Line of succession to the Saudi Arabian Throne

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The order of succession to the throne of Saudi Arabia is determined by, and within, the House of Saud. It follows very closely agnatic seniority, but a prince may be surpassed, or another elevated.

Current King Abdullah has appointed his half brother, Sultan, as the Crown Prince of the kingdom. There are, at least, three brothers (Bandar, Musa'id, Mishaal) who are older than Sultan and have either stepped aside or have been sidelined for health reasons or by family consensus or by their unwillingness to participate in governing.

Factors, beyond age, that appear to be considerations include:

- Ability to garner support within the Al Saud
- Tenure in government
- Tribal affiliations & origins of a candidate's mother
- Religious persona
- Acceptance by the Ulema
- Support by the merchant community
- Popularity among the general Saudi citizenry.

The following surviving sons of Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud, in order of age precedence, are considered candidates to the Line of Succession, following Crown Prince Sultan.

In October 2006, King Abdullah announced the creation of the Bay'ah Council to be made up of the sons and senior grandsons of the the Kingdom's founder. The Council's function is to ensure the smooth transition of power in the event of the King's, and Crown Prince's, incapacitation or death and the selection of an heir. This, along with an earlier decree by King Fahd, also has opened the possibility of Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud's grandsons being considered viable candidates.

Grandsons who appear to have the necessary support and experience to be considered candidates include