A file photo dated 08 December 2006 shows the then Saudi Arabia’s Chief of General Intelligence, Prince Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, addressing the third International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) regional security summit, in Manama, Bahrain. (EPA/MAZEN MAHDI)

Riyadh, Asharq Al-Awsat-Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz, Second Deputy Prime Minister, is the 35th son of founder King Abdul Aziz Al Saud. He was born in the city of Riyadh in 1945, and grew up in the care of his father King Abdul Aziz, may he rest in peace, studying at the Riyadh Model Institute.

After graduation, Prince Muqrin joined the Saudi Royal Air Force in 1964. He went on to study in Britain, graduating in 1968 at the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

In 1969 Prince Muqrin began advanced training courses on fighter jets at Dhahran Air Force base; serving as Commander of the 2nd Air Squadron between 1970 and 1973. In 1974, Prince Muqrin joined the General Staff course in the US where he earned a diploma (equivalent to a Masters). In 1977, he was appointed assistant to director of air operations and head of plans and operations division in the Saudi Royal Air Force.

In 1980, King Khalid bin Abdulaziz appointed Prince Muqrin Emir of Ha’il province at the age of 35. He remained in this position for 20 years, until King Fahd bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree appointing him as Emir of Medina in 1999, succeeding his brother Prince Abdul Majeed bin Abdulaziz.

In late 2005, a royal decree was issued appointing Prince Muqrin as head of Saudi Arabia’s General Intelligence service. In this position, Prince Muqrin organized the first Information Technology and National Security conference in mid-2007 to mark the 50th anniversary of this vital institution. Prince Muqrin announced that this conference aimed to break the barriers between the intelligence service and society, in addition to carrying out its usual practices to serve national security, protect the people, and safeguard them at home and abroad.

Prince Muqrin remained in this position until Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, appointed him as a special royal adviser and envoy at the rank of minister on 19 July 2012. King Abdullah issued a royal decree on Friday appointing Prince Muqrin as Second Deputy Premier. He is the fifth Saudi official to hold this position, which was previously held by King Fahd bin Abdulaziz, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz.

Prince Muqrin is known to have a passion for astronomy and astronomical observation, as well as reading, culture and agricultural research. When he was Emir of Ha’il, Prince Muqrin transformed the province into one of the most agriculturally vital and active regions of Saudi Arabia. He is also interested in modern technology, including e-government and its applications, as well as classic Arabic poetry.