Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Dies, His Brother Becomes New King

Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz has died, royal officials have announced, weeks after he was admitted to hospital.

King Abdullah, who was said to be aged about 90, had been suffering from a lung infection.

As king he pushed through cautious reforms, including giving women a greater public role, against opposition from religious conservatives.

King Abdullah's half-brother Salman, 79, has become king.A statement released by the new king read:

 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.

New King Salman has been crown prince and defense minister since 2012. He was governor of Riyadh province for five decades before that.Salman bin Abdulaziz, who was named crown prince in June 2012, was Abdullah’s third heir to the throne after two elder brothers died in late 2011 and mid-2012. As the new King of Saudi Arabia, home to 28 million people, he will also serve as Prime Minister and Defense Minister.