Egyptian–Saudi relations during the reign of King Saud represent a pivotal chapter in the history of inter‑Arab relations in general, and in Egyptian–Saudi relations in particular. The most significant developments during this period include:
• Mutual Visits Between the Leaders of the Two States
King Saud—may God have mercy on him—was a statesman of sharp political insight. He was deeply committed to every effort that could strengthen the Arab renaissance and preserve Arab unity and identity. He believed that consolidating relations with Arab states in general, and with Egypt in particular, was the most important step toward reinforcing the foundations of Arab unity. For this reason, he was keen on exchanging friendly visits with Egypt.
His first visit after assuming the throne took place on 15 Rajab 1373 AH (20 March 1954). He was the first Arab monarch—indeed the first head of state—to visit Egypt after the military coup of 23 July 1953, which ended with King Farouk’s abdication and departure to Italy.
King Saud was accompanied by ten princes and four ministers. They were received by Major General Muhammad Naguib, members of the Revolutionary Command Council, and the ministers. Egypt prepared extensively for the King’s arrival: buildings and shops were decorated, triumphal arches adorned with Saudi and Egyptian flags were erected, and artistic banners bearing warm messages of welcome were displayed. A military parade was held, including air‑force flyovers, and the King attended a horse‑racing event.
He then visited aircraft and munitions factories, congratulating Egypt’s leadership on the progress of its army and modern industries. He toured the pyramids, sailed on the Nile at Qanater al‑Khayriyya, and visited the Military Academy, the Police Academy, the Museum of Islamic Art, the Agricultural Exhibition, and the Saudi Embassy. The Saudi community in Egypt—students on academic and military scholarships—held a celebratory reception in his honor.
• King Saud’s Mediation Between Naguib and Nasser
King Saud’s visit coincided with the intensifying power struggle between President Muhammad Naguib and Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser, who at the time was Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, working vigorously to sideline Naguib. King Saud attempted to mediate between them, successfully calming tensions and bringing their positions closer.
A report in Al‑Musawwar magazine (17 Rajab 1373 AH / 22 March 1954) described a meeting at Qasr al‑Tahira, where King Saud received Naguib and Nasser after a joint session of the Revolutionary Command Council. The King expressed relief that matters had returned to normal and personally escorted them to the palace steps.
Despite King Saud’s efforts, the conflict escalated, prompting him to delay his departure in hopes of resolving the crisis. He even summoned both leaders late at night in a final attempt at reconciliation.
King Saud and his delegation eventually left Cairo on 25 Rajab 1373 AH (30 March 1954) after a ten‑day visit. Soon after his departure, the crisis worsened, ending with Naguib’s removal from the presidency and the beginning of a new era under Gamal Abdel Nasser.
• Nasser’s Pilgrimage and His First Official Visit to the Kingdom
For leaders of Muslim nations, Hajj has always been an opportunity to visit Saudi Arabia and strengthen ties with its leadership. It is also a great honor for the Saudi government to serve the pilgrims.
The Saudi government sent a special aircraft to Cairo to transport President Gamal Abdel Nasser and his delegation for Hajj. They arrived in Jeddah in ihram on 7 Dhul‑Hijjah 1373 AH (6 August 1954) and were received by Prince Mishaal, Minister of Defense, and senior officials. Nasser was hosted as an honored guest of King Saud.
Political meetings were held, during which the following agreements were reached:
- Establishing an Islamic Conference to address Muslim affairs, study their issues, and provide material and moral support—under the presidency of King Saud.
- Saudi Arabia and Egypt would jointly raise the issues of Morocco and Tunisia at the United Nations during its next session.
Nasser considered the visit highly successful.
It is noteworthy that this was not Nasser’s first visit to the Kingdom. Shortly after the death of King Abdulaziz—less than five days later—Egypt dispatched a high‑level delegation to the Hijaz, headed by Gamal Abdel Nasser, then Deputy President of the Republic, to offer condolences and congratulate King Saud on assuming the throne. This was Nasser’s first meeting with King Saud, who hosted the Egyptian delegation in his private royal residence.
Although this visit was historically significant, many sources overlooked it, mistakenly identifying Nasser’s 1954 Hajj visit as his first.
President Muhammad Naguib also sent a heartfelt telegram of condolence to King Saud, expressing Egypt’s sorrow and solidarity. Egypt’s ambassador attended the funeral, and the Egyptian Cabinet declared fourteen days of official mourning.
• Continued Friendly Relations and Foreign Reactions
Saudi Arabia continued its policy of fraternal cooperation with Egypt, and genuine bonds of friendship developed between the two nations. Their international positions on political issues became closely aligned. When the United States and Britain proposed the Baghdad Pact, the Arab states—except Iraq—rejected it, setting conditions that protected shared Arab interests.
Given the importance of this situation, King Saud made his second official visit to Egypt in early March 1956 to coordinate policies that would safeguard Arab dignity and unity. This reflected the depth of Saudi–Egyptian understanding and the importance of each country to the other and to the Arab world as a whole.
However, this growing closeness displeased foreign powers, which viewed the Riyadh–Cairo axis as a threat to their regional ambitions. Efforts were made to sow discord between King Saud and President Nasser. Egypt’s ambassador to the United States, Ahmed Hussein, sent a report to Nasser warning of attempts to frighten King Saud by portraying Nasser as a radical revolutionary who posed a greater danger than British or communist influence. Rumors were also spread that the Egyptian military mission in Riyadh was promoting Nasser’s ideas among Saudi officers—claims entirely unfounded.
Recognizing the danger, Nasser traveled to Jeddah on 20 April 1956 to meet King Saud and dispel the rumors. He told the King:
“I ask you to consider yourself the supreme commander of every Egyptian soldier serving in Saudi Arabia. If you hear anything about any of them—even suspicion—order his return to Egypt. This will not affect our relationship. All reports I receive confirm that the West’s plan now is to divide us, and we must not give them that opportunity, whatever the cost.”