King of Saudi Arabia who ordered the 1973 oil embargo against the United States
The third son of King Abdulaziz, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Faisal was born in Riyadh. He was foreign minister from 1930 and prime minister from 1954 (except for 1960–1962), and as crown prince outlawed slavery. In 1964 he persuaded his half-brother King Saud to abdicate in his favour and pursued a policy of modernisation and reform. His foreign policy rested on pan-Islamism, anti-communism, anti-Zionism and support for the Palestinians. Protesting against Western support for Israel in the Yom Kippur War of 1973, he led the oil embargo that caused the oil crisis. He was assassinated by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid in 1975.
Also known as: Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud · King Faisal
Activities and affiliations
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1930–1975
Saudi Arabia state institutionsForeign Minister
Diplomacy and international organization -
1954–1975
Saudi Arabia state institutionsPrime Minister
Government and administration -
1964–1975
Saudi Arabia state institutionsKingMain
Monarchs and royalty
Career Timeline
- 1926–1932Viceroy of Hejaz
- 1930–1975Foreign Minister (except 1960–1962)
- 1953–1964Crown Prince
- 1954–1975Prime Minister (except 1960–1962)
- 1964–1975.03.25King
- 1973.10Oil embargo against the United States