In response to Fahd's death, an emergency Arab League summit, which was originally planned to take place in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), was delayed with no rescheduled date confirmed.[2] Many world leaders offered condolences, and several countries declared a period of national mourning.[3][4]
Illness and death
In June 1982, Fahd ascended to the throne following the passing of his half-brother, Khaled. After experiencing a stroke in 1995, the king's health declined, leading to Crown PrinceAbdullah assuming his half-brother's functions as regent.[1]
On 27 May 2005, Fahd was admitted to the King Faisal Specialist Hospital due to pneumonia and a high fever. He died there on 1 August at around 09:30 KSA time. The official announcement of his death was made by the Minister of Information, Iyad bin Amin Madani, and Saudi television interrupted regular programming with recitations of the Quran.[4]
Fahd's half-brother Abdullah, as crown prince, ascended the throne as king, and appointed Prince Sultan, Minister of Defense, as the new crown prince.[4] A formal bay'ah ceremony was held in which clerics, tribal leaders and government officials pledged allegiance to the new king.[5]
Funeral
In accordance with Islamic tradition, Fahd's funeral took place at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Mosque the day after his death.[6] It was closed to non-Muslim dignitaries, who separately held meetings with the new king later.[5]
