Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Saudi King Abdullah, believed to be in declining health,
has left for Morocco.

Officials said Abdullah, said to be more than 95, arrived in the
Moroccan port of Casablanca on late May 31. They said the Saudi king would
stay in his villa in northern Morocco for an undetermined amount of time.

A royal court statement said Abdullah authorized Crown Prince Salman to
assume the duties of state during the king’s absence. Salman, also defense
minister, was said to be suffering from dementia.

“King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,
based on Article 66 of the Statute of the Rule issued according to the Royal
Order No. [A/90] dated May 31, 2013 has accordingly deputized Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to administer the affairs of the state and take care of the interests of the people during his absence outside the
Kingdom,” the statement said.

Many members of the Saudi leadership have established residences in
Agadir and Casablanca. The announcement said Abdullah was accompanied to Morocco by “senior princes.”

Over the last six months, the king has replaced members of the Cabinet
as well as governors with younger princes. This included the appointment of
Abdullah’s son, Prince Miteb, as head of the new National Guard Ministry.

  Ailing Abdullah leaves Saudi, Ailing Saudi king exits to Morocco; crown prince said suffering from dementia, Casablanca, National Guard Ministry, Prince Miteb