The order was named after Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of the modern Saudi state.

[1] It also confers the highest rank in the Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud, and, unlike the Great Chain of Badr, is awarded to non-Muslim heads of state.

The order is awarded to citizens of Saudi Arabia and foreigners for meritorious service to the Kingdom.

The Council of Ministers makes the nominations but the King confers awards to foreigners himself when he determines it to be appropriate.

The Classes include: The Saudis avoid words like "cross" (as in "Grand-Cross") and "knight".