Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (1931–2015)
{| class="wikitable" |+ Reign of King Abdullah |- ! Aspect !! Details |- ! Birthdate !! August 1, 1924 |- ! Deathdate !! January 23, 2015 |- ! Reign !! August 1, 2005 – January 23, 2015 |- ! Predecessor !! Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |- ! Successor !! Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud |}
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Arabic: عبد الله بن عبد العزيز آل سعود , ʿAbd Allāh bin ʿAbd al-ʿAzīz Āl Saʿūd) (August 1, 1924 – January 23, 2015) was the sixth king of Saudi Arabia, reigning from August 1, 2005, until his death in 2015. He was also the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. A son of King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah played a significant role in the country's development and foreign policy for many decades before ascending to the throne.
Prior to becoming king, he held various prominent positions, including Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister. His tenure as king saw continued efforts towards modernization and economic diversification, while also maintaining a strong emphasis on conservative Islamic principles. He was known for his significant involvement in international affairs, including participation in various international summits and initiatives. His foreign policy was characterized by a balancing act between maintaining close ties with the United States and pursuing independent diplomatic strategies.
King Abdullah's domestic policies focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. He oversaw major investments in these sectors, aiming to improve the quality of life for Saudi citizens. However, his reign also faced challenges, including concerns about human rights issues and limitations on political freedoms. He also oversaw significant changes within the Saudi Arabian economy.
His death marked a significant moment in Saudi Arabian history, ushering in a new era under the leadership of King Salman. His legacy remains a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis, with his contributions to the country's development, both positive and negative, being debated. He is remembered as a pivotal figure in shaping modern Saudi Arabia.