Saudi King Salman, who succeeded his half-brother Abdullah on his death on Friday, is a 79-year-old stalwart of the royal family credited with transforming the capital Riyadh during his half-century as governor.
Like Abdullah, Salman is seen as a moderate with a reputation for austerity, hard work and discipline, especially in his role overseeing the hundreds of young princes in the royal family.
Recent years have seen concerns over his health after operations on his back, but Salman took on an increasingly high-profile role as Abdullah's own health issues forced him from the limelight.
He is the sixth son of Abdulaziz to become king of the arid, oil-rich nation.
He is considered the architect of the development of Riyadh from a desert backwater to a modern metropolis, balancing the historic power of the Red Sea city of Jeddah.
"Salman has a reputation for probity and for being 'clean' when it comes to money," Gillespie said.
Salman only took on his first ministerial post -- as defence minister -- in 2011 following the death of his brother Prince Sultan.
'A MAN OF DIALOGUE'
Said to be a hard worker who arrives in the office every day at 7:00 am sharp, Salman also has a reputation for accessibility, holding court three times a week.
"He prefers moderation" in internal and foreign policy and "follows in the steps of Abdullah", who was a keen reformer, said Eshki.
Salman is also in charge of the many young princes in the royal family, who "respect and fear him", Eshki said.
Salman is reputed to be ill and there had been speculation he might not claim the throne at all, according to a source close to the circle of power.
But one diplomat said: "Despite his age he is active on all fronts, especially since the king slightly stepped back."
Married three times, Prince Salman had 10 sons, two of whom have died, and a daughter.
One of his sons, Prince Abdul Aziz bin Salman, was appointed assistant petroleum minister in 2004 and is considered likely to succeed veteran Oil Minister Ali al-Naimi.
His most famous son is Prince Sultan, who became the first Saudi to go into space when he joined a 1985 mission on the US space shuttle Discovery. He is currently head of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities.
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