King Salman Discharged from Hospital After Reassuring Medical Tests in Riyadh

King Salman Returns Home After Medical Check-up

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the monarch of Saudi Arabia, was discharged from King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh on Friday, January 16, 2026, after undergoing a series of medical tests. The Royal Court issued a statement confirming his departure from the hospital, noting that the examinations were 'reassuring' and their results 'satisfactory'.

The King had been admitted to the hospital earlier on the same day for what were described as routine medical check-ups.

Routine Examinations and Health Context

The medical tests conducted on King Salman, who is 90 years old, were part of his periodic healthcare schedule. Official statements from the Royal Court did not indicate any new health concerns, emphasizing the routine nature of the visit.

The monarch's health is closely monitored, given his age and previous medical history. In recent years, King Salman has undergone several procedures, including:

• Gallbladder removal surgery in 2020.
• A pacemaker battery change in March 2022.
• Treatment for lung inflammation in 2024.

Despite these health considerations, King Salman continues to fulfill his duties, having chaired a cabinet meeting just days before his hospital visit.

Official Statements and Public Reassurance

The Royal Court's announcement aimed to provide transparency regarding the monarch's health status and reassure the public. The swift discharge and the positive outcome of the tests were met with relief both within Saudi Arabia and internationally. While King Salman has been on the throne since 2015, his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has increasingly taken on the role of de facto ruler since his appointment as Crown Prince in 2017 and Prime Minister in 2022.