Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz was absent from the annual gathering at Mina Palace — an occasion he is traditionally expected to attend as part of the longstanding custom of receiving Hajj delegations — reigniting speculation surrounding his fate.

Instead of Salman, his son Mohammed attended and delivered a speech in which he said he was present at Mina Palace on behalf of his father, without addressing the reason for the king’s absence.

The king’s last documented public appearance dates back to 8 December 2022. Since then, only still photographs and repeated silent video clips have appeared, periodically released by the Royal Court.

What has appeared since his disappearance?

▪️ Still photographs claimed by their publisher — his son Mohammed — to be recent.
▪️ Silent videos in which he does not speak, also claimed by their publisher — his son Mohammed — to be recent.

Observations regarding the photographs and videos:

▪️ They do not include any trusted third party, such as another head of state.
▪️ He is never shown speaking.
▪️ They were neither captured nor published by any independent third party, such as a foreign news agency.

Salman has also been absent from other occasions at which his presence would normally be expected, including:

▪️ Receiving heads of state, such as Trump and Gulf rulers.
▪️ Arab, Islamic and Gulf summit meetings.
▪️ Delivering annual speeches.