King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the monarch of Saudi Arabia, a position he has held since 23 January 2015. He succeeded his half-brother King Abdullah following Abdullah's death. Born on 31 December 1935, in Riyadh, Salman is one of the Sudairi Seven, a powerful faction within the Saudi royal family, and is the 25th son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia. His mother, Hassa bint Ahmed Al Sudairi, was one of King Abdulaziz's most influential wives.
Early Life and Career
Salman was educated in Riyadh at the Princes' School, which was established by his father specifically for the education of his sons. He began his political career at the age of 19 when he was appointed as the deputy governor of Riyadh Province in 1954. In 1963, he became the governor of Riyadh, a position he held for nearly five decades, turning the city into a major urban center.
Ascendancy to the Throne
Before becoming king, Salman served as the Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2015. He became the king after the death of King Abdullah in January 2015. His reign has been marked by significant domestic and international policy initiatives aimed at modernizing the Saudi state and diversifying its economy.
Key Policies and Initiatives
As king, Salman has overseen several initiatives intended to transform Saudi society and economy. One of the most significant is the Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil, diversifying its economy, and developing public service sectors. Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving in 2017, a landmark change in the kingdom's social policy.
Foreign Policy
King Salman's foreign policy has been characterized by assertive regional interventions, such as the Saudi intervention in the Yemeni Civil War. This conflict has drawn international attention and criticism due to the humanitarian situation in Yemen.
Personal Life and Family
Salman has several sons, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is considered the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia due to the King's advancing age and health issues. Mohammed bin Salman has been instrumental in implementing many of the kingdom's economic and social reforms. Other notable sons include Sultan bin Salman, the first Arab to travel into space, and Abdulaziz bin Salman, the current Minister of Energy.
Legacy
King Salman's reign marks a period of transition for Saudi Arabia, as the country navigates its role on the global stage amidst significant social and economic changes. His leadership, alongside that of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is shaping the future trajectory of the kingdom.