Although always modest and self-effacing, Abdullah Suleiman wielded considerable power and influence. His devotion to Ibn Saud was absolute and he worked unremittingly for the good of the Kingdom. He constructed the bases for the Kingdom’s finances and administration until, eventually he controlled all the directorates. He laid the foundations for the development of the Ministries through which today the affairs of the Kingdom are managed.

Towards the end of Ibn Saud’s reign, when the country began to enjoy the benefit of oil revenues, it was necessary to introduce more sophisticated accounting systems, consistent with the requirements of an expanding economy. The base of administrative and financial control was broadened, as others were given responsibility for some of the areas over which Abdullah Suleiman had held sway. Eventually a few years after Ibn Saud’s death, Abdullah Suleiman withdrew from government into a well-earned retirement.

Main reference point: FEATURES