisal effected far-reaching economic, administrative, and educational reforms. He joined with other Arab nations against Israel in the 1967 Arab-Israeli War . In 1975, Faisal was shot and killed by one of his nephews; he was succeeded by his brother, Crown Prince Khalid.

Bibliography: See A. Bligh, From Prince to King (1984).

Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz (1905–75) King of Saudi Arabia (1964–75). Brother of King Saud ibn Abd al-Aziz, he became effective ruler of Saudi Arabia in 1958, dealing with the main consequences for Saudi Arabia of the immense increase of oil revenues. Pro-West, he worked in association with the USA while remaining inflexible in his opposition to Israel's ambitions and unyielding on Arab claims to Jerusalem. Faisal stood against the demands of radical Arab nationalism represented by Egypt under NASSER. He was assassinated by a nephew.

Faisal ibn Abd al-Aziz (b. Nov. 1906, d. 25 Mar. 1975). King of Saudi Arabia 1964–75 Son of the first ruler of Saudi Arabia, Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud, he was appointed Viceroy of the Hejaz in 1926, and in 1934 led a victorious campaign against Yemen. He became effective ruler of Saudi Arabia in 1958, owing to the incompetence and later ill health of his brother King Saud ibn Abd al-Aziz, who was deposed in 1964. As such he had to deal with the main consequences for his country of its immense oil revenues. He thus created a strong, modern army, a comprehensive network of communications, an extensive education system, and a free, well-equipped health service. At the same time, he remained culturally and politically conservative, opposing revolution even in the name of Islam. An opponent of Israel, he granted financial assistance to both Jordan and Egypt after the disastrous Six Day War of 1967. As the main supplier of US oil, he used his influence to reduce support for Israel. He took a key role in the OPEC negotiations of December 1973 which precipitated the world oil-price shock. He was shot by a disgruntled nephew and succeeded by his brother Khalid.