King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Passes Away

The Saudi State TV has announced the death of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah who died early on Friday, 23 January 2015.

Saudi Television cut to Quranic verses early on Friday, which often signifies death of a senior royal, minutes before a formal announcement about King Abdullah's death was made. King Abdullah, who was 90, had been in hospital for several weeks and was suffering from pneumonia.

King Abdullah succeeded King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz bin Al Saud who died on  1 August 2005.  The Saudi State TV says Crown Prince Salman has succeeded King Abdullah. 


Saudi TV also announced Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 79, is now officially the new Saudi King and Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz is the new Crown Prince.

King Salman has been Crown Prince and Defence Minister since 2012. He was governor of Riyadh province for five decades.

"His Highness Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and all members of the family and the nation mourn the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, who passed away at exactly 1 a.m. this morning of Friday, 23 January 2015" State TV said.

King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on 1 August 1924. He was succeeded by wives and Children.

"He succeeded his brother at a very delicate time and started reforms in the country."

"This is someone who is definitely going to be remembered as a reformist within the royal family.” Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra commented.