Saudi king names new housing minister

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has appointed a new housing minister and replaced the head of the royal court in the latest move to restructure his government.

In a royal decree on Monday, King Salman introduced Majid bin Abdullah bin Hamad al-Hugail, a professor, as Saudi Arabia’s new housing minister.

Hugail will replace an official who temporarily held the portfolio after the previous minister was sacked in April.

Saudi Arabia has been seeking to overcome a severe housing shortage.

In a separate royal order, the Saudi king named Minister of State Khalid bin Abdulrahman al-Issa to replace Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Suwailem as head of the royal court.

Suwailem had held the position since late April when he took over from the king’s powerful son Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The move brought about a major shake-up, seeing the king's son, who also served as defense minister, appointed as Deputy Crown Prince and second in line to the throne. Mohammed bin Salman also holds other positions.

No reason has been mentioned for the changes.

On April 29, the Saudi king issued a royal decree, relieving Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz and also Foreign Minister Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of their positions. Faisal died last week.

According to the decree, Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was appointed as the new heir to the throne. Adel bin Ahmed al-Jubeir was also appointed as the new foreign minister replacing Faisal after four decades of service.

Muqrin, 69, was relieved of his position as deputy prime minister as well.

The decree also said that Muhammad bin Nayef will act as deputy prime minister and will continue to hold the position of interior minister and head of the political and security council.

King Salman’s son, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is in his early 30s, was also appointed as deputy crown prince.

Salman was crowned as the king of Saudi Arabia on January 23, 2015, following the death of his half brother, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, at the age of 90.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk