Saudi Arabia’s King Salman is suffering from a lung infection and was set to undergo medical tests on Sunday night, according to the Royal Court. The latest update, released by the official Saudi Press Agency, stated that the 88-year-old monarch will undergo tests based on the recommendations of royal medical clinics.
King Salman, who has ruled since 2015, has delegated much of the day-to-day governing to his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was appointed crown prince in 2017. The kingdom, the world’s largest oil exporter, has consistently sought to quell speculation regarding the king’s health.
Although King Salman’s health is rarely discussed, the Royal Court revealed in May that he was undergoing a treatment programme with antibiotics after being hospitalized for tests, following which it was announced that he had recovered. The month before, he was also admitted for routine examinations but was discharged the same day.
In May 2022, he was hospitalized for a colonoscopy and stayed for just over a week for further tests and rest. In March of the same year, he underwent “successful medical tests” and had the battery of his pacemaker replaced. Additionally, he had surgery to remove his gallbladder in 2020.
Despite previous reports in 2017 suggesting the king might abdicate in favor of Crown Prince Mohammed, Riyadh dismissed such speculation. King Salman’s reign has been characterized by significant social and economic reforms, primarily driven by Prince Mohammed, who has aimed to prepare Saudi Arabia for a post-oil future. However, Prince Mohammed’s rule has also seen a harsh crackdown on dissent, which analysts argue has strengthened his grip on power.
