King Abdullah to return home today

Saudi Arabia's elderly King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz will return home today (23.02.11) after recuperating in Morocco following surgery.

The 87-year-old monarch - who travelled to Morocco in January - had been expected to spend some time recovering there after undergoing two operations on his back in New York to have slipped discs repaired and a blood clot removed from his spine but it has now been announced he will arrive home today.

Saturday (26.02.11) has now been declared a holiday at Saudi state institutions, schools and universities to mark the return of the king.

After his surgery in New York, the king revealed he was impatient to leave for Saudi Arabia and return to work as soon as possible.

He said: "I will return to the Kingdom very soon to be with my family, children and people and my brothers in the Gulf.

"I'm getting a lot of relief from this exercise and of course it improves my health. I would like to tell everybody that I'm in good condition and will return soon . God willing very soon."

"I find enjoyment in work and feel relaxed when I work for my people who have vested upon me this great responsibility."

During the king's absence, his brother Crown Prince Sultan, 82- who has also been struggling with ill health - had been ruling the kingdom.

He had to return to Saudi Arabia after an extended holiday in Morocco.