Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has been admitted to a hospital in Riyadh for routine medical examinations, the Royal Court confirmed on Friday.
The 90-year-old monarch is currently undergoing tests at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, according to an official statement released via the Saudi Press Agency.
OFFICIAL STATEMENT
In its brief announcement, the Royal Court said:
“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques — may God protect him — is undergoing medical examinations today at King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh.”
No further details were provided about the nature of the tests or the king’s condition.
HEALTH UPDATES IN CONTEXT
Public disclosures about King Salman’s health are rare, but the monarch has undergone several medical procedures in recent years.
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2024: Recovered from lung infections
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May 2022: Hospitalised for a colonoscopy and additional tests
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March 2022: Pacemaker battery replaced after successful examinations
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2020: Underwent gall bladder removal surgery
Saudi authorities have consistently described these procedures as successful.
KING SALMAN’S ROLE
King Salman became the seventh ruler of Saudi Arabia in 2015, following the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz.
While he remains on the throne, governance responsibilities largely rest with his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was named heir apparent in 2017 and currently serves as the kingdom’s de facto ruler.
A LIFE OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Born in Riyadh in 1935, King Salman is the 25th son of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz Al Saud.
He:
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Studied religious and modern sciences at the Princes’ School
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Memorised the Holy Quran in full
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Began public service in 1954 as Acting Governor of Riyadh
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Was formally appointed Governor of Riyadh Region in 1963, serving for decades
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Became a trusted adviser to multiple Saudi kings
WHY THIS MATTERS
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Reassures continuity of leadership amid health concerns
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Highlights Saudi Arabia’s structured succession framework
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Underscores the Crown Prince’s central governing role
