Faisal of Saudi Arabia

Full Name: Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Profession: King

Biography: Faisal of Saudi Arabia was the King of Saudi Arabia from 1964 until his assassination in 1975. Coming to power in a period of immense change both within the Kingdom and globally, Faisal's economic initiatives aimed to modernize the country and included the establishment of the first Saudi five-year plans which aimed at economic diversification.

He also gained global prominence for his role in the 1973 oil crisis. As the leading voice within OPEC, Faisal enacted oil embargoes against Western nations that supported Israel in the Yom Kippur War, significantly affecting global oil prices and leading to greater awareness of OPEC as a political entity.

Despite modernization efforts and his international prominence, Faisal was a conservative ruler at heart, balancing the need for modernization with the maintenance of Islamic and traditional Saudi norms. His tenure was cut short when he was assassinated by his nephew, Faisal bin Musaid, in 1975.

Born: April 9, 1906
Birthplace: Riyadh, Emirate of Nejd and Hasa

Generation: Greatest Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Horse
Star Sign: Aries

Died: March 25, 1975 (aged 68)
Cause of Death: Assassinated by his nephew Faisal bin Musaid