Turki bin Bandar

Prince Turki bin Bandar bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud is a Saudi Arabian businessman and former member of the kingdom’s royal family, recognized prominently for his outspoken opposition against the ruling family’s political approaches. His active stance calling for sweeping political reforms drew significant global attention, especially among human rights activists and political observers. After publicly dissenting against the Saudi establishment, Turki mysteriously vanished in 2015, triggering widespread speculation about his current status. There are widespread claims that he was forcibly returned to Saudi Arabia where he is believed to be detained.

Prince Turki’s critiques against the Saudi royal family were widely shared through YouTube following his relocation to Paris.

Here at Arageek, we highlight the intriguing yet troubling story of Turki bin Bandar. Through his audacious stance, he prompted critical dialogues on governance, transparency, and human rights. His disappearance underscores complexities surrounding political dissent in modern Middle Eastern politics, posing pertinent questions we must continually revisit: How much space truly exists for meaningful reform dissent? And, more importantly, what are the risks involved in such courageous advocacy?

We encourage our readers to stay informed about these compelling global stories, join discussions, and think critically about freedom of speech, human rights, and accountable governance.

Born on July 19, 1964, in Riyadh, Prince Turki was part of a lineage closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s founding monarch, King Abdulaziz Al Saud. His paternal grandfather was Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Saud, and his maternal grandfather was none other than King Abdulaziz himself. Growing up within such influential circles, Turki attended King Abdulaziz Military College around 1983. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Military Sciences, he initially served as an infantry officer in Sharurah before transferring to the Ministry of Interior, where he worked in investigation and intelligence. He further pursued specialized training related to traffic law enforcement and international policing in 1985-1986.

Prince Turki bin Bandar has maintained a strictly private stance regarding his family and personal relationships, revealing minimal information to the public.

– Formerly an honorary member of Saudi football club Al Nassr.

– Previously served as a captain within the Saudi traffic police.

– Criticised officials for alleged corruption and misuse of authority.

– Allegedly experienced an unjust imprisonment following disputes with influential family members, including King Abdullah and Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz.

– Authored multiple thought-provoking articles critiquing Saudi politics in the London-based publication Al-Haqaiq.

Prince Turki initially built a promising career within the Saudi governmental framework, holding influential roles such as assistant director of safety in the Department of Traffic Information and Sports Affairs. In 1996-1997, he chose to resign from government work to concentrate fully on his family’s business endeavors. Following his brother Prince Mohammed bin Bandar’s passing, Turki became Chairman of the Banader International Group, expanding its business presence significantly domestically and internationally.

His departure from Saudi Arabia marked a turning point—he emerged as a critical voice advocating for substantial political reform in the Kingdom on global platforms such as YouTube. His written articles appeared prominently in international media outlets, alongside poems articulating personal struggles, hope, and resistance against unfair practices.

Turki often accused senior figures within Saudi Arabia’s ruling establishment of confiscating assets belonging to his mother, Princess Al-Bandari bint Abdulaziz, suggesting these actions deeply contributed to her suffering and eventual demise. He became a vocal critic, specifically targeting King Abdullah, former Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Saud bin Nayef for allegedly conspiring to seize his family’s properties.

In 2015, authorities apprehended him at Morocco’s Mohammed V Airport due to an international arrest warrant. The Moroccan Court of Cassation ultimately approved his extradition to Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2015. Following his extradition, details about his circumstances remain unknown, leading several human-rights organizations to express concern over his well-being and current status.

Turki often accused senior figures within Saudi Arabia’s ruling establishment of confiscating assets belonging to his mother, Princess Al-Bandari bint Abdulaziz, suggesting these actions deeply contributed to her suffering and eventual demise. He became a vocal critic, specifically targeting King Abdullah, former Crown Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Saud bin Nayef for allegedly conspiring to seize his family’s properties.

In 2015, authorities apprehended him at Morocco’s Mohammed V Airport due to an international arrest warrant. The Moroccan Court of Cassation ultimately approved his extradition to Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2015. Following his extradition, details about his circumstances remain unknown, leading several human-rights organizations to express concern over his well-being and current status.