Saudi Arabian
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The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), categorized as a World Bank high-income economy with a high Human Development Index, is the only Arab country to be part of the G-20 major economies. Not surprisingly, it is the homeland of several billionaires like businessman Mohammed Hussein Ali Al Amoudi who is one of the richest Saudi Arabian citizens in the world and the second richest black person in the world. Another millionaire Maan Abdul Wahed Al-Sanea is famous not just for his vast fortunes, but also for the several educational and charitable facilities he founded. Also famous for its intellectuals and Islamic scholars, the nation has produced the likes of diplomat and author Ghazi Abdul Rahman Al Gosaibi who was considered among Saudi Arabia's topmost technocrats since the mid-1970s. Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, an Islamic scholar and a leading proponent of the Salafi form of Islam served as the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia from 1993 until his death in 1999. Even though the nation is known for its limitations on women’s rights, women like Samia al-Amoudi, Samira Khashoggi, and Wajeha al-Huwaider have challenged the patriarchal society to emerge as successful professionals in diverse fields. This section provides you information about the life and works of famous Saudi Arabians.
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Birthdate: August 31, 1985
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Jeddah
Mohammed bin Salman is the Crown Prince, deputy prime minister, and defense minister of Saudi Arabia. He launched the Vision 2030 program, removed the ban on female drivers, and curtailed the powers of the religious forces. However, he is known as an autocratic ruler and brutally assassinated journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
(King and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia)
Birthdate: December 31, 1935
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been reigning as the King of Saudi Arabia since 23 January 2015. An important political figure, Salman also served as the Minister of Defense from 5 November 2011 to 23 January 2015. Salman also served as the Governor of Riyadh Province on two occasions; from 1956 to 1960 and again from 1963 to 2011.
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Khalid ibn al-Walid
(Arab Muslim General Who Was a Part of the Islamic Expansion under Prophet Muhammad)
Birthdate: 0592 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: 0642 AD
Arab Muslim army general Khalid ibn al-Walid had a prominent role in the the Ridda Wars against Arab rebels and in the campaigns in Sasanian Iraq and Byzantine Syria. He was a major figure in the Islamic expansion under the Prophet Muhammad and his successors, Abu Bakr and Umar.
Birthdate: May 27, 1332
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Tunis, Tunisia
Died: March 16, 1406
Ibn Khaldun was an Arab scholar, philosopher, social scientist, and historian. He is often credited with founding the modern disciplines of sociology, historiography, economics, and demography. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of the medieval period.
Birthdate: April 9, 1906
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Died: March 25, 1975
Faisal of Saudi Arabia was King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 to 1975. He was the son of King Abdulaziz and his wife, Tarfa. During his father’s reign, he was given numerous responsibilities of political significance. After coming to power, he implemented a series of modern reforms and issued a decree for the total abolition of slavery.
Birthdate: August 1, 1924
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Riyadh, Sultanate of Nejd (now Saudi Arabia)
Died: January 23, 2015
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, or Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, was the king of Saudi Arabia and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from 2005 to 2015. One of King Abdulaziz’s sons, he also led the Saudi Arabian National Guard. He was once the world’s third-wealthiest head of state.
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Hassan Jameel(Saudi Businessman, Deputy President and Vice Chairman of His Family's Business ‘Abdul Latif Jameel’)
Birthdate: October 22, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Saudi Arabia
Hassan Jameel is a Saudi businessman and the current Vice Chairman and Deputy President of Abdul Latif Jameel's Saudi Arabia wing. He handles the international conglomerate business' operations, such as machinery, real estate, and automotive in Saudi Arabia. Also a well-known philanthropist, Hassan Jameel works towards assisting job-seekers and promotes safety and health in Saudi Arabia.
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Fatimah bint Muhammad
(Daughter of Muḥammad)
Birthdate: 0615 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: August 18, 0632
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Aisha bint Abu Bakr
(Muhammad's wife)
Birthdate: 0605 AD
Birthplace: Mecca
Died: July 13, 0678
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Khadīja bint Khuwaylid
(First Wife of Muhammad ibn Abdullah)
Birthdate: 0555 AD
Birthplace: Saudi Arabia
Died: November 22, 0619
Khadīja bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of Muhammad ibn Abdullah, the founder of Islam. She is also widely regarded as Muhammad's first follower. A successful businesswoman, Khadīja is an important female figure in the Islamic tradition and is counted among the four ladies of heaven. Khadīja bint Khuwaylid is often referred to as The Mother of Believers by Muslims.
