• Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman designated as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia

    International
    Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman designated as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia
    Prior to becoming crown prince, Prince Mohammed bin Salman served as defence minister.

    Digital Desk: King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia appointed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to be the nation's prime minister.

    King Salman also elevated his second son Prince Khalid from deputy defence minister to defence minister, according to a royal order made public on Tuesday. 

    The king, who is 86 years old, will continue to preside over Cabinet meetings. The monarch, who came to power in 2015, has deteriorating health and has recently spent a number of nights in the hospital.

    Mohammed bin Salman, a prince, had previously served as defence minister of Saudi Arabia.

    He is also a key participant in the kingdom's "Vision 2030" plans to revamp the nation's financial and energy systems.

    In addition, Mr. Salman has promoted social reforms like letting women drive under certain restrictions.