DUSHANBE, January 23, 2015, Asia-Plus — Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died, royal officials have announced, weeks after he was admitted to hospital, according to international media sources.
King Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been suffering from a lung infection.
A statement early on Friday said his 79-year-old half brother, Salman, had become king.
Abdullah came to the throne in 2005 but had reportedly suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years.
The late king”s half brother Muqrin, who is in his late 60s, has been named the new crown prince, the official statement said.
All three are sons of the founder of modern Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz, usually referred to as Ibn Saud, who died in 1953.
King Salman called on the royal family”s Allegiance Council to recognize Muqrin as his crown prince and heir.
King Abdullah, who took power in 2005 following the death of King Fahd, is expected to be buried later today following afternoon prayers.
The BBC reports the public will be invited to pledge allegiance to the new monarch and Crown Prince at the royal palace later today.
King Abdullah had run the country as de factor leader since the mid-1990s after his predecessor suffered a debilitating stroke.
He was admitted to hospital on December 31 suffering pneumonia and the royal court announced that he was breathing with the aid of a tube.
His successor King Salman, 79, became Crown Prince in June 2012 after the death of Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz.
He has represented Abdullah at recent public events due to the late king”s ailing health.
World leaders have paid tribute to Abdullah, who encouraged reforms to the oil-rich kingdom including greater freedom for women and economic deregulation.
King Abdullah also launched projects to build new economic cities, universities and high-speed railways, the BBC reports.
