It is estimated that more than 70,000 young Saudis studied abroad in more than 25 countries, with the United States, England, and Australia as top three destinations aimed for by the students. Today Abdullah of Saudi Arabia would be 98 years old. [18], In August 1963, Abdullah was made commander of Saudi National Guard replacing Saad bin Saud, a son of King Saud, in the post. Saudi Arabia - Reign of King Abdullah (2005-15) | Britannica Reign of King Abdullah (2005-15) The country underwent a peaceful power transition in 2005, when, following Fahd's death on August 1, Abdullah ascended the throne. [137] Princess Hala died on 30 September 2021 at age 47,[138] and there was no mention about the cause of her death. That means there could still be an argument something the Al Saud have tried hard to avoid. [21] Therefore, he became the number three in the Saudi administration. 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The situation worsened later in the year, following the September 11 attacks against the United States and the subsequent revelation that most of the attackers were Saudi nationals. Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, in full Abd Allh ibn Abd al-Azz l Sad, (born c. 1923 died January 23, 2015, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), king of Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2015. BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says it is thought unlikely that he will embark on any great changes. His knowledge was enhanced by his wide reading in politics, the economy and culture. Upon his death in 2015 at age 90, Abdullah was succeeded by his half-brother Salman. King Abdullah ruled Saudi Arabia from 2005 until his death in 2015. He is 79, so there is bound to be uncertainty about his rule. Maintaining the family consensus will get harder the closer the younger generation get to power, experts argue. On Friday morning the new king vowed to maintain the same approach as his predecessors. The session also discussed a paper presented on coordination among Islamic institutions on Dialogue by Abdullah bin Omar Nassif, Secretary General of the World Islamic Council for Preaching and Relief and a paper on dialogue with divine messages, presented by Professor Mohammed SammakSecretary General of the Islamic Spiritual Summit in Lebanon. Abdullah was Commander of the Saudi National Guard from 1963 to 2010. The announcement of Abdullah's death comes several weeks after the state-run Saudi Press Agency . Abdullah yelled over the phone, according to an account that Bandar has given associates. His mother was Fahda bint Asi Al Shuraim. One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the US-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond. In September 1998, Crown Prince Abdullah made a state visit to the United States to meet in Washington with President Bill Clinton. [108] A prominent wife of the King, Hessa bint Trad Al Shaalan, is the mother of Prince Faisal and Princess Abeer among others. [159], In 2011, the financial magazine Forbes estimated the documentable wealth of King Abdullah and his immediate family at US$21billion, making him one of the world's richest monarchs. Setting the cornerstone of King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud, (Arabic: 'Abd ullh ibn 'Abd al-'Azz l Su'd) (1 August 1924 - 23 January 2015) was the King of Saudi Arabia from 1 August 2005 until his death in 23 January 2015. "Our disagreements don't cut to the bone", he stated. Now, the Islamic State represents a new . [108], In October 2015, King Abdullah's son Prince Majid was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of "forcing oral copulation",[112][113] amid allegations that he had been unlawfully imprisoning, threatening, sexually harassing, and assaulting employees while under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. Saudi Arabia's Western and Arab allies, along with countries such as Israel and China, have offered their condolences on the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. [102] His another wife was from the Al Sudairi clan, Sultana bint Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Sudairi. Houthi rebels in Yemen say former president Ali Abdullah Saleh has been killed. Longer term, it faces a growing unemployment problem. K ing Abdullah of Saudi Arabia died Thursday of natural causes at age 90, leaving in place what appears to be a well-laid succession plan that U.S. analysts hope will assure continued. Saudi Arabia is now sandwiched between an aggressive Islamic State (IS) to the north and al-Qaeda in Yemen to the south. Abdullah had been Crown Prince and acted as the de-facto regent and ruler after King Fahd was incapacitated by a major stroke in 1996. [citation needed], In August 2010, Abdullah decreed that only officially approved religious scholars associated with the Senior Council of Ulema would be allowed to issue fatwas. [87], In November 2010, Prince Nayef chaired a cabinet meeting because of the deterioration of the King's health. [114][115][116] He was released on bail,[117][118] and felony charges were dropped for lack of evidence; a civil suit filed by three housekeepers continued. [61] According to leaked cables, Abdullah was more receptive than Crown Prince Sultan to former Yemeni President Saleh. The passing of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia will change little in the kingdom and its relations with the West. Prince Faisal was the head of the Saudi Arabian Red Crescent Society. Death: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz died following a battle with pneumonia He was taken to hospital on New Year's Eve with suspected pneumonia, is believed to have left four. In Egypt, the government showed its gratitude for Abdullahs staunch support for the current Egyptian regime by declaring seven days of mourning four days longer than the mourning periods in the aftermath of other recent deaths. