Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on January 1, 1924 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He was the tenth son of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founder of Saudi Arabia, and his favorite wife, Fahda bint Asi Al Shuraim. Abdullah received a strict religious education and had a deep admiration for his father, who instilled in him the values of leadership and tradition.
Abdullah's career in public service began when he joined the Saudi National Guard. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became the Commander of the Guard, a position he held for over 50 years. During his tenure, he modernized the Guard and forged strong relationships with the military and tribal leaders.
In 1982, Abdullah was appointed as the Second Deputy Prime Minister by his half-brother, King Fahd. He was also named the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in 1982, solidifying his position as the next in line for the throne.
Abdullah became the King of Saudi Arabia on August 1, 2005, following the death of King Fahd. He inherited a country facing numerous challenges, including rising tensions in the Middle East and increasing calls for political reform.
Despite these challenges, Abdullah implemented several domestic reforms during his reign. He focused on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure in the kingdom. He also launched the "King Abdullah Scholarship Program," which sent thousands of Saudi students abroad to study at prestigious universities.
Abdullah was known for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the region. He played a key role in mediating conflicts between various Arab nations and supported the Arab Peace Initiative, which called for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Abdullah was known for his large family, having married more than thirty wives and fathering nearly fifty children. He was a devout Muslim and took his religious duties seriously, often participating in Hajj, the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca.
Abdullah was also a philanthropist, donating large sums of money to various charitable causes and organizations. In 2012, he received a United Nations gold medal for his promotion of world peace and cross-cultural understanding.
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud passed away on January 23, 2015, at the age of 90. He was succeeded by his half-brother, King Salman. Abdullah's legacy as a reformer and peacemaker continues to be remembered in Saudi Arabia and around the world.
His reign marked a period of significant changes in the kingdom, and his efforts to promote education, healthcare, and peace have left a lasting impact on the country. Abdullah will be remembered as a wise and compassionate leader who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of his people and promote global harmony.