Manama: A spokesperson for the Makkah Province has dismissed rumours about the death of the governor, Prince Khalid Al Faisal as baseless and untrue.

“HRH the Governor is enjoying a private holiday and he is expected to resume work in two weeks,” Sultan Al Dossari said. “We pray to God the Almighty to protect him.”

News of the “death” of Prince Khalid, the third son of the late King Faisal, has been circulating on social media.

The prince, who will turn 79 on February 24, has governed the Makkah region twice, from 2007 to 2013 and again since 2015. He was Minister of Education from 2013 to 2015. He was also the Governor of Asir Province from 1971 to 2007. Prior to that, he served as director general of the Presidency of Youth Welfare in the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs in 1967.

Prince Khalid is widely respected in the family and he is appreciated for his combination of both modern and traditional sensibilities.