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, the powerful U.S. ally who joined Washington's fight against al-Qaida and sought to modernize the ultraconservative Muslim kingdom. Abdullah of Saudi Arabia,, author of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia: A Leader of Consequence, on LibraryThing Abdullah ascended to the throne in 2005 following the death of his half-brother King Fahd, though power was already in his hands. SANG, which had been based on the Ikhwan, became a modern armed force under his command. That will raise questions of legitimacy not faced in the last century of Saudi rule.. As we express our sincere condolences to the Saudi royal family and the people of the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the death of the great late king, Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, we . [97] His eldest son, Mutaib, died at a young age. [22] However, his appointment caused friction in the House of Saud. As crown prince (19822005), he had served as the countrys de facto ruler following the 1995 stroke of his half-brother King Fahd (reigned 19822005). [148] Al Quds reported that he had an operation at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, on or before 4 September 2012, following a heart attack. Saudi Arabia also committed significant investments in China, including the $8 billion Fujian refinery. [127], One of Abdullah's daughters, Noura, died in 1990 in a car accident near Riyadh airport. Even women they're stepping all over them. [140] The first two of the surgeries were in New York, one in 2010 for a slipped disk and a blood clot pressing on nerves in his back and a second to stabilize vertebrae in 2011. [49], In November 2007, Abdullah visited Pope Benedict XVI in the Apostolic Palace, being first Saudi monarch to do so. His third son, Prince Mutaib, is former commander and former minister of the National Guard. For holidays, the King maintained a large palace complex with several residential compounds in Casablanca, Morocco. The law criminalizes psychological, sexual as well as physical abuse. Abdullah's administration attempted reforms in different fields. In 2005, Abdullah implemented a government scholarship program to send young Saudi men and women abroad for undergraduate and postgraduate studies in different universities around the world. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Memorability Metrics The Reign of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah 4.5M Page Views (PV) 74.39 Historical Popularity Index (HPI) 94 Languages Editions (L) 6.90 Effective Languages (L*) Abdullah, a cautious reformer who led his kingdom through a turbulent decade in a region shaken by the Arab Spring uprisings and Islamic extremism, died early Friday . A Saudi prince allegedly died due to COVID-19 on Thursday, with the Royal Court announcing the death of Prince Saud Bin Abdullah Bin Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, according to the official. He suffered from a herniated disc and was told to rest by doctors. President Bush called newly appointed King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia on Monday to express condolences over the death of King Fahd and to congratulate Abdullah on his succession to the. Salman stands to be succeeded in turn by Prince Muqrin, 69, the deputy crown prince, an RAF-trained fighter pilot and former intelligence chief whose prospects are often questioned because he was born to a Yemeni rather than a Saudi mother of approved tribal lineage. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7780cea67f137c6e UN-appointed independent human rights experts called on Tuesday for Saudi Arabia to immediately release Abdullah al-Howaiti and quash the death sentence against him for crimes he allegedly committed as a child. This is it. And the last one was also in Riyadh on 17 November 2012. Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died, royal officials have announced, weeks after he was admitted to hospital. [104][105] Tathi bint Mishan Al Faisal Al Jarba gave birth to another six of his children, including Prince Mishaal, Prince Turki, and Princess Oraib. [65] Before becoming king, Prince Abdullah was thought to be completely against the US invasion of Iraq; this, however, was not the case. Prior to announcing Abdullah's death, Saudi television cut to Koranic verses, which often signifies the passing of a senior royal. [68], In 2006, Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei had sent his adviser Ali Akbar Velayati with a letter asking for Abdullah's agreement to establish a formal back channel of communication between the two leaders. He was formally enthroned on 2 August 2005. [15] On 6 June 2011, Abdullah's daughter Princess Sahab (born 1993) married Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, son of Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Currently, China is Saudi Arabia's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade worth $87.3 billion in 2021. Abdullahs sons, Prince Mitab, head of the National Guard, and Prince Mishaal, governor of Mecca, both mistrust Crown Prince Salman and his Sudairi wing of the family, named after one of Ibn Sauds favourite wives. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Arabic: , 'Abd Allh ibn 'Abd al-'Azz l Sa'd, Najdi Arabic pronunciation: [bd. ben bdl ziz l sud ]; 1 August 1924 - 23 January 2015) was King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from 2005 to his death in 2015. [8][9] However, some sources state that this date is incorrect, and that he was approximately eight years older. Among those currently facing beheading is Abdullah al-Howaiti, who was 14 when he was arrested on a murder charge he denies. The British prime minister, David Cameron, said: He will be remembered for his long years of service to the kingdom, for his commitment to peace and for strengthening understanding between faiths.. His third heir apparent was his half-brother Salman, who was named as crown prince on 18 June 2012,[86] and would succeed him in 2015. Relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia deteriorated as a result of the Syrian Civil War. Jordan's King Abdullah II cut short a visit to Davos, Switzerland, to travel to Saudi Arabia, as Jordan's royal court declared 40 days of mourning. Act Stories World Watch List Ways to Give . No, he died on 01/23/2015, He was 90 years old when he died. King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud became the sixth King of Saudi Arabia on August 1, 2005, when his half-brother King Fahd died. The King had curtailed his activities from June 2010 with no clear explanation. [34][38], The response of his administration to homegrown terrorism was a series of crackdowns including raids by security forces, arrests, torture and public beheadings. The news, announced early on Friday morning local time on state television, came after the king was admitted to hospital. [63] He was the leading gift-giver to the US president and his office in his first two years in office, his gifts totaling more than $300,000. Prince Mishaal was governor of the Makkah Province between 2013 and 2015. Abdullah invested in educating the workforce for future jobs. His control of the National Guard was also a key factor to his success in becoming crown prince. The new laws were welcomed by Saudi women's rights activists, although some expressed concerns that the law could not be implemented successfully without new training for the judiciary, and that the tradition of male guardianship would remain an obstacle to prosecutions. He was Chairman of the Saudi Supreme Economic Council until 2009. He is to be buried on Friday afternoon. "We will continue adhering to the correct policies which Saudi Arabia has followed since its establishment," he said in a speech broadcast on state television. The Kingdom's 2010 budget reflected these prioritiesabout 25 percent was devoted to education aloneand amounts to a significant economic stimulus package. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was the King of Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2015 and the third wealthiest head of state in the world. Approving the Saudi Arabia accession to the World Trade Organization. [62][69], He told General Jones that Iranian internal turmoil presented an opportunity to weaken the regimewhich he encouragedbut he also urged that this be done covertly, stressing that public statements in support of the reformers were counterproductive. Abdullah said he would favor Rafsanjani in an Iranian election. [43] Later during the 20112012 Saudi Arabian protests, in September 2011, the King announced women's right to vote in the 2015 municipal council elections, a first significant reform step in the country since the protests. The Saudi government also encouraged the development of non-hydrocarbon sectors in which the Kingdom had a comparative advantage, including mining, solar energy, and religious tourism. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who had been king since 2005 and effectively in charge since his brother Fahds stroke in 1995, accepted limited change after 2011 in response to the Arab spring. Officials did not disclose the cause of. With prices below $45 a barrel, Saudi Arabia is one of the very few exporting countries to still make big margins on production and exploration. Since publication, the Royal Court of Saudi Arabia has asserted to the Guardian that King Salman is Most certainly not suffering from dementia or any other kind of mental impairment. The council's mandate was not to have started until after the reigns of both Abdullah and Prince Sultan were over. (See Iraq War.). Oil prices nevertheless surged, as markets speculated about a possible shift