Round-up of Saudi Royals

Senior royals of Saudi Arabia were recently arrested for allegedly plotting a coup against the ruling king and his son.

Arrested Royals

The authorities had arrested 3 senior royals in Saudi Arabia: Prince Ahmed bin Abdulaziz (the younger brother of King Salman), Prince Mohammed bin Nayef (the former crown prince) and Prince Nawaf bin Nayef (one of the royal cousins). This is being seen as an attempt by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to consolidate his position.

Political System of Saudi Arabia

The government of Saudi Arabia is unitary Islamic absolute monarchy. The political system is dominated by the royal family. The post of the king is hereditary and he possesses legislative, executive and judicial functions. The king is also the Prime Minister and presides over the council and assembly. There are at least 7,000 princes in the country.

Sudairi Seven

The Sudairi Seven is an alliance in the House of Saud, which is the ruling royal family of Saudi Arabia. It is an alliance among the 7 full brothers born from Hussa Sudairi, one of the spouses of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud. Prince Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, one of the arrested royals, is the last remaining member of the Sudairi Seven, apart from King Salman.