Introduction
saudi king, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Born on December 31, 1935, he has ruled Saudi Arabia as King since 2015 and as Prime Minister until 2022. He was Crown Prince since 2012 before ascending to the throne as King Abdulaziz's 25th son. He has previously served as the defense minister and the 48-year ruler of Riyadh. During his rule, the Saudis intervened in Yemen, implemented Vision 2030, and lifted the prohibition on women driving. With $18 billion, he is one of the richest royals in the world. Since 2022, Crown Prince Mohammed, his son, has served as Prime Minister and de facto ruler because to his ailing health.
Early life
Salman, the 25th son of Saudi Arabia's founder King Abdulaziz, was born on December 31, 1935. The Sudairi Seven are him and his six full brothers. Salman, who was raised in Murabba Palace, studied modern science and theology at the Princes' School in Riyadh throughout his early schooling.
Riyadh
At the age of 19, Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was named Deputy Governor of Riyadh Province in 1954. He was elected governor in 1963 and held the position until 2011. He developed tourism, investment, and Western relations while leading Riyadh into a major metropolis over his nearly five-decade tenure. In order to improve relations with Saudi Arabia, he led multiple organizations and made multiple foreign trips. Salman was renowned for his infrastructural improvements in Riyadh, including schools and sports stadiums, and for his ability to balance the competing interests of the clerical, tribal, and princely classes. Though he came under fire for arming radical organizations, he greatly advanced and enhanced Riyadh.
Second in line
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud joined the National Security Council and was named Minister of Defense on November 5, 2011. His ability to work with people, his position in the family council, and his wide network made him a formidable contender for the throne. He met with UK Prime Minister Cameron and US President Obama in 2012 while serving as defense minister and carrying out Bahrain's military involvement. Saudi Arabia's military budget increased dramatically under his direction, and he oversaw the country's airstrikes against ISIS in 2014.
Crown Prince
Following the passing of his brother, Crown Prince Nayef, on June 18, 2012, Salman was named Crown Prince and First Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Though he was not viewed as a political reformer, his appointment was seen as a continuation of King Abdullah's cautious reforms. Salman oversaw state matters while King Abdullah was away, concentrating on economic development. In addition to promoting charity in underdeveloped Muslim countries. He started a Twitter account in February 2013 and was appointed deputy head of the military service council in September 2012.
King of Saudi Arabia
Two councils instead of eleven secretariats were created by King Salman and his son Mohammed. Salman twice changed the status of crown prince and started military action in Yemen in 2015. In order to meet the demand for relief worldwide, he founded the King Salman Center for Relief and Humanitarian relief. Human rights issues continued, while initiatives to restore relations with Israel surfaced. Salman was in charge of other reforms, including as the appointment of new ministers and the creation of new government agencies. He handed over the prime ministership to Mohammed in 2022 when he retired.
Influence
Salman chose which princes would take on the duties of the Kingdom and mediated disputes within the large Al Saud family. His family owns shares in Asharq Al-Awsat and Al Eqtisadiah, two media outlets. Despite only holding 10% of SRMG legally, he has sway thanks to his son Prince Faisal, a previous chairman. Salman has close relationships with prominent journalists, such as Othman Al Omeir of Elaph and Abdelrahman Al Rashid of Al Arabiya TV.
Views
Salman continues to have conventional beliefs about social and political reform. In 2002, he defended nonprofits charged with supporting terrorism, but he said the Kingdom wasn't accountable for misusing their donations. Salman broke with Wahhabism in 2023 and ordered an examination of hadith usage with the goal of controlling teachings and decrees in Medina.
Personal life
With at least thirteen children—twelve of whom are sons—Salman has been married three times. Six of his children, including his only daughter, were born to his first wife, Sultana Al Sudairi. With Sarah Al Subai'ai, his second wife, he had one son. Six of his kids, including Crown Prince Mohammed, are from his marriage to Salman, and Fahda Al Hithlain. Salman's reputation stems from his devotion to his family and his function as King Fahd's closest advisor. His medical problems have included lung infection in 2024 and spinal surgery.