Page "Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud" Paragraph 24

Prince Nayef, before being appointed second deputy prime minister in 2009, was generally described as elusive, ambiguous, pragmatic, unimaginative, shrewd, and outspoken.

According to leaked cables, he had a reputation of being anti-Western, but tended to do business if there were shared interests.

It is further stated that his conservative approach, in fact, did not reflect his personal religious personality ( indeed, he was rumored to be a heavy drinker in his younger days ).

However, his conservative views allowed him to build support among social and religious conservatives.

He seemed to be reserved and even a bit shy.

He was described as neither well-spoken nor articulate, and had a tendency to repeat platitudes in private as well as in public.

He did appear to understand and speak at least some English.

Prince Nayef was considered by other princes to be one of the kinder members of his royal generation in his approach towards nephews and nieces.