Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud became the King of Saudi Arabia on August 1, 2005.
Formerly known as Crown Prince Abdullah, he succeeded the throne following the death of his half-brother, King Fahd.
He had previously acted as de facto regent and thus ruler of Saudi Arabia since 1995 when King Fahd was incapacitated by a major stroke.
He was formally enthroned on August 3, 2005, but he inherited the title of King immediately after the death of his half-brother.
One of his sons, Prince Mutaib serves as a deputy commander in the Saudi National Guard.
{{/usCountry}}One of his sons, Prince Mutaib serves as a deputy commander in the Saudi National Guard.
{{/usCountry}}Abdullah also serves as Prime Minister and Commander of the Saudi National Guard.
He is Chairman of the Supreme Economic Council, Vice-President of the High Council for Petroleum and Minerals, President of the King Abdulaziz Centre for National Dialogue, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Civil Service and and a Member of the Military Service Council.
Abdullah is one of 37 sons of King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al-Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia.