File photo of Saudi King Fahd.

    RIYADH, Aug. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Saudi King Fahd passed away in hospital on Monday, hospital officials and state television said. 

    According to the TV report, Fahd's half-brother Crown Prince Abdullah was named successor.

    Fahd, 83, was taken to hospital in May due to acute pneumonia. 

    Abdullah had been the de facto ruler of the kingdom since Fahd suffered a stroke in 1995.

    Saudi Arabia is the world's biggest oil exporter.  Enditem