Saudi Arabia’s Al-Saud family can trace its roots back more than five hundred years. This powerful and deeply religious tribe originated from an area near present day Riyadh. Its patriarch, King Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud (known as Ibn Saud), declared himself king of Saudi Arabia in 1932. Approximately seven thousand amir, or princes, make up the most important branch of the Al-Saud family, but within that group it is the king and some thirty princes belonging to the Council of Ministers who govern modern day Saudi Arabia. King Ibn Saud has been succeeded by five of his sons — Saud, Faisal, Khalid, Fahd, and the current monarch, King Abdullah, who took office in August, 2005. Who is Abdullah, and who helps him govern Saudi Arabia? Learn more about some of the key players in the Al-Saud family, by clicking on the links below.