The family has grown very rapidly due to certain male members having very many children by many wives. Ibn Saud, for instance, had 44 sons by 17 wives.
My theory...he was probably staked out or dropped off in the middle of the desert.
Many Saudis grumble that the royal tribe, with an estimated 7000 princes, has grown too large for the country to sustain the opulent family welfare system begun decades ago by the founder, King Abdel Aziz al-Saud. Prince Abdullah seemed to agree. He put royal family members on notice that they should pay their electricity and phone bills as well as buy their once-gratis tickets on Saudia, the state-run airline. The telephone company reported a huge leap in paid phone bills starting in 2000.
Royal watchers believe that prince Abdullah has retreated somewhat, after an outcry from princes. At 78, the crown prince probably does not have long to institute change after King Fahd dies. Having no full brothers, he needs the support of as many important princes as possible. He may have to tolerate some of their excesses for the time being.
There are over 20,000 Royal family members which include the estimated 7,000 princes.