Abdullah, << ahb DUL luh or ab dool LAH >> (1924?-2015), served as king and prime minister of Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2015. He previously had assumed the position of commander of the Saudi National Guard in 1962. Abdullah came to power after the death of his half brother King Fahd, who had ruled Saudi Arabia since 1982. In the mid-1990’s, Fahd suffered a stroke, and his health began to decline. Abdullah became increasingly responsible for governing the country. In 2000, Abdullah assumed the title of regent (one who governs in place of the king).
Abdullah supported moderate reforms within Saudi Arabia. He also became a spokesman for the Arab world and played a leadership role in trying to peacefully settle the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Abdullah ibn Abd al-Aziz Al Saud was born in Riyadh. He was educated at the royal court, but he lived part of his youth with Bedouin tribes in the deserts of Saudi Arabia. Abdullah died on Jan. 23, 2015.