Birthdate: 0571 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Hejaz, Arabia
Died: June 8, 0632
Prophet Muhammad was an Arab religious, political, and social leader. He is credited with founding the world's second-largest religion, Islam. He is believed to have been sent to preach and confirm the teachings of other prophets, such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. He is also believed to have received revelations from God, which form the verses of the Quran.
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Fahd of Saudi Arabia
(The Longest-Reigning King of Saudi Arabia (1982 - 2005))
Birthdate: March 16, 1921
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Died: August 1, 2005
Fahd of Saudi Arabia, the eighth son of Saudi king Abdulaziz, started his career as a politician and served as the minister of education and the minister of interior of Saudi Arabia. He then reigned as the king and prime minister of Saudi Arabia for more than 2 decades, becoming the longest-reigning Saudi king.
Birthdate: March 7, 1955
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Riyadh
Saudi Arabian businessman and philanthropist Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud is part of the Saudi royal family. Son of The Red Prince Talal bin Abdul-Aziz, he founded the conglomerate Kingdom Holding Company. Named by Time as the Arabian Warren Buffett, he was also arrested for corruption once.
Birthdate: August 30, 1959
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Jeddah
Muhammad bin Nayef Al Saud is Saudi Arabia's former crown prince. The grandson of King Abdulaziz, the founder and first king of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Nayef served as the first deputy prime minister of Saudi Arabia. On 6 March 2020, Muhammad bin Nayef was arrested and charged with treason. His well-being and whereabouts are currently unknown.
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Uthman
(The Third Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate and the Son-in-Law of Prophet Muhammad)
Birthdate: 0576 AD
Birthplace: Taif, Saudi Arabia
Died: June 17, 0656
Uthman, also known as Osman, was the second cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad served as the third caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. An affluent merchant of the Umayyad clan, he became the Prophet’s first convert of a high social class. He died fighting Egyptian rebels.
Birthdate: April 23, 0702
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Died: February 14, 0765
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Jamal Khashoggi
(Journalist)
Birthdate: October 13, 1958
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Died: October 2, 2018
Birthdate: July 4, 1996
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Birthdate: February 13, 1913
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Died: June 13, 1982
Khalid of Saudi Arabia reigned as the king of Saudi Arabia from 1975 until his death in 1982. One of the sons of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, Khalid represented the country abroad as a diplomat. In 1943, he played a key role in establishing diplomatic relations between the United States of America and Saudi Arabia.
Birthdate: July 25, 1935
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: June 6, 2017
Adnan Khashoggi was a Saudi businessman and arms dealer who became famous for his lavish lifestyle. He was said to be a middleman in the Iran–Contra affair and was also once arrested for his alleged association with the Imelda Marcos affair. He owned the investment company Triad International.
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Abu Talib ibn ‘Abdu’l-Muttalib
(Chief of Banu Hashim clan of Quraysh)
Birthdate: 0535 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: 0619 AD
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Umar(Second Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate)
Birthdate: 0586 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: November 3, 0644
Umar was one of the most influential and powerful Muslim caliphs in history. The father-in-law of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, Umar reigned as the second Caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate from 634 to 644. During his reign, the Rashidun Caliphate expanded immensely, ruling the Sasanian Empire and much of the Byzantine Empire. Umar is revered in the Sunni tradition.
Birthdate: January 15, 1902
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Died: February 23, 1969
Modernization of his country’s educational and medical facilities was the chief aim of Saudi Arabian king Saud, son of Ibn Saud. However, amid internal conflict and tension in his country, he was deposed while abroad for medical treatment, and his brother, Faisal took over as the new king.
Birthdate: May 20, 1885
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: September 8, 1933
Faisal I, the first king of Iraq, led a new wave of Arab nationalism during World War I. Son of the Grand Sharif of Mecca, Hussein bin Ali, Faisal united the Shias and Sunnis. His friendship with Britain led to several treaties, including Iraq’s membership in the League of Nations.