in the kingdoms policy of allowing crude prices to fall. He also appeared more eager than King Fahd to cut government spending and open Saudi Arabia up economically. They are sons of King Ibn Saud. 193 relations. Funeral services for the king are to be held later on Friday at Riyadh's Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque. Was a supporter of the . Abdullah is said to have been born on 1 August 1924 in Riyadh. The Bush administration ignored advice from him and Saudi foreign minister Saud Al Faisal against invading Iraq. [123] She was also known as "her father's public face". He ascended to the throne on 1 August 2005 upon the death of his half-brother, King Fahd. Abdullah had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years, and King Salman had recently taken on the ailing monarch's responsibilities. Mohammed bin Nayef, the interior minister and son of the late Crown Prince Nayef, is another highly regarded figure of the same generation who is also much admired in the west. Ben O'Hara-Byrne says there could be a huge economic impact . [48], In August 2013, the Saudi cabinet, for the first time, approved a law making domestic violence a criminal offence. Abdullah succeeded to the throne upon the death of his half-brother King Fahd. Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, who died Thursday at the age of 90, oversaw a long, dark history of civil and human rights abuses. Abdullah had been in poor health in recent months. [79], In December 2011, Abdullah called on leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council to strengthen their alliance into a united "single entity" as they confront threats to national security. Another Jedawi referred to the loss as like a family member passing away. In 2011, an agreement for the establishment of the Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue in Vienna was signed between the governments of Austria, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. In 2006, Abdullah set up the Allegiance Council, a body that is composed of the sons and grandsons of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdulaziz, to vote by a secret ballot to choose future kings and crown princes. Abdullah, who had ruled since 2005 and was said to be aged about 90, had been suffering from a lung infection. [80], On 16 February 2003, Parade magazine's David Wallechinsky rated King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdullah as the second worst dictators in the world. [128] She was married to Sultan bin Turki Al Saud. [107] Haifa Al Muhanna was the mother of Abdullah's youngest child, Prince Bandar. [69], In April 2008, according to a US cable released by WikiLeaks, Abdullah had told the US Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, and General David Petraeus to "cut off the head of the snake". The Saudi royal family view the Brotherhood as a threat to their own authority in Riyadh. He had never previously made overtures for dialogue with eastern religious leaders, such as Hindus and Buddhists. [114][119] Another son, Mohammed, is married to Nouf bint Nayef, a daughter of the Prince Nayef and Maha bint Mohammed Al Sudairi. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is the King of Saudi Arabia. Abdullah said he had agreed, and the channel was established, with Velayati and Saud Al Faisal as the points of contact. Public health engagement included breast cancer awareness and CDC cooperation to set up an advanced epidemic screening network to protect 2010's three million Hajj pilgrims. A ruby and diamond jewelry set, given by the king and accepted by First Lady Michelle Obama on behalf of the United States, was worth $132,000. He swiftly appointed Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef as deputy crown prince, making him second in line to the throne, and named his own son, Mohammed bin Salman, as defence minister. 210.65.88.143 ", "An Interview with the Imprisoned Daughter of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah", "New footage emerges of 'trapped' Saudi princesses", "King Abdullah dead: The late Saudi monarch's 'jailed' princesses", " ", "Saudi King Abdullah has back surgery described as successful", "Saudi prince returns as king readies for US treatment", "Saudi king has back surgery in New York", "Saudi Arabia King Abdullah's NY Back Surgery Successful, Royal Court Says", "Saudi king Abdullah has 'successful operation', "Saudi King Arrives in Morocco After Treatment in US", "Saudi King offers benefits as he returns from treatment", "Saudi King Abdullah returns after month-long Morocco trip", "Saudi king health fears calmed after back operation", Saudi King, 90, Hospitalized; Pneumonia Is Diagnosed, "King Abdullah, Who Nudged Saudi Arabia Forward, Dies at 90", "Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Given Simple Muslim Burial", "Whitehall's King Abdullah half-mast flag tribute criticised by MPs", "The Muslims 500: The World's Most Influential Muslims", "Saudi King Abdullah named 7th most powerful figure in the world", "More countries offer aid to quake-hit China", "Saudi's King Abdullah grants $10 Bn for new university fund", "King Juan Carlos of Spain dishonors the Order of the Golden Fleece". He also made the protection of Saudi Arabia's critical infrastructure a top security priority. "You as Persians have no business meddling in Arab matters". 