RIYADH (AFP) - A Saudi man weighing 610kg was forklifted to hospital on Monday for medical treatment at the expense of the monarch to reduce his weight.

Mr Khaled Mohsin Shairi was flown from his south-western hometown of Jizan to Riyadh on a specially-equipped plane, SPA state news agency reported.

It posted a picture of overweight Mr Shairi being lifted on a forklift out of the plane on arrival in the capital.

Acting on orders of King Abdullah, the health ministry had to acquire a specially-made bed and a crane to transfer Shairi from his second-floor apartment, SPA said.

The bed was specially made for Mr Shairi in the United States, Sabq news website said.

The ministry did not specify the nature of treatment that the young man will undergo and his age has not been disclosed.