Birthdate: 0602 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: 0680 AD
Muawiyah I, founder of the Umayyad dynasty of caliphs, is remembered in history for conquering Egypt and crushing Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet Muhammad’s son-in-law. He reigned over Damascus until his death in 680, following which a tug-of-war over succession led to the Second Muslim Civil War.
Birthdate: 0711 AD
Birthplace: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Died: 0795 AD
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Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
(A Distant Kinsman and Leading Opponent Turned Companion of Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam)
Birthdate: 0565 AD
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: 0623 AD
Abu Sufyan ibn Harb was a prominent financier and merchant from the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. His son Mu'awiya I was founder and first caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate. Abu was one of the main leaders of Mecca who opposed the Islamic prophet Muhammad, a distant Qurayshite kinsman and later Abu’s son-in-law, until Muhammad entered and captured Mecca in 630.
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Umar II
(Eighth Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate)
Birthdate: November 2, 0682
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Died: February 5, 0720
Umar II reigned as the eighth Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate from 717 to 720 CE. Described as the most devout and pious of the Umayyad rulers, Umar II is credited with making various important contributions to the society. During his rule, the Islamic faith was accepted by large segments of the population of Egypt and Persia.
Birthdate: October 21, 1960
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
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Omar bin Laden
(Saudi-Arabian Author, Artist, Businessman, and Cultural Ambassador)
Birthdate: March 1, 1981
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Omar bin Laden is a Saudi-Arabian author, artist, businessman, and cultural ambassador. Omar, who has been living in France for several years now, achieved popularity when he made contributions to a book titled Growing Up bin Laden. The book, which was published in 2009, recollects his time with his father Osama bin Laden.
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Sultan bin Salman Al Saud
(Saudi Prince and Former Royal Saudi Air Force Pilot)
Birthdate: June 27, 1956
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Sultan bin Salman Al Saud is a Saudi prince best known for his service as a fighter pilot in the Royal Saudi Air Force. A payload specialist, Sultan flew aboard one of NASA's Space Shuttle missions. The first Arab and the first Muslim in space, Sultan has been honored with many prestigious awards, including the NASA Space Flight Medal.
Birthdate: 1853 AD
Birthplace: Istanbul, Turkey
Died: June 4, 1931
Hussein bin Ali Sharif had been the emir of Mecca and the king of Hejaz. While leading the Arab rebellion against the Ottomans, he had declared himself the “king of the Arab countries.” Later, he proclaimed himself the caliph but had to abdicate in the face of Ibn Saud’s attack.
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Loujain Alhathloul
(Activist)
Birthdate: July 31, 1989
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Abd al-Malik
(Fifth Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate)
Birthdate: 0644
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Died: October 9, 0705
Abd al-Malik reigned as the fifth Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate from 12 April 685 until his demise on 9 October 705. Abd al-Malik is often counted among the most celebrated caliphs by historians. Prior to his accession, Abd al-Malik held military and administrative posts under Caliph Mu'awiya I and Caliph Marwan I.
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Bandar bin Sultan
(Retired Saudi Arabian Diplomat and Former President of General Intelligence (2012 - 2014))
Birthdate: March 2, 1949
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Ta'if
Prominent Saudi spy chief Bandar bin Sultan, who headed Saudi intelligence, has also served as the Secretary General of the National Security Council. He has been a Saudi ambassador to the US and a special envoy to King Abdullah and has worked for better relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel.
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Salem Al-Dawsari
(Footballer)
Birthdate: August 19, 1991
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Jeddah
Birthdate: 0600 AD
Birthplace: Kaaba, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: January 28, 0661
Ali ibn Abi Talib was the son-in-law and a cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He played a key role in establishing the Muslim community by participating in almost all the battles that the nascent community fought. He ruled as the fourth caliph and is revered by Shia Muslims even today.
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Khalid A. Al-Falih
(Saudi Arabia Minister of Investment)
Birthdate: 1960 AD
Birthplace: Riyadh
Khalid A. Al-Falih is the incumbent Minister of Investment of Saudi Arabia holding office of the newly created ministry since February 2020. He earlier served as Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources; Minister of Health; and as Chairman of the board of Saudi Aramco. He is one of the founding members of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.
