Custodian of Islam's holiest sites, King Salman bin Abdulaziz has been admitted to a hospital in Jeddah for routine medical examinations, as reported by state television on Wednesday.

King Salman, aged 88 and at the helm of the world's leading oil exporter since 2015, is undergoing these routine check-ups at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah.

The Royal Court disclosed that the examinations are anticipated to span "a few hours," according to the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Despite his advancing age, King Salman has remained actively engaged in state affairs, recently showcased in state media footage attending a weekly cabinet meeting.

The monarch's health has been a subject of global interest given his significant role not only within Saudi Arabia but also across the broader Middle East region.

His reign has been characterised by notable reforms and strategic initiatives, many of which have been spearheaded by his son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been instrumental in driving social and economic transformations aimed at diversifying the kingdom's economy away from oil dependence.