King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the current King of Saudi Arabia, has had a significant impact on both his country and the wider region.
Birth and Early Life: King Salman was born on December 31, 1935, in Riyadh. He is one of the many sons of the Kingdom's founder, King Abdulaziz ibn Saud.
Governor of Riyadh: Before becoming king, Salman served as the Governor of Riyadh Province for over 48 years, from 1963 to 2011. During his tenure, he oversaw the transformation of Riyadh from a small desert town into a major urban metropolis
Ascension to the Throne: Salman became the King of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015, following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah.
Reforming the Government: As king, Salman has initiated a series of significant reforms aimed at modernizing the kingdom's economy and society. These include the Vision 2030 program, which seeks to reduce Saudi Arabia's dependence on oil.
Political Leadership: King Salman has played a critical role in shaping Saudi Arabia's domestic and foreign policies, including maintaining the kingdom's influence in the Gulf region and its role within the broader Islamic world.
Economic Policies: Under his reign, Saudi Arabia has introduced significant economic reforms, including the partial privatization of the state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco, which culminated in the company's historic IPO in 2019.
Social Reforms: King Salman has overseen significant social changes, including greater rights for women, such as the right to drive and increased participation in the workforce
Foreign Relations: King Salman has maintained strong relations with key allies, particularly the United States, while also navigating complex relationships within the Middle East, including with Iran and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Educational and Health Initiatives: During his time as Governor of Riyadh, Salman was instrumental in developing the educational and healthcare infrastructure of the province, laying the groundwork for its current institutions.
Family and Succession: King Salman is part of the powerful Sudairi Seven, a group of influential brothers within the Saudi royal family. His designated successor is his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has already taken on significant responsibilities within the government.