Top 10 Interesting Facts about King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Royal Lineage: King Salman is the 25th son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, linking him to a pivotal figure in the kingdom's history.

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Governor of Riyadh: He served as the governor of Riyadh for nearly 50 years, from 1963 to 2011, during which he transformed the city into a major urban center.

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Military Leadership: As Minister of Defense from 2011 to 2015, Salman oversaw significant modernization of Saudi Arabia's military forces.

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Crown Prince: He became Crown Prince in 2012, following the death of his brother, Crown Prince Nayef, positioning him directly in line for the throne.

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Economic Reforms: King Salman is a strong proponent of Saudi Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to reduce the kingdom's dependence on oil and diversify its economy.

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Women's Rights: In 2017, he issued a landmark decree allowing Saudi women to drive, a significant step towards gender equality in the kingdom.

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Wealth: With a personal fortune estimated at $18 billion, King Salman is one of the wealthiest royals in the world.

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Oldest Monarch: As of January 2024, he is the oldest surviving son of King Abdulaziz and one of the oldest living heads of state globally.

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Health and Leadership: Due to his health issues, his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has taken on many leadership roles, including being appointed Prime Minister in 2022.

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Geopolitical Influence: King Salman has been active in regional politics, including efforts to normalize relations with Israel and counter Iranian influence in the Middle East.

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