According to an official statement from Royal Council, King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia has passed away at 1:00 am local time in Saudi Arabia.

The 90-year-old king was suffering from complications due to pneumonia, and was submitted into hospital in December. Concerns were raised in regards to King Abdullah's health in the months leading up to his hospitalization.

Shortly after official release of the news, world leaders began offering their respect.

President Barack Obama described King Abdullah as a great leader, and commended his efforts in building a positive relationship with the United States over the years.

French President Francois Hollande described the late King as "a statesman whose work has profoundly marked the history of his country."

The late king will be succeeded by his half-brother 79-year-old crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz, former govern of the Riyadh province from 1963 until 2011. In 2011 Prince Salman was promoted to the position of Minister of Defense.

He has been recognized for his endeavors to strengthen the economy of the Saudi nation through his shrewd diplomatic skills, but does take a more cautious approach when it comes to social and political reforms.

According to Al-Akhbar, Salman "has advanced opinions on reform and is welcoming of dialogue with opposition members. He enjoys a plethora of relationships with intellectuals from various political persuasions, both inside and outside the country."

Known for his connections he maintains in the Western states, and other Sunni Muslim nations, he aims to maintain oil pricing and supply levels at a moderate level.

Unfortunately, Prince Salman is also purported to be suffering from poor health. Having suffered a stroke in 2011 which as impacted the use of his left arm, the new King is now battling dementia and Alzheimer's.