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Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi
(Ethiopian-born Saudi Billionaire Businessman)
Birthdate: July 21, 1946
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dessie, Ethiopia
Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi is an Ethiopian-born Saudi billionaire businessman. Counted among the richest men in the world, Al Amoudi is Ethiopia's largest individual foreign investor. Mohammed Hussein Al Amoudi is also known for his philanthropic activities. He has funded several projects, including a breast cancer research centre in Saudi Arabia.
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Talal of Jordan
(King of Jordan Who Was Forced to Abdicate due to His Mental Illness)
Birthdate: February 26, 1909
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: July 7, 1972
Part of the Hashemite dynasty, Talal of Jordan reigned as the king of Jordan for a little over a year in the 1950s. The only son of Abdullah I, the first king of Jordan, he was forced to abdicate due to his mental illness. He died in a sanatorium in Istanbul.
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Saud bin Faisal Al Saud
(Saudi Arabian Diplomat and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs (1975 - 2015))
Birthdate: January 2, 1940
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Taif, Saudi Arabia
Died: July 9, 2015
Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was a Saudi Arabian diplomat and statesman. He is best remembered for his service as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 13 October 1975 to 29 April 2015. His reign as the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia for almost four decades makes him the longest-serving Minister of Foreign Affairs in world history.
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Marwan I
(The First Marwanid Caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate)
Birthdate: March 28, 0623
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Died: May 7, 0685
The first Marwanid caliph of the Umayyad dynasty and the fourth Umayyad caliph, Marwan I initially governed Medina and the Hejaz. His short rule was marked by internal conflict for the caliphate. Old and in poor health at the time of his accession to the throne, he died within a year.
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Abd al-Aziz ibn Baz
(Scholar)
Birthdate: November 21, 1910
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Died: May 13, 1999
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Abdallah bin Laden
(Son of Osama bin Laden)
Birthdate: 1976 AD
Birthplace: Saudi Arabia
Abdallah bin Laden is the son of al-Qaeda terrorist Osama bin Laden. He is credited with founding his own firm named Fame Advertising, which he currently runs in Jeddah. Thanks to his father's reputation, the Saudi government keeps close tabs on Abdallah bin Laden.
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Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr
(Seventh-Century Caliph Known for His Rebellion against the Umayyad Dynasty)
Birthdate: 0624
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Died: October 31, 0692
Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr was a 7th-century caliph and is remembered for leading a rebellion against the Umayyad dynasty. He was also associated with the Prophet Muhammad. His rebellion began the Second Muslim Civil War. He died in the siege of Mecca initiated by the forces of Abd al-Malik.
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Saints Cosmas and Damian
(Martyr)
Birthdate: 0200 AD
Birthplace: Arabian Peninsula
Died: 0287 AD
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Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf
(An Efficient Governor of the Umayyad Caliphate)
Birthdate: 0661 AD
Birthplace: Taif, Saudi Arabia
Died: 0714 AD
One of the most efficient governors of the Umayyad caliphate, Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf was initially a schoolteacher and later reigned as the governor of Iraq. He introduced a new coinage system, maintained a good irrigation system, and prevented the migration of the rural population to the towns.
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Ibn al-Khattab
(Saudi-Born Mujahid and 1st Emir of the Arab Mujahideen in Chechnya (2000 - 2002))
Birthdate: April 14, 1969
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Saudi Arabia
Died: March 20, 2002
Saudi-born Mujahid Emir Ibn al-Khattab initially wished to study in the US but later became the face of the First and Second Chechen Wars. His original identity was unknown till his death in 2002. He died after exposure to a poisoned letter sent by Russian agencies.
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Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi
(Saudi Arabian Billionaire and Corporate Figure)
Birthdate: November 30, 1928
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia
Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi is a Saudi Arabian billionaire and corporate figure. Counted among the country's wealthiest non-royals, the Al Rajhi family has also been among the leading philanthropists in the world. In 2012, Sulaiman Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi was honored with the prestigious King Faisal International Prize for pledging half his fortune to charity.
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Majed Abdullah
(Football striker)
Birthdate: November 1, 1959
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Jeddah