The official Saudi Press Agency says that Prince Sattam bin Abdel Aziz, King Abdullah's half brother, has died at the age of 72.

The agency quoted a royal court statement as saying Prince Sattam, governor of the capital Riyadh, will be buried Wednesday.

The statement did not mention the cause of death. The Saudi ruling family rarely gives details on the medical status of top figures, even when they are hospitalized.

Prince Sattam is the 30th son of the late King Abdul Aziz, founder of the kingdom. He graduated from San Diego University in 1965 with a B.A. degree in business administration.

In November, the 88-year-old monarch underwent what was described as back surgery to secure a loose vertebra. He had back operations in 2010 and twice in 2011.