Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman al Saud: Founder and First King of Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz’s rule also paid attention to the Two Holy Mosques

He came to the Hejaz and commanded the restoration of the Grand Mosque in Makkah. In 1925 an order was given for substantial repairs of the mosque and enlargement.

His administration also took on the question of the care and administration of the holy cities.

Foreign Affairs

As Saudi Arabia grew, King Abdulaziz also built relationships with surrounding nations and world leaders.

He had multiple abroad tours and contacts with regional rulers and worldwide political personalities. One of his most famous meetings was with U.S. president Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945 aboard the USS Quincy in the Suez Canal area.

He also met various regional and international leaders during visits and diplomatic discussions.

Communication, Agriculture and Water

Basic services also have to improve, if the country is to become stable.

King Abdulaziz’s government focussed on water availability and agricultural growth. Experts were brought in to hunt for sources of water and agricultural projects and technical help were introduced.

Communication also expanded under his reign. Telephone networks linked different locations and wireless schools were built in Makkah and Riyadh.

It was also under his reign that Saudi radio transmission began. The first Saudi radio station was created in Jeddah in 1949.

...[ Continue to next page ] By: Ruchi Barwal