Ibn Saud
Ibn Saud, Abdul Aziz, (1880–1953), founder of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. An able ruler, King Ibn Saud established order and security, broke down old patriarchal loyalties, and promoted Arab nationalism. He was born in Riyadh, the grandson of the sultan of Nejd. His family had taken the leadership in the Wahhabi reform movement in Islam. In 1891 Ibn Saud and his family were driven into exile by a rival chieftain. After succeeding to his father's claim, Ibn Saud recaptured Riyadh in 1901, and then won control of all Nejd in central Arabia.
During World War I Ibn Saud was neutral while the British drove the Turks out of Arabia. In 1924–25 he conquered the kingdom of Hejaz, and then declared himself king of Nejd and Hejaz, which he renamed Saudi Arabia in 1932. He became wealthy through oil concessions. During World War II Ibn Saud was neutral but friendly to the Allies. He was succeeded by his son, Saud Ibn Abdul-Aziz.