11; . The lead surgeon was Muhammad Zaka, who probably removed the herniated disk and performed a lumbar fusion. [163] It is equipped with two heliports and is surrounded by large mansions on 133acres of vegetation. He was previously married to Alanoud Al Fayez. Despite such concerns, Prince Nayef was appointed Crown Prince on 27 October 2011 after consultation with the Allegiance Council by Abdullah. Former King of Saudi Arabia (1924-2015) - Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was born in Riyadh (capital of Saudi Arabia) on August 1st, 1924 and died in Riyadh (capital of Saudi Arabia) on January 23rd, 2015 at the age of 90. He was also active in collecting funds to support the mujahideen who were encouraged to fight the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in the 1980s Osama bin Laden was the most famous of them and he worked closely with the Wahhabi clerical establishment. Read about our approach to external linking. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud: "We will never deviate from our constitution", The new king's profile was updated on his official Twitter account, where he wrote: "I ask God to help me succeed in my service of the dear [Saudi] people.". The forensic report has proven that the woman suffered a pulmonary embolism while she was asleep, confirming it was the main cause of her death. In September 2000, he attended millennium celebrations at the United Nations in New York City. He was the tenth son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and the fifth of Abdulaziz's six sons who were kings. [54] He discussed with, and obtained approval from, Saudi and non-Saudi Islamic scholars to hold the interfaith dialogue. Funeral prayer for her was performed after evening prayers at the Grand Mosque in Mecca.[139]. [36] It was criticized by the religious figures who argued that such celebration was not part of Islam. [64] However, according to US federal law, gifts of such nature and value are accepted "on behalf of the United States" and are considered property of the US government. [124][125] Another daughter, Abeer, is the wife of Fahd bin Turki Al Saud. Abdullah then. The law calls for a punishment of up to a year in prison and a fine of up to 50,000 riyals (11,500/US$13,000). [55] The historic conference finally took place in Madrid in July 2008, wherein religious leaders of different faiths participated,[56] and which later led to the 2010 proclamation of World Interfaith Harmony Week. [97], Munira bint Abdullah Al Sheikh was the mother of King Abdullah's eldest living son, Prince Khaled. Abdullah, Salman and Muqrin are all sons of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, usually referred to as Ibn Saud, who died in 1953. Dr Abdullah Al-Hamid, one of Saudi Arabia's political heroes, recently died in detention in the country that he loved. Abdullah held important political posts throughout most of his adult life. [162] The King also owned Janadria Farm, a large complex located in the suburbs of Riyadh.[162]. That's because Abdullah, 90, who assumed the throne in 2005, had led one of the West's key . [165], He donated $10 billion to the endowment fund of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in May 2008. But that manoeuvre apparently faced opposition from less prominent surviving sons of Ibn Saud, especially Prince Ahmed. [34], Saudi Arabia, by the endorsement of the Gulf Cooperation Council, sent 1,200 troops to Bahrain to protect industrial facilities, resulting in strained relations with the United States. Fahd and his six full brothers are known as the Sudairi Seven. There had been almost no public tradition of women participating in sport in the country. The Saudi religious establishment views every aspect of life and death as a submission to God's supreme will, and protocol permits no official mourning period. Since Abdullah's visit to Beijing in January 2006, Saudi-Chinese relations have focused predominantly on energy and trade. By late 2003, after the Saudi Arabian branch of al-Qaeda carried out a series of bombings that threatened to destabilize the country, Crown Prince Abdullah, together with other decision-making elites began to deal with political concerns. [92], Abdullah married the daughters of the al Shalan of Anizah, al Fayz of Bani Sakhr, and al Jarbah of the Iraqi branch of the Shammar tribe. Fahd bin Abdulaziz was born in Riyadh in 1920, 1921 or 1923. [128] Abdullah's daughter Fayza is the mother of Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Nasser Al Saud, who was accused of murdering his servant Bandar Abdulaziz in London in 2010. Beginning 1985, SANG also sponsored the Janadiriyah festival that institutionalized traditional folk dances, camel races and tribal heritage. [23] Abdullah did not relinquish authority of SANG in that he feared that this would weaken his authority. A Jedawi I spoke to said that although it was known that Abdullah was ailing, to wake up to news of the king's death was distressing. