On 2 January, Saudi authorities announced that the king was battling pneumonia and needed temporary help from a breathing tube.

While there is no announcement of a discharge date, the Royal Court said King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was in stable condition at a hospital.

The Royal Court, in an announcement released on the Saudi Press Agency, said a lung infection had been diagnosed after he was admitted to King Abdulaziz Medical City Hospital in Riyadh, although other news reports said he was transferred to a military hospital.

The king’s half-brother, Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, 79, is his presumed successor. Crown Prince Salman who has been acting as King Abduallah’s representative in recent times is also the country’s deputy prime minister and defence minister.

On the other hand, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, 69, who has served in several top government positions, including the head of intelligence and as the king’s special adviser, was made second in line to the throne last March.

While the king’s health remains unclear, his age means the focus is once again on the future of Saudi Arabia’s leadership.

The kingdom has come under the spotlight in recent months, as uncertainty surrounding oil prices continues. With the deteriorating health of king Abdullah, who turned 90 in August, the leadership of one of the most important oil producing nations is in question.

Oil prices continue to sit at below $60 a barrel. With its recent budget announcement, it is clear Saudi Arabia is maintaining its position to refuse to curb production; a move widely perceived as being a direct order from the country’s leadership.