Khalid of Saudi Arabia

ModernEmperorSaudi Arabia1913 — 1982

Saudi king during Grand Mosque seizure.

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Quick Facts

Born

1913

Died

1982

Country

Saudi Arabia

Era

Modern

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)43

Political (20%)37

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)39

Leadership (15%)62

Strategy (15%)54

Total Score46.9

Khalid of Saudi Arabia — Complete Timeline

1975 AD

Accession to the ThronePolitical Action◆ Major

Following the assassination of King Faisal, Khalid became King of Saudi Arabia. His reign was marked by continuity of Faisal's policies but with a more cautious approach to reform, focusing on stability and religious conservatism.

SuccessionRoyal Family

Impact: national

1979 AD

Grand Mosque SeizureWar

During King Khalid's reign, Juhayman al-Otaybi and his followers seized the Grand Mosque in Mecca, holding hundreds of pilgrims hostage. The Saudi military, with French assistance, recaptured the mosque after a two-week siege, resulting in hundreds of deaths.

CrisisReligious ExtremismSecurity

Impact: nationaltragic

Second Oil Price ShockPolitical Action◆ Major

The Iranian Revolution and the Grand Mosque seizure led to a second oil price shock during Khalid's reign. Saudi Arabia increased oil production to stabilize markets, demonstrating its role as a swing producer in OPEC.

Oil PoliticsEconomic Policy

Impact: global