Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz will undergo medical tests on Sunday due to a high temperature and joint pain.
The examinations will be conducted at the royal clinics at Al Salam Palace in Jeddah for the second time this month. The king, 88, was last admitted to the hospital in April for a routine checkup.
King Salman became the ruler of Saudi Arabia in 2015, following more than two-and-a-half years as crown prince and deputy premier. His son, Mohammed bin Salman, 38, was named crown prince in 2017 and is the day-to-day ruler.
The statement said that King Salman is currently suffering from a high temperature and joint pain. The medical team has decided to conduct tests to diagnose his condition and ensure his health.
The monarch’s health is rarely discussed publicly. However, the Royal Court disclosed in April that he had been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital for routine examinations. He left the hospital later that day.
Saudi Arabia has long sought to quell speculation over King Salman’s health. In 2017, Riyadh dismissed reports that the king was planning to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed.
King Salman underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder in 2020. He was also admitted to the hospital in March 2022 for successful medical tests and to change the battery of his pacemaker.
King Salman served as Riyadh’s governor and defence minister for decades. His reign as king has been marked by ambitious social and economic reforms, largely managed by his son, who is positioning Saudi Arabia for a post-oil future.
Prince Mohammed has also overseen a crackdown on dissent, which analysts say has helped him consolidate power.
