Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin is Dead, Aged 90

 

Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz has passed away at the age of 90. The monarch died at 1am this morning (Friday - Saudi time) in his home. The announcement of his death was made in a statement broadcast on Saudi state TV.

"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 1am this morning (Friday - Saudi time)," the statement said.

Abdullah became king in 2005 after the death of his half-brother King Fahd. Meanwhile, the late king's brother, Salman, 79, has been announced as the new ruler of the kingdom. Services will be held Friday afternoon at the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque in Riyadh, and many world leaders would pay their respects.