RIYADH  — SPA

Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah died early on Friday and his brother Prince
Salman became king, the royal court said in a statement transmitted by  the state television.

King Salman has named Prince Muqrin as his crown prince and heir.

"His Highness Prince 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  01:00 a.m. this morning,and would be buried later in the day following
afternoon prayers." said the statement.