Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud died early Friday after suffering from a brief illness. He was 90. Half-brother Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, 79, has ascended to the Saudi throne following the former king’s burial in Riyadh.
New king Salman named his brother Muqrin as crown prince and his nephew, Muhammad bin Nayef, 55, as deputy crown prince. The inclusion of Muhammad in the succession plan, a first for the royal family’s second-generation members, promotes stability in the Saudi government as the Gulf region navigates both political and economic change.
World leaders and major companies took to social media to express their condolences for the Saudi people.
“As our countries worked together to confront many challenges, I always valued King Abdullah’s perspective and appreciated our genuine and warm friendship.” – U.S. President Barack Obama
President Obama on the death of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. pic.twitter.com/8wXmZp6EGU— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 23, 2015
“The Islamic and Arab nations today lost a superb leader who stood as an advocate for Arab causes and rights and who helped spread peace, tolerance, justice and benevolence.” – Sheikh Moahmed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi
Mohamed bin Zayed: Islamic, Arab nations lost a superb leader http://t.co/J0pHZpfFNu— Emirates News Agency (@WAMNEWS_ENG) January 23, 2015
Our sincere condolences to the Kingdom of #SaudiArabia for the loss of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Abd Al Aziz Al Saud— GE MENA (@GE_Hewar) January 23, 2015
Thousands are expected to visit the royal palace during the next three days of mourning to remember the king.
#KingAbdullah of Saudi Arabia laid to rest in #Riyadh http://t.co/VCF7lG4BnM pic.twitter.com/AQjJGJbSl2— Gulf News (@gulf_news) January 23, 2015