Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was a distinguished member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family, holding crucial ministerial roles over several decades. He was notably the seventeenth son of King Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Shahida. Beyond royal birth, Mutaib carved out a significant place in his country’s governance and administration, demonstrating strong leadership and astute political acumen throughout his career.

Mutaib Al Saud’s extensive service record includes multiple tenures as Minister of Public Works and Housing, Minister of Electricity and Water, and Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs. His tenure witnessed groundbreaking events for Saudi Arabia, such as the country’s first municipal elections in 2005.

Despite his political prominence, he was also a successful businessman with a reported net worth exceeding $110 million as of 2013.

Born in Riyadh in 1931, Prince Mutaib spent his early education years at the prestigious Institute of Al-Anjal, later known as the Model Capital Institute. Recognising his potential, the royal family sponsored his higher education abroad. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California in 1955, subsequently returning to Saudi Arabia prepared to assume responsibilities in public office.

Prince Mutaib married Princess Noura bint Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Abdul Latif Al-Sheikh, who passed away in 2010. Their children include Princess Nouf (deceased), Prince Mansour, Princess Maha, Princess Al Anoud, Princess Al Jawhara, Princess Mudawi, and Prince Abdulaziz.

He also married Princess Haya bint Abdullah bin Saad Al-Sudairi, the mother of Princess Walaa; Princess Latifa Ahmed Al-Sudairi; Princess Mashael bint Adel bin Mohammed Al-Faqeer, with whom he had Princess Sarah; and Princess Noura bint Abdul Rahman bin Burman Al-Subaie, mother of Princess Saita.

– His sibling princes included Mansour bin Abdulaziz, who passed away in 1951, and Mishaal bin Abdulaziz, who died in 2017. Additionally, his sister was Princess Qumasha who passed away in 2011.

– He oversaw Saudi Arabia’s first municipal elections during his term as the Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs in 2005.

– Appointed Minister of Public Works and Housing twice (1956–1975, 1984–2003).

– His son, Prince Mansour, succeeded him as Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs until 2009.

– Was a member of the Saudi Allegiance Council.

– He possessed considerable wealth, reportedly amounting to around $110.1 million as of 2013.

Prince Mutaib bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s significant achievements include:

– Becoming Emir of the Mecca region in 1955, serving for two years.

– Appointed as Minister of Public Works and Housing by Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in January 1956, serving until March 1975.

– Serving as Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs from 1975 to 1983, where he notably supervised Saudi Arabia’s first municipal elections.

– Assigned as Minister of Electricity and Water briefly (1983–1984).

– Returning to the Ministry of Public Works and Housing for another long-term tenure from 1984 to 2003, contributing substantially to Saudi infrastructure development.

– Once again appointed Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs from 2003 until his resignation in 2009, passing the mantle to his son Prince Mansour.

– Membership in the Allegiance Council, playing an essential role in determining future Saudi leadership.

Prince Mutaib, often recognised for his calm demeanor and keen intellect, developed an influential profile, balancing administrative duties with a successful business career. During his long career in government, his pragmatic leadership and forward-thinking policies left a significant impact on Saudi Arabia’s development trajectory.