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Historical Overview
Following the vision of the founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud – may God have mercy on him – to consolidate the foundations of security and stability, his royal decree was issued in 1368 AH establishing the Office of Jihad and Mujahideen. This office served as the initial nucleus of the National Guard, which later became one of the most prominent pillars of the military establishment in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The National Guard has witnessed successive stages of development, reflecting the wise leadership's – may God support them – commitment to strengthening its organizational and operational capabilities and solidifying its position as a fundamental pillar of the national security system.
Historical Milestones of the National Guard
The royal decree establishing the Office of Jihad and Mujahideen was issued in 1368 AH, marking the foundation of the National Guard.
King Saud bin Abdulaziz – may God have mercy on him – recognized the necessity of developing the Office of Jihad and Mujahideen into a modern structure befitting the Kingdom's current stage of development. Therefore, a royal decree was issued in 1374 AH to develop the office and establish the National Guard throughout the Kingdom.
Key Milestones
- In 1375 AH, His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Al-Farhan (may God have mercy on him) was appointed President of the National Guard.
- In 1376 AH, His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Saud bin Abdulaziz (may God have mercy on him) was appointed President of the National Guard.
- In 1381 AH, His Royal Highness Prince Saad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz (may God have mercy on him) was appointed President of the National Guard.
- In 1382 AH, a Royal Decree was issued appointing His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz (may God have mercy on him) as President of the National Guard, thus inaugurating a pivotal historical phase in the National Guard's journey and laying the foundations for institutional development and comprehensive modernization.
- In 1434 AH, a Royal Decree was issued transforming the National Guard Presidency into a Ministry, strengthening its institutional standing, and appointing His Royal Highness Prince Mutaib bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz as Minister of the National Guard.
- In 1439 AH, a Royal Decree was issued appointing His Royal Highness Prince Khalid bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al Muqrin as Minister of the National Guard.
- In 1440 AH, a Royal Decree was issued appointing His Royal Highness Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz as Minister of the National Guard.
The National Guard, with God's help and guidance, continues to build upon a rich legacy of dedication and sacrifice, and guided by the directives of the wise leadership – may God support them – to fulfill its national mission of protecting the homeland, preserving its security and stability, and enhancing its readiness and capabilities according to the highest military and organizational standards. Throughout its long history, the National Guard embodies a model of a military institution whose development has been intertwined with the rise of the modern Saudi state. It has always remained a cornerstone of national security and a faithful guardian of the nation's achievements and resources.