Prince Abdullah bin Bandar bin Abdul Aziz, who has been serving as deputy governor of the Makkah region since April 2017, has been named minister of the Saudi Arabian National Guard as part of a recent Cabinet reshuffle in the Kingdom.

He took up his appointment on Dec. 27, 2018.

Prince Abdullah visited the National Guard command center at the ministry on Thursday. 

The 32-year-old prince listened in on a briefing organized by Abdullah Al-Tuwaijri, the center’s planning director, and was given a tour of the site by officers and the heads of various military bodies.

He praised the high morale among troops, as well as their efforts in helping military forces ensure border safety. 

Prince Abdullah was previously a deputy head of department at the King Salman Youth Center, a nonprofit organization that trains young people to become professional leaders and entrepreneurs.

He gained a bachelor’s degree in business administration from King Saud University in Riyadh in 2008. 

His previous experience included working at the office of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Riyadh region where he was a special adviser to the prince.

Prince Abdullah was also a member of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the Council of Royal Reserves and the Amaala project to develop tourism in Saudi Arabia.