List of ambassadors of the United States to Saudi Arabia


The United States recognized the government of King Ibn Saud in 1931, but it was not until 1939 when it appointed its first U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bert Fish, then resident in Cairo and ambassador to Egypt. Fish made one trip down to Jeddah in 1940 to meet the King and present his credentials, but it was not until after his mission was terminated that a legation was established there on May 1, 1942. The position had been occupied by John Abizaid since April 10, 2019. He presented his credentials to King Salman on June 16, 2019.

Ambassadors

Note: After Fish had withdrawn but before Kirk presented credentials as non-resident Minister, the Legation in Jidda was established on May 1, 1942, with James S. Moose, Jr., as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim.
Note: On Sep 26, 1984, the U.S. Liaison Office in Riyadh was raised to the rank of embassy while the embassy in Jeddah became a consulate.
Note: C. David Welch served as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Aug 1992 – Aug 1994.
Note: Christopher Henzel served as Chargé d'Affaires ad interim Jan 8 2017 – Apr 17 2019.