The man taking control of the world’s top oil exporter is well established in the Gulf kingdom’s corridors of power.
Salman, 79, is “a stalwart of the royal family” who is “viewed as a pragmatic and cautious reformer, much like his predecessor,” says CNN’s Becky Anderson in Abu Dhabi.
He has served as defense minister and deputy prime minister of Saudi Arabia, a vital U.S. ally in the Middle East, for years. Like Abdullah, he’s one of the dozens of sons of Saudi Arabia’s founder, King Abdulaziz.
Here are some of the key points about the new ruler.
He’s an experienced leader
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At 69 years old, Muqrin is relatively youthful. A former head of intelligence for the kingdom, he is also reportedly well-liked by world leaders.
Muqrin “has been closely linked to Abdullah and his policies of modernization and reform,” according to Cordesman.
But the succession plan isn’t without its critics. Muqrin’s mother does not have royal blood, which is a sticking point for some people in Saudi Arabia.
CNN’s Dana Ford contributed to this report.
