Early Experience
As one of King Abdulaziz's eldest sons, Prince Faisal was delegated numerous responsibilities to consolidate control over Arabia. In 1925, Prince Faisal, in command of an army of Saudi loyalists, won a decisive victory in the Hejaz. In return, he was made the governor of Hejaz the following year. His appointment in 1926 as viceroy in the Hejaz with its holy cities of Mecca and Medina and the commercial and diplomatic capital of Jeddah catapulted the young prince onto the international stage that affected his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs six years later.
After the new Saudi kingdom was formalized in 1932, Prince Faisal became Minister of Foreign Affairs, a position he continued to hold even as King. Prince Faisal visited Europe several times in this period and also Russia in 1933.
Prince Faisal also commanded a section of the Saudi forces that took part in the brief Saudi-Yemeni War of 1934, successfully fighting off Yemeni claims over Saudi Arabia's southern provinces. In September 1943, Prince Faisal and Prince Khalid were invited to the US, and then Vice President Harry Truman organized a dinner for them at the White House. They stayed at the official government guest house, Blair House, during their visit. They visited the West Coast by a special train that was officially provided by the US government.
ARAMCO's development of Saudi oil after World War II nearly sextupled revenue from $10.4 million in 1946 to $56.7 million in 1950. As King Abdulaziz's health declined and his leadership became lax, Prince Faisal comprehended the necessity for better economic management. In the summer of 1951, King Abdulaziz enlarged the government bureaucracy to include many more members of the extended royal family. Prince Faisal's eldest son Prince Abdullah was appointed Minister of Health and Interior.
Read more about this topic: Faisal Of Saudi Arabia
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