Looking back on the life of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah

January 22, 2015

Updated on Jan 23, 2015

By Jonathan Kealing

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah, who had reigned over the oil-rich Middle East kingdom for a decade, died Friday morning in Saudi Arabia, according to state TV there.

The monarch, who was in his 90s — though his precise age is subject to some debate — had served as de facto ruler for another decade before taking the throne on the death of his brother. Abdullah was known as a reformer, pushing the deeply conservative kingdom to become somewhat more modern — though hardly by conventonal, Western standards.

The king's successor is his half brother, Crown Prince Salman. The succession is the first royal succession under an Allegiance Council setup by King Abdullah to streamline and strengthen the royal succession as the sons of former King Abdulaziz all reach advanced age, meaning the succession could move on to the next generation in the coming years. Burial was set for later Friday.

Abdullah was widely traveled and influential in global foreign policy. He was a major powerbroker in the Middle East and, mostly, a reliable ally for several American presidents — dating back to his time as regent during Bill Clinton's presidency.

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President Obama and King Abdullah — U.S. President Barack Obama meets with King Abdullah at Rawdat al-Khraim (Desert Camp) near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, March 28, 2014. Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

King Abdullah and John Kerry — King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and US Secretary of State John Kerry talk before a meeting at the King's private residence in Jeddah June 27, 2014.Brendan Smialowski/Reuters

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and President Francois Hollande — Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud speaks with French President Francois Hollande after a meeting at the Saudi Royal palace in Riyadh December 29, 2013. Kenzo Tribouillard/Reuters

King Abdullah funeral — Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, wearing a medical face mask, attends funeral prayers of Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in Turki bin Abdullah Mosque in Riyadh October 25, 2011.Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters

George W. Bush and King Abdullah — U.S. President George W. Bush sips his tea with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as some of the King's horses are paraded before him during his visit to Al Janadriyah Farm in Al Janadriyah January 15, 2008.Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

Lech Kaczynski and King Abdullah — Poland's President Lech Kaczynski gestures as he meets with Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at a welcoming ceremony at the presidential palace courtyard in Warsaw June 25, 2007.Kacper Pempel/Reuters

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in 2006 — Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud and French President Jacques Chirac review troops at Riyadh airbase, March 4, 2006.Francois Mori/Reuters

Crown Prince Abdullah in 2002 — Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud shakes hands and accepts petitions to the King as he is surrounded by supporters and countrymen in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Houston before his departure for Saudi Arabia April 28, 2002. Richard Carson/Reuters

Bill Clinton and King Abdullah — President Bill Clinton welcomes Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul-Aziz al Saud to the White House September 24, 1998. Reuters

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