The roots of the relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain extend far back in time. It is an authentic and longstanding relationship dating to the era of the late King ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz and the late Shaykh ʿĪsā ibn ʿAlī Āl Khalīfah, the ruler of Bahrain at that time. These ties deepened further in the years that followed, during which King ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz visited Bahrain several times. Shaykh ʿĪsā ibn ʿAlī later visited Saudi Arabia at the invitation of King ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz to perform the pilgrimage, where he was warmly welcomed.
This relationship was crowned by more than twenty letters that history has preserved—letters reflecting the depth of affection and the strong bonds that united the two sides, particularly during the era of Crown Prince (later King) Saud and Shaykh Salmān ibn Ḥamad Āl Khalīfah, ruler of Bahrain at the time. These ties have continued to flourish to the present day.
His Highness Shaykh ʿAbd Allāh ibn Khālid, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, documented aspects of this relationship in a lecture titled “Highlights on Saudi‑Bahraini Relations.” The lecture serves as an important historical record. He noted that King Saud was born in Kuwait on 3 Shawwāl 1319 AH (15 January 1902 CE). He learned reading and writing, and in his youth his father entrusted him with restoring control over Riyadh—a mission he successfully accomplished. He assumed responsibility after the death of his brother, Prince Turki, in 1337 AH (1913 CE), participated alongside his father in the Battle of al‑ʿUtaybah, and distinguished himself with noble character. This led his father to appoint him Crown Prince on 17 Jumādā al‑Ūlā 1351 AH (7 September 1932 CE).
King Saud Exhibition… Documents and Memories
Bahrain has long shown interest in cultural and historical events that document significant eras. On 17 February 2009, Asharq al‑Awsat journalist Salmān al‑Dawsarī published a report titled “After 55 Years… Saud ibn ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz Returns to Bahrain Through an Exhibition Tracing His Life.” The report referred to an exhibition organized to showcase documents and memories from the reign of King Saud.
The report noted that one of King Saud’s letters to the leaders and people of Bahrain—written after a visit he made as king—was titled: “From Saud ibn ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz to His Brothers in Bahrain.” This reflected the level of closeness between the two nations. The exhibition’s Bahraini edition included a special section documenting Saudi‑Bahraini relations during King Saud’s tenure as Crown Prince and later as King.
The exhibition chronicled multiple phases of King Saud’s life, presenting photographs, documents, and personal belongings that illustrated the rich biography of Saudi Arabia’s second monarch. Remarkably, many of the photographs were taken by renowned international photographers, covering his private life, domestic and foreign travels, and even images of his mother and family.
A Testament to Achievement and Success
The exhibition was held within the framework of the strong and enduring ties between the two kingdoms, contributing to highlighting the many achievements realized by Saudi Arabia during the reign of the late King Saud. His Majesty King Ḥamad ibn ʿĪsā Āl Khalīfah praised the cultural cooperation between the two countries, noting that such documentary exhibitions enrich the cultural and literary landscape and deserve attention, as they stand as witnesses to the successes and accomplishments of the sister kingdom.
He emphasized that the exhibition offered an excellent opportunity to learn about the efforts that strengthened relations between the two nations, beginning with the era of Shaykh ʿĪsā ibn ʿAlī Āl Khalīfah and King ʿAbd al‑ʿAzīz Āl Saud—may God bless their souls—who laid the foundations of this close and enduring relationship.
A King Who Loved Bahrain
The photographs, documents, and artifacts relating to King Saud’s life—as well as the events recorded in newspapers and magazines—demonstrate that King Saud, even during his years as Crown Prince, held deep affection for Bahrain, its leadership, and its people.
In a farewell message to the people of Bahrain after his first visit as King, he wrote:
“As I depart this dear land, I deeply appreciate all the sincere sentiments I have witnessed and heard from my brothers in Bahrain. I hope that all will be granted success in achieving what brings goodness, happiness, and prosperity to the Arab world in general and to these two nations in particular.”
Al‑Wasat Newspaper, Kingdom of Bahrain