RIYADH, May 19, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Saudi Arabia's King Salman is suffering
from "high temperature" and joint pain and will undergo his second round of
medical tests in less than a month, state media reported Sunday.

The tests will take place at a clinic at the Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, the
Royal Court said in a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency
(SPA).

King Salman "suffers from a high temperature and pain in the joints," the
statement said. "The treating medical team decided to conduct some tests to
diagnose the health condition and to ensure his health."

King Salman, 88, has been on the throne since 2015, though his son, Mohammed
bin Salman, 38, was named crown prince in 2017 and acts as day-to-day ruler.

The monarch's health is rarely discussed, but 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.

Prior to that, his most recent hospitalisation had been in May 2022, when he
went in for a colonoscopy and stayed for just over a week for other tests and
"some time to rest", SPA reported at the time.

Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest crude exporter, has for years sought to
quell speculation over King Salman's health.

In 2017, Riyadh dismissed reports and mounting speculation that the king was
planning to abdicate in favour of Prince Mohammed.

King Salman underwent surgery to remove his gall bladder in 2020.

He was also admitted to hospital in March 2022 to undergo what state media
described as "successful medical tests" and to change the battery of his
pacemaker.

King Salman served as Riyadh governor for decades and also as defence
minister.

His reign as king has been marked by ambitious social and economic reforms
largely managed by his son, who is trying to position Saudi Arabia for an
eventual post-oil future.

Prince Mohammed has also overseen an intense crackdown on dissent that
analysts say has helped him consolidate power.