A Brief History of the Al Saud
Al Saud Descent:
Al saud Family originates from the ancient Arab tribe of Banu hanifa, who belonged to Banu Bakr, son of Wa’il which descended from the large Rabi’ah branch of Adnanite tribes,a tribal confederation historically located in the Najd.
Banu hanifa tribe’s original lands were in Wadi al-irdh , which later came to bear their name (wadi-hanifa) at the dawn of Islam, though in the pre-islamic era it was known as Wadi Alyamamah.
The House of Al Saud traces its origins back from ancient times in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula. It is linked with a deep history and noble descent.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Al Saud family that today rules the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is It can trace its roots back 500 years, making it one of the most distinguished families in Arabia. Traditionally, the family was associated with the Najd cities of al-Dir’iyah, in the center of Najd, or Central Arabian Peninsula. The family derives its name from its18th Century ancestor, Muhammad bin Saud, who joined forces with an austere Islamic reformer, Muhammad bin Abd al-Wahhab, in a military religious alliance for control over Central Arabia.
After two centuries of inter-tribal struggle for control over the region, The Al Saud consolidated its rule over modern Saudi Arabia in 1932. This consolidation came under the leadership of Abd al-Aziz bin Abd al-Rahman bin Faysal Al Saud, the great, great, great, great grandson of the family’s 18th century chieftan. To solidify his rule, Abd al-Aziz brought together members from branches of the Al Saud family who had descended from the family’s 18th century founder, Muhammad bin Saud, and his brothers.
Source : http://www.mofa.gov.sa