Riyadh, Jan 23: Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah has died aged 90 after a short illness, state television announced late on Friday. He has been succeeded by Crown Prince Salman, his half-brother.
The news came after the king was admitted to hospital on 31 December suffering from pneumonia. His condition was said to have improved a few days later.
King Salman has called on the family's Allegiance Council to pay allegiance to Muqrin as his crown prince and heir.
King Abdullah ascended the throne on Aug. 1, 2005, following the death of King Fahd. During his reign, King Abdullah has been responsible for significant social, economic, cultural and political reforms. This includes empowering women politically, granting foreign scholarships to thousands of students, building economic cities and constructing specialized hospitals.
He died on Friday "at 1:00 am (2200 GMT)" and would be buried later in the day following afternoon prayers, said the statement.
Salman had been representing the king at most recent public events because of the monarch's poor health.
King Salman, 79, was named crown prince in June 2012 following the death of Prince Naif. In March 2014, King Abdullah named Prince Muqrin as a second crown prince.
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