The powerful and controversial Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has cancelled a trip to Algeria on his doctor’s advice.
The Royal Court in Saudi Arabia confirmed the cancellation after several media organisations reported the news.
The President of Algeria said the 37-year-old Saudi heir to the throne and de facto leader of Saudia Arabia had cancelled his visit; a few hours later, the official statement from Saudi Arabia was released.
According to the Royal Court, Crown Prince Mohammed’s doctor advised him not to fly long distances to avoid “trauma’” to his middle ear. However, they did not provide any further information.
Crown Prince Mohammed’s condition is unclear, but middle ear infections can lead to ruptured ear drums. Pressure from flying can cause such damage.
The statement regarding the Crown Prince’s health was published in Arabic and French and referred to the information from the office of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune of Algeria. It was then also stated that the Saudi Crown Prince and the President of Algeria held a longer meeting by phone to replace the planned visit.
Crown Prince Mohammed apologised to the President for pulling out of the Arab Summit, due to be held on 1 November.
This year’s Arab League Summit in Algeria is the first time the Arab League has met since the beginning of the global health crisis. The Arab League, founded in 1945, represents 22 nations across the Middle East and North Africa.
King Salman of Saudi Arabia has asked the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, to take the Crown Prince’s place in the Saudi delegation at the summit.
