Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman is undergoing medical tests for a high temperature and joint pain, the Royal Court announced via state media on Sunday. This marks his second round of tests in less than a month.
The tests are being conducted at the Al-Salam Palace clinic in
Jeddah. “King Salman suffers from a high temperature and pain in the joints,” the Royal Court’s statement said. “The medical team decided to conduct tests to diagnose and ensure his health.”
King Salman, 88, has ruled since 2015, with his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, 38, acting as the day-to-day ruler since being named crown prince in 2017. The monarch’s health is rarely discussed publicly, but the Royal Court disclosed in April that he had been admitted to King Faisal Specialist Hospital for “routine examinations” and discharged the same day.
Previously, King Salman was hospitalized in May 2022 for a colonoscopy and stayed for just over a week for additional tests and rest. In 2020, he underwent gall bladder surgery and was admitted in March 2022 for “successful medical tests” and to change his pacemaker’s battery.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest crude exporter, has long sought to quell speculation about King Salman’s health. In 2017, Riyadh dismissed rumors that he planned to abdicate in favor of Crown Prince Mohammed. Under King Salman’s reign, significant social and economic reforms have been implemented, largely managed by his son, who is preparing Saudi Arabia for a post-oil future. Crown Prince Mohammed has also led a stringent crackdown on dissent, consolidating his power.
King Salman previously served as Riyadh governor for decades and as defense minister before ascending the throne.
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