S18·E30 The Saudi Royal Family

Examine the extraordinary rise and enduring power of the House of Saud, tracing how a desert clan became one of the most influential ruling families in the world. The episode explores the dynasty’s origins in the early 20th century, when Abdulaziz Ibn Saud unified warring tribes and forged the modern Saudi state, and follows the family’s consolidation of authority through tradition, religion, and strategic alliances. With the discovery of vast oil reserves, the Saudis transformed their kingdom into a global economic force, navigating the responsibilities and controversies that accompany immense wealth. Through archival footage and expert analysis, Biography highlights the family’s internal dynamics, succession struggles, and the balancing act between modernization and strict conservatism. The program offers a revealing portrait of a ruling house whose decisions shape Middle Eastern politics and whose legacy continues to influence the world’s energy and geopolitical landscape.