A politically conscious spouse, Queen ‘Iffat played the leading role in Sa‘udi female society, attended many state functions, and received female state guests. She traveled extensively, especially in Europe and the United States, supported myriad charities, and cajoled many to invest in the Kingdom. Universally respected, many people sought her advice for she shared her ambitions and ideas to benefit the entire country. This lecture is based on the speaker's recent publication of the same name. It is based on multiple interviews conducted with members of the al-Faysal family, friends, and acquaintances of the late Queen.


Joseph A. Kéchichian is a senior fellow at the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The author of several books, including Legal and Political Reforms in Saudi Arabia (Routledge, 2013), Power and Succession in the Arab Monarchies (Lynne Rienner, 2008), Faysal: Saudi Arabia’s King for All Seasons (University Press of Florida, 2008), and Succession in Saudi Arabia (Palgrave, 2001), his latest work is ‘Iffat Al Thunayan: An Arabian Queen (Sussex Academic Press, 2015).

*Copies of Prof. Kechichian's book will be available for purchase before and after the event courtesy of Nicola's Books.