Later that day, state media reported that he underwent a colonoscopy, and nothing abnormal was found. Doctors have ordered King Salman to stay in hospital for “some time” to rest, state media reported, without specifying how long.
The monarch’s health is closely watched as he holds absolute power in the kingdom.
King Salman ascended the throne in 2015 and named his 36-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as his successor. However, he has also already empowered Prince Mohammed to run day-to-day affairs.
Since rising to power, Prince Mohammed has shaken up the kingdom with dizzying social reforms, ousted royal rivals and cracked down on perceived opponents, sparking controversy.
Earlier this year, state media reported that King Salman had been hospitalized in Riyadh to have his pacemaker battery replaced. In 2020, he underwent surgery to remove his gallbladder after a stint in hospital which reignited speculation about his condition.