Prince Saud was Economic Adviser to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources from 1964 to 1970.  He was Head of the Office for Oil Relations and Deputy Governor of Petromin from 1970 to 1971; and Deputy Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources from 1971 to 1975.

As Foreign Minister, Prince Saud has actively pursued peace and promoted dialogue in the region and around the world. He has led Saudi delegations in Middle East peace talks, and participated in pan-Arab efforts to end the civil war in Lebanon. He has supported enhanced North-South cooperation and a focus on economic and social development. Prince Saud has also participated in the US-Saudi Strategic Dialogue to institutionalize cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Prince Saud is closely involved in philanthropy. He is a founding member of the King Faisal Foundation and chairman of the board of directors for the King Faisal School. He is also a member of the Society for Disabled Children and the Madinah Society for Welfare and Social Services.