Salman of Saudi Arabia

Salman of Saudi Arabia, born on December 31, 1935, is a prominent political figure who has served as the King of Saudi Arabia since January 23, 2015. He ascended to the throne following the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah, and has also held the position of Prime Minister from 2015 to 2022. As the 25th son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of the nation, Salman is a significant figure in the history of Saudi Arabia.

Before becoming king, Salman was the Crown Prince from June 18, 2012, until his accession to the throne. His extensive political career includes serving as the deputy governor and later the governor of Riyadh for an impressive forty-eight years, from 1963 to 2011. Following his governorship, he was appointed as the Minister of Defense, further solidifying his influence in the kingdom.

As a monarch, Salman's initiatives have been notable, including the Saudi intervention in the Yemeni Civil War and the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030. He is also recognized for a landmark decree in 2017 that allowed women to drive, marking a significant shift in the kingdom's social policies. Despite his advanced age and health challenges, his seventh son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has taken on a prominent role in governance, becoming the de facto ruler and succeeding Salman as Prime Minister in 2022.

Salman is not only a key political leader but also one of the wealthiest royals globally, with a personal fortune estimated at at least eighteen billion dollars. He is the oldest living monarch and the third oldest living head of state, making him a unique figure in contemporary politics.