Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud

Prince Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud, seventh son of the late Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, is recognized for his varied career—military officer, government official, and businessman. Serving as a fighter jet pilot, he earned respect within the Saudi military, achieving the rank of Colonel and commanding fighter squadrons, notably the F-15 aircraft.

He notably received Italy’s prestigious Medal of Merit and completed advanced military coursework in strategic studies. Prince Turki also briefly held significant leadership roles, including as Deputy Governor and later Governor of Riyadh Province.

In 2018, Turki bin Abdullah was detained amid an anti-corruption crackdown targeting prominent Saudi figures. He was accused of financial and administrative irregularities relating to the Riyadh Metro Project, which he oversaw. Observers, however, speculated that his detention was partly due to his refusal to repatriate substantial overseas assets.

Prince Turki was an accomplished fighter pilot, leading the Saudi Air Force’s squadron during joint exercises with US military forces.

At Arageek, we believe it is essential to provide readers with context, allowing them to form balanced opinions about influential figures like Prince Turki bin Abdullah. Whether viewed through his extensive military and humanitarian contributions or through the controversies marking his later years, the Prince undeniably represents a significant chapter in recent Saudi history.

Born on October 21, 1972, in Riyadh, Prince Turki bin Abdullah was brought up in a distinguished royal family. His mother, Princess Tadi bint Mashan Al Jarba, and his siblings—including princes Mishaal, Mohammed, Majed, Mashhood, and princesses Oraib and Hanouf—formed a close-knit family circle.

He attended the Williams Air Force Base in the United States, later enhancing his qualifications with a Master’s in Military Sciences, as well as a degree in Strategic Studies with honors from the University of Wales.

Prince Turki bin Abdullah was previously married to Princess Hala bint Khaled bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Prince Turki bin Abdullah Al Saud held prominent roles within the Saudi government, rising swiftly through military and political ranks. His appointment as Emir (Governor) of Riyadh Province in May 2014 marked a significant milestone in his public service career. However, his tenure was short-lived—a royal decree issued in January 2015, shortly after King Salman bin Abdulaziz ascended the throne, brought his official responsibilities to an abrupt end.

Later that year, in November 2015, Prince Turki received honorary recognition and an academic title in China, reflecting the depth of his international ties and growing diplomatic profile. Yet this positive momentum soon collided with the shifting dynamics of Saudi internal politics.

Detention and Allegations

In late 2017, amid a sweeping anti-corruption purge led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Turki was reportedly detained and held at Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton Hotel, alongside other senior royals and businessmen. While Saudi authorities maintained that the crackdown aimed to curb corruption, critics and observers questioned whether it also served to consolidate power within the royal court.

Throughout the detention period, unconfirmed reports surfaced, alleging that Prince Turki endured harsh treatment. Media outlets cited unnamed sources claiming mistreatment and even an attempted suicide—claims that garnered international attention but were never officially confirmed by Saudi officials.

A Symbol of Transition

Prince Turki’s dramatic fall from grace underscores the complex and evolving dynamics within the Saudi royal hierarchy. His story serves as a microcosm of broader transformations in the Kingdom’s leadership structure—a shift toward centralized authority, stricter control over dissent, and a redefinition of power and privilege among the royal elite.