23 Facts About Abdullah Tariki

Abdullah Tariki, known by the alternate spelling of his last name as al-Turayqi and nicknamed the Red Sheikh, was a Saudi politician and government official.

Abdullah Tariki served as the first oil minister of Saudi Arabia, appointed by King Saud, and was co-founder of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Abdullah Tariki's father was a Najdi townsman and a camel owner who organized caravans between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Abdullah Tariki received his early education in Kuwait and in Cairo.

Abdullah Tariki received a bachelor's degree in geology and chemistry from Cairo University in 1944.

Abdullah Tariki graduated from the University of Texas in 1947, earning a master's degree in petroleum engineering and geology.

Abdullah Tariki was trained at the Texas Oil Company after graduation before returning to Saudi Arabia.

Abdullah Tariki returned to Saudi Arabia in 1948 and began to work at the ministry of finance office in Dammam from May 1953 to December 1954.

Abdullah Tariki served as an interpreter at the initial phase of his career at the ministry.

In December 1954, Abdullah Tariki was appointed director-general of petroleum and mineral affairs in the ministry of finance and national economy.

Abdullah Tariki represented Saudi Arabia in the first Arab Petroleum Congress held in April 1959.

Abdullah Tariki was named one of two representatives of the Saudi government as directors of the Aramco in May 1959.

Abdullah Tariki was one of the earliest critics of Aramco, arguing that the US companies should consult more with Saudi officials in exploring, pumping and selling of oil.

Abdullah Tariki was a Nasserite, as well as an Arab nationalist.

Abdullah Tariki called for a constitutional monarchy in Saudi Arabia and the nationalization of Arab oil.

The ministry of petroleum and mineral resources was created in December 1960, and Abdullah Tariki was appointed the first oil minister.

Abdullah Tariki joined Prince Talal bin Abdulaziz's camp, Free Princes Movement, in 1961, and they accused Crown Prince Faisal, later King Faisal, of corruption.

Abdullah Tariki was removed from office by Prince Faisal when the latter was functioning as the acting head of the state as a result of the clash between him and King Saud in March 1962.

Abdullah Tariki was succeeded by Ahmed Zaki Yamani as oil minister, and Yamani sacked Abdullah Tariki from Aramco's board.

Abdullah Tariki launched a journal there, Arab Oil and Gas, and contributed to Al Anwar, a Lebanese daily.

Abdullah Tariki could visit Saudi Arabia only after the death of King Faisal in 1975.

Abdullah Tariki died of a heart attack on 7 September 1997 in Cairo at the age of 78.

Abdullah Tariki's body was taken to Saudi Arabia for burial.