Saudi King appointed half-brother Moqren as next heir to throne

Abdullah, the king of Saudi Arabia on 27 March 2014 appointed his half-brother Moqren (69) as the next heir to the throne. This step has paved a way for Moqren to become a future king of the world’s largest exporter of crude oil.

King Abdullah (90-year old) announced his decision in a royal decree. At present Moqren is the second deputy Prime Minister and has been named as the next crown prince. From 2006 to July 2012, Moqren headed the intelligence services before being named as the counselor and special envoy to King Abdullah.

The decision of the decree was taken by more than three-quarters (27) of the 34-member Board of Succession, as the princes of the royal family.

The King in his Decree had not mentioned name of Crown Prince Salman (79), who at present is the Defence Minister of the strategic Gulf State. This declaration was made by the king on the eve of the visit of US President Barack Obama.

Succession of the King Rule in Saudi Arabia
As per the rules, power passes from brother to brother in Saudi Arabia under a right of primogeniture among the Sons of Abdul Aziz Saud, the person who is the founder of the kingdom.
 
According to the law in case the posts of crown prince and king become vacant then the Prince Moqren will be proclaimed sovereign. This royal decree is an irrevocable decision and said that nobody can change this decision that came into effect from 27 March 2014. The Board of Succession is supposed to designate the future heir.
 
The board of succession was established by King Abdullah in 2006 with an aim to institutionalize the process of transition and would normally exercise its rights prerogative after his death.