House of Saud

The House of Saud is the royal family of Saudi Arabia. While the modern nation of Saudi Arabia was established in 1932, the House of Saud has been around for much longer. Prior to Ibn Saud, this family ruled the Nejd and often came into conflict with the Ottoman Empire and the Rashidis. The House of Saud is also linked with Wahhabism through the marriage of the son of Muhammad ibn Saud with the daughter of Muhammad ibn Abd al Wahhab in 1744.

Political Role

The Head of the House of Saud is the King of Saudi Arabia who serves as Head of State and monarch of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The King holds great political power, and is often likened to an absolute monarch.

Related Topics:
King of Saudi Arabia - Head of State - Monarch - Absolute monarch

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Unlike Western royal families, the Saudi Monarchy does not have a clearly defined order of succession. Upon becoming King, the monarch designates an heir apparent to the throne who serves as Crown Prince of the Kingdom. Upon the King's death the Crown Prince becomes King, and during the King's incapacitation the Crown Prince likewise assumes power as regent. Though other members of the House of Saud hold political positions in the Saudi government, technically it is only the King and Crown Prince who legally constitute the political institution of the Saudi monarchy.

Related Topics:
Royal families - Order of succession - Heir apparent - Crown Prince - Regent

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