RIYADH — King Abdul Aziz, the founder of the Third Saudi State, was a visionary leader and statesman who set Saudi Arabia on the path to modernization. His charismatic personality, wisdom, and leadership had a profound impact on those around him. He was not only a ruler but also a leader of his people, deeply respected and admired for his dedication to unity and development. King Abdul Aziz was born on January 15, 1877, in Riyadh, during the final years of the Second Saudi State, which was experiencing a period of weakness. In 1891, after several unsuccessful attempts to defend Riyadh from the forces of Ibn Rashid, Abdul Aziz's father, Imam Abdul Rahman, was forced to leave the city with his family. This was a painful moment for the young Abdul Aziz, who was only 13 years old at the time. During his years in exile in Kuwait, King Abdul Aziz was deeply influenced by his father and remained committed to reclaiming his homeland. He spent his youth closely observing political developments, preparing for the day he could restore the glory of his ancestors. In 1889, he left Riyadh with his father and some family members, first stopping at Yabrin in Al-Ahsa before briefly residing in Bahrain and finally settling in Kuwait. Despite being far from home, he never lost sight of Riyadh, the city he longed to reclaim. While in Kuwait, he meticulously planned his return. In 1901, he set out on a daring mission with a small group of men, crossing the harsh desert during Ramadan. By the time they reached Abu Jafan, it was just before Eid al-Fitr. On the fourth of Shawwal, 1319 AH, King Abdul Aziz and his men arrived at Dhil Al-Shaqib, an area just over an hour's walk from Riyadh. With great strategic skill, he entered the city and swiftly re-established control. This victory marked the beginning of a new era for Najd, and in 1902, he was proclaimed Emir of Riyadh from the Masmak Palace tower. At that time, the Arabian Peninsula was fragmented, with various tribes in constant conflict. King Abdul Aziz, who understood the customs and traditions of these tribes, was able to win their loyalty and bring many of them to his side. Through his leadership, he united these groups under a single, coherent political system, establishing the foundation for a strong and stable state. The unification of the Arabian Peninsula under his rule ushered in a period of peace and development. He worked tirelessly to restore security and confront the instability that had plagued the region for years. His efforts earned him the deep admiration and respect of his people. In 1932, King Abdul Aziz issued a royal decree renaming the country from the Kingdom of Hejaz and Najd and its Dependencies to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This new name symbolized the successful unification of the regions and the establishment of a modern state. One of his major priorities was the expansion and development of the Two Holy Mosques and the holy sites. He introduced new services and facilities for pilgrims and visitors, ensuring their safety and comfort. At the same time, he invested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Schools, hospitals, and rural development projects were established, with a particular focus on agriculture and improving living conditions for nomadic communities. Recognizing the need for economic growth, King Abdul Aziz initiated oil exploration in 1933. The first attempts were met with little success, but in 1938, oil was discovered at a depth of 5,000 feet at Ain Jat, a location where King Abdul Aziz had previously stopped during his journey from Kuwait. This discovery transformed the country's economic landscape. By 1939, oil production had officially begun, marking a turning point for the Kingdom. The once arid desert soon became a hub of activity, with workers, engineers, and experts arriving to develop the oil industry. This newfound resource allowed King Abdul Aziz to implement his ambitious plans for the nation's future. On the international stage, King Abdul Aziz approached diplomacy with the same strategic mindset as he did domestic affairs. He maintained Saudi Arabia's independence in decision-making while fostering relationships with other nations. His leadership and firm stance on national sovereignty earned him the respect of world leaders and the admiration of Arab and international media. On November 9, 1953, King Abdul Aziz passed away in Taif after a long illness. His legacy lives on in the Kingdom he built, shaping its continued progress and development. His vision, determination, and leadership remain an inspiration to the Saudi people, who continue to build upon the foundations he established.
