Overview
Faisal Ibn Abdul Aziz
(1905—1975)
Quick Reference
(1905–1975)
King of Saudi Arabia (1964–75), fourth son of Ibn Saud.
At the early age of fourteen, Faisal was sent by his father to head a deputation to Britain to congratulate the Allies on their victory in World War I. Faisal then took part in the reconquest of his father's territories, becoming viceroy of the province of Hejaz (in which Mecca is located) in 1926. He represented Saudi Arabia at the United Nations when, in 1945, it became a member of the organization. Though his brother, King Saud, remained nominal ruler of the country until his abdication in 1964, Faisal became its effective ruler in 1958, when ill health began to afflict Saud. Faisal worked to bring about a Muslim alliance to counter the secular Arab vision of his antagonist, President Nasser of Egypt, but he joined the Arabs in the 1967 war with Israel. At home, oil production flourished, and Faisal's reign witnessed economic development. He was assassinated by his nephew.
Subjects: History — Contemporary History (post 1945)
