One of King Saud’s Loyal Men: Abdullah bin Bilal — may God have mercy on him
Abdullah al‑Bilal, known as Abdullah bin Bilal, began his life working as a farmer alongside his father in one of the farms of Dakhna in Riyadh. After King ‘Abd al‑Aziz entered Riyadh and unified the Kingdom, Abdullah joined the service of Prince Turki I, may God have mercy on him, and remained with him until the Prince’s passing. He then continued his service under King Saud, may God have mercy on him, as an aide and personal attendant.
When King Saud moved to al‑Nasiriyyah Palace, Abdullah bin Bilal became responsible for palace affairs, serving as a special advisor to the King and one of his close attendants. He proved to be a trusted helper, accompanying the King on some of his official visits, and caring for the needs of the King’s wives and children during the King’s frequent absences and preoccupation with state affairs. This close role strengthened the bond between Abdullah’s children and the children of King Saud. Abdullah lived near the King’s palace in al‑Nasiriyyah with some of his children, and his eldest daughters—Noura, Sarah, Haya, Halah, and Shu‘a—studied alongside the daughters of King Saud at Ma‘had al‑Karīmat, from which they graduated.
He served the King and his family with unwavering loyalty throughout his life. All of King Saud’s children regarded him as a fatherly figure and held him in deep respect and affection. He married four wives, all of whom have passed away except the last—my grandmother, Munirah bint Muhammad al‑Masāmiḥ, may God prolong her life. She is the mother of his eldest son, my father, Fahd. My father often recalls King Saud’s kindness, simplicity, and the smile that never left his face, as well as the Eid gifts he received from the King when accompanying his father to the royal majlis during the holidays.
He departed this world, but the goodness of his deeds and the fragrance of his memory remain wherever his name is mentioned. Although I was born after his passing, I continue to witness the respect, praise, and prayers offered for him whenever people recognize my family name. He was known for his humility, warmth, and generosity toward others, may God have mercy on him.
My father recounts that even after King Saud traveled to Greece, the King requested Abdullah bin Bilal to join him there. He traveled to meet the King, in the presence of Umm Shuqran bint Saud, and the King entrusted him with the care of his children, his wives, and certain matters related to al‑Nasiriyyah. Abdullah fulfilled these responsibilities faithfully until his passing in 1403 AH
