Prince Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was appointed as Saudi Interior Minister on Monday following the passing of former Interior Minister Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdulaziz. Prince Ahmed is the tenth Interior Minister since the founding of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He is the 31st son of the founder of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz Al Saud. He previously served as Deputy Governor of Mecca Governorate during the reign of King Faisal Bin Abdulaziz. He was later appointed Deputy Interior Minister in 1975, during the early days of King Khalid Bin Abdulaziz’s reign.
Prince Ahmed is known for his personal leadership qualities, particularly in the security sphere, as well as his sincerity, strength of will and insight. He has made faultless decisions at critical moments in the history of the Kingdom, and is also known for his intelligence and his strong anti-crime stance.

Since his appointment as Deputy Interior Minister, Prince Ahmed Bin Abdulaziz has worked to draw up and implement strategic goals for the Saudi Interior Ministry, from achieving security and stability across the Kingdom to combatting all forms of crime and corruption with the objective of maintaining the integrity of Saudi society, and ensuring its development. In addition to this, Prince Ahmed has worked to ensure the safety of pilgrims visiting the Two Holy Mosques, protecting them from any risks or danger, allowing them to perform their holy worship freely and safety.

Prince Ahmed also continued efforts to implement security cooperation and coordination with neighboring Arab states as well as the Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] member-states, in order to protect and promote national and international security, as well as combat drugs and arms-smugglings, stimulate security exchange and organize rules and regulations relating to immigration and nationality. Prince Ahmed has played a major role in supporting regional security cooperation and coordination, and this has helped Riyadh protect the gains and achievements that have been made over the years.

Domestically Prince Ahmed is viewed as a master of security who stands on the front lines with the brave security forces to protect national security and preserve the achievements that have been made by the Saudi people.

In an interview conducted on Sunday, Prince Ahmed confirmed that Crown Prince Naif had been his role model, highlighting the departed Crown Prince’s “devotion to his religion, nation and King.” He added “he [Crown Prince Naif] is truly a noble role model and guiding light for myself and all the Saudi people.”

The Saudi Interior Minister has developed significantly since the establishment of the Public Prosecution – the Interior Ministry’s forerunner – in 1344 A.H. [1925] to administratively oversee the Hijaz region. In 1345 A.H [1926], the basic law of governance was issued and internal affairs were assigned to the Public Prosecution Department. This Department oversaw Public Security, Telegraph and Post, Public Health, Municipalities, Public Works, Commerce, Agriculture, Industry, Minerals and all private establishments.

In 1350 A.H. [1932], another decree was issued dividing the Public Prosecution into two departments, one of which became the Interior Ministry. The Interior Minister was given administration of Health, Education, Telegraph and Post, Legal Courts, General Police, Municipalities and Endowment. The second department was named the Deputies Council Bureau, and consisted of Chairman and Deputies from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Shura Council. Responsibility for these two divisions was assigned to then Deputy General Prince Faisal Bin Abdulaziz, may he rest in peace.

In 1353 A.H. [1935] another royal decree (Royal Decree number 18/4/10) was issued merging the Interior Ministry with the Deputies Council Bureau, with the Interior Ministry’s responsibilities now being assigned to the Council of Deputies.

In 1370 A.H. [1951] the Interior Ministry was reformed according to Royal Decree 5/11/8697. The Interior Ministry was granted responsibility of administering the regions, emirates and security sectors of the Hijaz region. Following this, the Ministry was transferred from Hijaz to Riyadh in 1375 A.H. [1956] gradually taking over responsibility for monitoring different regions of the Kingdom until it was administering all of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by 1380 A.H. [1961].