The Saudi monarchy  announced change in a royal decree on 29th April 2015,  The king appointed his son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as deputy crown prince, making him second in line to the throne. The prince, about 29 years old, has been serving as defense minister during the military campaign in Yemen.

The changes are a sign that Riyadh wants to clear questions about its leadership as the kingdom faces growing threats from extremist groups and Iranian plays for regional influence. In a statement published by the official Saudi Press Agency, King Salman also announced a series of other appointments that promoted younger officials.

“This is a king with a vision, that strongly believes in injecting new blood [into the government],” said Riad Kahwaji, head of the Dubai-based Institute for Near East and Gulf Military Analysis.

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Other appointments in Saudi Arabia:

• Adel Al Jubeir, 53, as foreign minister, replaced Prince Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who had served in the position since 1975.

•  Prince Saud was replaced because of health concerns, according to SPA. He was named an adviser to King Salman and supervisor of foreign affairs.

• Mr Al Jubeir’s appointment is unusual because he is not a member of the royal family. He has been posted in Washington since 1987.

• Khalid Al Falih, CEO of the state oil company Saudi Aramco, was appointed health minister. He will also be chairman of Saudi Aramco.

• Adel bin Mohammed Al Fakeih, formerly labour minister, became minister of economy and planning. The new labour minister is Mufrej Al Haqbani.

• Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Suwailem, , was appointed as head of the royal court, a key position because it controls access to King Salman.

• About Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  •  He is the first grandson of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, founder of modern Saudi Arabia, to be in the line of successio.
  • Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is believed to have taken a leading role in the Saudi-led fight against Houthi rebels in Yemen.
  • He is a 29 Years old.
  • He served as head of his father’s court before being named defence minister in January.
  • He is the youngest minister of defense in the world
• Nuts and Bolts of Saudi Arabia:
  •  Currency: Saudi Riyal
  • Capital: Riyadh
  • Religion: Sunni Islam
  • Language: Arab