Manama: Bahrain has announced a 40-day mourning period over the death of Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Flags will be flown at half-mast for 40 days while ministries and government establishments and institutions will remain closed for three-days, starting Friday, the edict issued by Prince Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the prime minister, said.

King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa mourned in a statement issued by the Royal Court King Abdullah.

"HM King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa mourns the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who passed away leaving a prolific legacy laden with dedication and landmark achievements in serving his people, the Arab and Islamic Nations and advocating their causes", the statement said.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab and Islamic nations have lost, with the death of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, a wise leader who dedicated his life to serving his people, nation, religion and humanity", the statement, carried by Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said.

King Abdullah’s endeavours and achievements will remain forever engraved in hearts and minds, making him a model to emulate in leadership, sacrifice and dedication.

The statement expressed “Bahrain’s support to Saudi Arabia and the brotherly Saudi people in these moments of grief, recalling the great marks of the deceased as the architect of his country’s development in all fields, as well as his pivotal role in supporting the progress and consolidation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).”

In the Saudi capital Riyadh, the Royal Court announced in separate statements early on Friday the death of King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the succession by Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz.

“With great sadness and grief, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, and all members of the family and the nation, mourn the death of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, who passed away at one o'clock in the morning of Friday, 03/04/1436 AH . To God We Belong and To Him We Return,” the statement carried by Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said.

The prayers will be conducted on Friday following the Asr (afternoon) prayers at Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Mosque in the capital Riyadh.

In the second statement, the Royal Court said that Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud was the new king.

“His Royal Highness Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud received allegiance as the king of the country according to the Basic Law. After the completion of the pledge of allegiance, and based on Item Two of Royal Decree No 86 issued on 26 /05 / 1435 AH, which stipulated that His Royal Highness Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud would receive the pledge of allegiance as Crown Prince in the event of the vacancy of the position, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz has called for pledging allegiance to His Royal Highness Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz as the Crown Prince,” the Royal Court said. “The pledge of allegiance by the citizens to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Muqrin Bin Abdul Aziz will start on Friday at the palace in Riyadh after the Isha prayers,” the Royal Court said.