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. His wives, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have been subject to travel bans since 2017. [126] Sara bint Abdullah married Turki bin Talal and they had one son, Abdulaziz. breast cancer awareness and CDC cooperation to set up an advanced epidemic screening network to protect 2010's three million Hajj pilgrims [127] She later married Fahd bin Badr, with whom she has five children. 2; . His mother was a member of the Al Rashid dynasty, historical rivals of the Al Saud dynasty. [18], King Khalid appointed Abdullah as second deputy prime minister on 29 March 1975 just four days after his kingship[20] which was a reflection of his status as second in the line of succession to the Saudi throne. [31] The initiative was adopted at the Arab League's Beirut summit in March 2002.[31]. He also promoted the construction of the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (the country's new flagship and controversially co-ed institution for advanced scientific research). I only hope that, with your cooperation and leadership, a new world will emerge out of the rubble of the World Trade Center: a world that is blessed by the virtues of freedom, peace, prosperity and harmony."[32]. The session was chaired by Ezz Eddin Ibrahim, cultural adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates. The plan called upon Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories (the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and Golan Heights) and promised in return a full Arab normalization of relations with the Jewish country. Riyadh provided essential support to the United States during the war and proved that "necessity does lead to some accommodations from time to time". In recent months Abdullah's age and failing health had led to increasing focus on the issue of the Saudi royal succession. Abdullah is credited with building up the once largely ceremonial unit into a modern 260,000-strong force that is a counterweight to the army. Americans for Democracy & Human Rights in Bahrain (ADHRB) and the European Saudi Organisation for Human Rights (ESOHR) call on the government of Saudi Arabia to immediately . He was also the custodian of Two Holy Mosques during his reign and served as the Prime Minister of the Council of Ministers and Commander of the National Guard. In the ensuing years, the King noted, the channel had never been used. The closeness and strength of the partnership between our two countries is part of King Abdullahs legacy, the statement added. About half the population is under 25 and there are nowhere near enough meaningful jobs for young Saudis. But the country does at least have oil in its favour. [155] Flags were also flown half-mast at Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey in London. [156], In 2012 Abdullah was named as the most influential Muslim among 500 Muslims for the previous 4 years. Government offices stay open and flags remain at full mast. Updated On : August 1, 2018. [82] Execution by public beheading is common for murder, rape, drug trafficking and witchcraft, and Abdullah's policies towards the rights of women have also been criticized. His 79-year-old half-brother, Salman, has been confirmed as the new king. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia --Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah has died at the age of 90, state television reported. . King Salman's appointment of Mohammed bin Nayef - a grandson of Ibn Saud - as deputy crown prince effectively smoothes the line of succession for years to come. "Thank God for bringing Obama to the presidency", he said, adding that Obama's election created "great hope" in the Muslim world. There is a subdued sadness in the air as Saudis take in the loss of their king. When King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia died on Friday, the loss could be felt in the United States. [41], In light of the Arab Spring, Abdullah laid down a $37 billion (32.8 billion) programme of new spending including new jobless benefits, education and housing subsidies, debt write-offs, and a new sports channel. Beyond confirmation that Salman has ascended the throne lie troubling questions about the succession, the stability of an unreformed absolute monarchy and the prospects for its younger generation of royals at a time of turmoil in the region including the destabilising crisis in Yemen. 12 February 2015. Here in Saudi Arabia's second city, the streets were quiet this morning as many people flocked to mosques for Friday prayers. [98] One of Abdullah's wives was the sister of Rifaat al-Assad's wife,[99] Aida Fustuq, with whom he had two children, Adila and Abdulaziz. "[57] It brought together Muslim and non-Muslim nations to eradicate preconceptions as to Islam and terrorism, with world leadersincluding former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Israeli President Shimon Peres, US President George W. Bush and King Abdullah II of Jordanattending. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Diplomats said there had been uncertainty about the extent of his health problems since Abdullah canceled a visit to France.[when?] King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has died aged 90 after a short illness. The Mecca conference discussed a paper on dialogue with monotheistshighlighting the monotheistic religions of southeast Asia, including Sikhismin the third axis of the fourth meeting, titled "With Whom We Talk," presented by Sheikh Badrul Hasan Al Qasimi. Abdullah died early Friday, several weeks after the state-run Saudi Press Agency said he was suffering from pneumonia and had been admitted to a hospital.The royal court didn't release an exact . [19] This post allowed him to secure his position in the House of Saud. "No, Arabs", countered the King. [37], He brought about a top-to-bottom restructuring of the country's courts to introduce, among other things, review of judicial decisions and more professional training for Shari'a judges. We will, with Gods support, maintain the straight path that this country has advanced on since its establishment by the late King Abdulaziz, Salman said in a speech broadcast on state TV. Cause of death: pneumonia. There have been some calls for political reform and small scale protests in several cities, especially in Eastern Province where Shiites called for the release of political prisoners. Abdullah then named Salman bin Abdulaziz as crown prince. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia was born on August 1, 1924 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was 90. [90] He also continued to be the President of the High Council for Petroleum and Minerals, President of the King Abdulaziz Center For National Dialogue, Chairman of the Council of Civil Service, and head of the Military Service Council until his death in 2015. The Guard, which was Abdullah's original power base, protects the royal family. In 1961 he became mayor of Mecca, his first public office. He is believed to have been born in August 1924 in Riyadh, although there is some dispute about his actual birth date. Uncertainty surrounding succession in the kingdom was a further source of domestic concern, and late the following year Abdullah issued a new law refining the countrys succession policies. Omissions? Diplomacy", Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Sauds statement to the Arab and Islamic Nations and the International Community, "US embassy cables: Saudi king's advice for Barack Obama", "UK Training Saudi Forces Used to Crush Arab Spring", "Chinese president arrives in Riyadh at start of "trip of friendship, cooperation", "Turkey's relations with Egypt and Saudi Arabia: From hopes of cooperation to the reality of conflict", "WikiLeaks cables: Nicolas Sarkozy, the Saudis and Carla Bruni", "Yemeni Tribal Leader: For Saleh, Saudi Involvement in Sa'Ada Comes not a Moment Too Soon", "Saudi Arabia recalls ambassador to Syria", "Saudi King Abdullah Calls for a Closer Arab Gulf Union", "The World's 10 Worst Dictators: King Abdullah", "Saudi inmates send king wishes from jail", "Defense Minister New Heir to Throne in Saudi Arabia", Aged Saudi ruler to fly to US over blood clot, "Saudi king transfers National Guard duties to son", "Discreetly, Saudis speculate about the throne succession", "Saudi Arabia's crown prince uses travel restrictions to consolidate power", "King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud - Obituary", " 36", "A Princely Rivalry: Clash of The Titans? [153][154] In accordance with Islamic tradition, his funeral was held the same day, a public ceremony at the Grand Mosque of Riyadh before burial in an unmarked grave at the Al Oud cemetery. He had an "accumulation of blood" around the spinal cord. His death was not an accident. He originally sought to placate extreme Islamist voicesmany of which sought to end the Saudi dynastys ruleyet the spectre of anti-Saudi and anti-Western violence within the countrys borders led him, for the first time, to order the use of force by the security services against some extremists. He became king upon the death of his half-brother, King Fahd. [141] The King was admitted to NewYorkPresbyterian Hospital after a blood clot complicated a slipped disc and underwent successful back surgery. Contents 1 Early life 2 Commander of National Guard 3 Second in line 4 Crown Prince and Regent 5 King of Saudi Arabia 5.1 Domestic affairs 5.2 Interfaith dialogue 5.3 Arab common market 5.4 United States 5.5 Iraq 5.6 Iran 5.7 Bahrain 5.8 Guantnamo Bay 5.9 China [157][158] In December 2012, Forbes named him as the seventh-most-powerful figure in its list of the "World's Most Powerful People" for 2012, being the sole Arab in the top ten. [155] Three days of national mourning were declared, in which flags would fly at half-mast. The Saudis the kings formal title is guardian of the two holy places (of Mecca and Medina) bill themselves as the leaders of the Sunni Muslim world, a role that has taken on increased significance in the face of the jihadi threat and the atmosphere of sectarianism across the region. [34], In late March 2011, Abdullah sent Bandar bin Sultan, Secretary General of the National Security Council, to China to gain its support regarding Saudi Arabia's attitude towards the Arab Spring. Police appeal for information after 'unusual' death of two Saudi sisters in south-west Sydney Asra Abdullah Alsehli, 24, and Amaal Abdullah Alsehli, 23, were found dead in a Canterbury. 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