RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz died on Friday and was replaced by Crown Prince Salman, the OPEC-kingpin's royal court said in a statement. The late monarch's half brother Moqren was named crown prince, according to the statement. King Abdullah, 90 had been in hospital for a few weeks suffering from a lung infection. In 2005, Abdullah came to the throne but had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years. King Salman, 79, had recently taken on the ailing monarch's responsibilities. The late king's half brother Moqren has been named the new crown prince, the official statement said. King Salman called on the royal family's Allegiance Council to recognise Moqren as his crown prince and heir. "His Highness 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 exactly 1am this morning," the statement said.