Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, 91, has died in hospital, the state television announced early this morning.
The announcement said his brother, Salman, had become king.
Before the announcement, Saudi television cut to Koranic verses, which often signifies the death of a senior royal.
King Abdullah had been in hospital for several weeks suffering from a lung infection.
The king came to the throne in 2005 but had suffered frequent bouts of ill health in recent years.