HRH Prince Khalid Al-Faisal bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud was born in 1940 – a son of His late Majesty King Faisal of Saudi Arabia.
In January 2015 His Royal Highness was re-appointed Governor of Makkah Province in western Saudi Arabia, having previously served from May 2007 to December 2013. His region includes Islam’s holiest city, Makkah, and Saudi Arabia’s principal commercial hub, main seaport and the Kingdom’s second largest city, Jeddah. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal also holds the rank of Adviser to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdul Aziz. His Royal Highness was previously the Minister of Education of Saudi Arabia by decree of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the late King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal also previously held the additional rank of Minister within the Royal Government of Saudi Arabia.
His Royal Highness continues to work hard to create the right conditions and atmosphere for artists, poets, writers, composers and musicians to flourish. In 2008 Prince Khalid Al-Faisal established the Cultural Council of Makkah which brought together the leading figures of the region. Among activities announced by the new council is a 10 year strategy for the development of the region and an annual prize for excellence in six categories including two prizes for culture and the arts.
From 1971-2007 His Royal Highness served as Governor of Asir Province in south-western Saudi Arabia – a spectacular region which inspired Prince Khalid Al-Faisal both as an artist, a poet and a patron of the arts.
Among many projects previously founded by him are the Literary Club of Abha, the Abha Singing Festival, the Abha Prize for cultural excellence, and the Al-Miftaha Visual Arts Village situated in the ancient quarter of Abha which includes artists’ studios and accommodation, exhibition galleries, shops and a bookstore. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal also built one of the first modern theaters in Saudi Arabia which seats 3000 spectators for performances of music, singing and poetry.
In 1999 Prince Khalid Al-Faisal launched Painting & Patronage. His Royal Highness is President of the organisation and is active in the day to day running of the organisation. Today Painting & Patronage is one of the most prominent cultural and educational exchange programmes between Saudi Arabia and Europe.
Prince Khalid Al-Faisal is the Managing Director of the King Faisal Foundation. The Foundation is one of the largest philanthropic and charitable organisations in the world aimed at promoting self sufficiency among less fortunate communities, raising awareness of Islamic civilization and encouraging cultural and scientific activities for the advancement of mankind.
Prior to his appointment as Governor of Asir Province, His Royal Highness served as Director General of the Presidency of Youth Welfare. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal has a degree in Political Economy from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.
His Royal Highness has been recognized by several academic institutions and decorated across the world for his contribution to furthering cultural, artistic and educational understanding.