Abdul Aziz Al Saud

Prince Abdul Aziz Al Saud, popularly known by his pseudonym “Al Samer,” was an influential Saudi Arabian poet and businessman celebrated across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region for his profound contributions to popular poetry. Renowned particularly for verses dedicated to royalty and leadership figures, a number of his poems were captured in songs performed by prominent artists in the Arab world. His impact extended beyond poetry, organizing national events and significantly contributing to Saudi cultural celebrations through his artistic endeavors.

He belongs to a distinguished lineage, gaining fame under his poetic alias “Al Samer”.

Born in Riyadh, Abdul Aziz Al Saud grew up amidst a rich cultural background. His fascination with poetry began at a very young age, predominantly inspired by his father’s poetry. He devoted his early years to learning and memorizing the verses crafted by his father, Prince Saud bin Mohammed. This foundational early exposure shaped his passion and allowed him to master the nuances of popular poetry, positioning him as a leading poetic voice later in life.

Prince Abdul Aziz Al Saud married Sheikha Sheikha bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, sister of Dubai’s ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The union blessed them with three sons: Prince Rashid, Prince Saud, and Prince Mohammed. Coming from a prominent and historically significant family, his lineage, both paternal and maternal, includes notable Saudi figures. Among his close relatives were Sultan bin Mohammad bin Saud Al Kabeer and Prince Turki bin Mohammad bin Saud Al Kabeer. His family comprised fifteen brothers and three sisters.

Aside from poetry and entrepreneurship, Abdul Aziz Al Saud pursued various hobbies, including falconry. He notably volunteered for military service in 1990 during the Gulf War to support the liberation of Kuwait.

– Recognized as the “Poet of Al Saud” by the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz.

– Won the Best Gulf Poet title in 1995 following a large-scale survey conducted by a Kuwaiti media institution involving nearly a thousand intellectuals from across Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

– Awarded the title of “Knight of Poetry Nights” in 2002.

– Honored with the title “Prince of Poetry Evenings” in 2003.

– In 2006, publicly declared a retreat from contributing his poems to musical collaborations due to personal conviction, although later returned to participate in national artistic productions.

Prince Abdul Aziz Al Saud distinguished himself through numerous poetic collaborations and musical partnerships across the Arab region. He wrote lyrics adopted by celebrated names, such as Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo’s renowned “Sayed Al Ghanadeer” in 1983. His subsequent collaborations witnessed similar success, notably “Aahat” and “Hakemni,” performed by singer Khaled Abdel Rahman in 1992.

Additionally, he partnered artistically with Abdullah Al Ruwished on the hit tracks “Ya Malak Al Rouh” and “Ghamda.” He penned “Shartan Al Dhahab,” famously sung and composed by artist Rashid Al Majid alongside the late Saudi composer Saleh Al-Shehri.

Al Saud also played a vital role through nationally significant operetta productions celebrating Saudi history and heritage. Among his notable poetry recitations was his renowned 1997 poetry night at the Saudi Hunting and Equestrian Club, featuring popular poems such as “Balaght Al Salam,” “Ahl Al Khaleej,” “Remsh Al Dhalil,” “Juyush Al Mahabba,” and “Teifak Ma’i.”

His literary contributions encapsulate several published poetic collections, including “Diwan Al Samer,” “Haraer Al Samer,” and “Naza’er Al Samer,” the latter translated into English, with profits dedicated entirely to charity. In 2005, he produced “Safwat Mulook Al Arab wal Muslimeen,” an anthology featuring over sixty poems written in honor of King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz. The publication was distributed for free to the public through various media channels and libraries.

Beyond his creative literary endeavors, Al Saud notably organized and sponsored poetry competitions, motivating upcoming poets through significant financial rewards. These events typically celebrated the life and achievements of Saudi Arabia’s distinguished leadership.

Abdul Aziz Al Saud engaged notably in poetic debates and dialogues, especially with influential figures like Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE’s Minister of Defense, and poet Rashid bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa from Bahrain. Through these culturally enriching engagements, he strengthened interpersonal Gulf relations and promoted poetic cultural heritage.