Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) 2025: Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia

Full Name: Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Born: August 31, 1985, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Nationality: Saudi Arabian
Political Position: Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense
House: House of Saud
Father: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
Succeeded: As Crown Prince in 2017
Current Role: De facto ruler of Saudi Arabia

Early Life and Education: Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, into the House of Saud, the royal family that has ruled Saudi Arabia since its founding. MBS is the eldest son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who became the King of Saudi Arabia in 2015.

Mohammed was educated in Saudi Arabia, attending King Saud University, where he earned a degree in Law. His academic training in law and political science laid the groundwork for his later rise to power and leadership within the kingdom. As a member of the royal family, MBS was groomed for leadership, and his education and experience in government and business played an instrumental role in his ascent.

Ascension to Power: Mohammed bin Salman

MBS’s rise to prominence began in the early 2010s when his father, then the Prince of Riyadh, assumed a more active role in governance. MBS was appointed to several key positions within the government, reflecting his growing influence.

In 2015, after King Salman ascended to the throne following the death of King Abdullah, Mohammed bin Salman was appointed as the Minister of Defense, despite his relative inexperience in military affairs. His appointment was seen as a bold move, signaling that King Salman was preparing MBS for a more prominent leadership role.

In 2017, MBS was named Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, replacing his cousin, Muhammad bin Nayef, who had been seen as the traditional successor. This move marked the beginning of his de facto rule over Saudi Arabia, even though his father remains the King. His rise to power was seen as a generational shift, with MBS bringing a more modern, ambitious vision for the kingdom’s future.

Vision 2030 and Domestic Reform; Mohammed bin Salman

MBS’s most notable achievement in his leadership role has been the introduction of Saudi Vision 2030, a bold economic and social reform plan aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy and reducing its dependence on oil revenues. Vision 2030 focuses on creating new industries, promoting technology, innovation, tourism, and entertainment, and improving Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness.

Under Vision 2030, several ambitious projects have been launched, including:

• NEOM: A futuristic city planned to be built in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, intended to be a global hub for innovation, technology, and sustainability.
• Public Investment Fund (PIF): MBS has overseen the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, which has invested in several high-profile international ventures, including Uber, Lucid Motors, and SoftBank’s Vision Fund.
• Social Reforms: MBS has introduced several social reforms, particularly in areas related to women’s rights. In 2018, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban on women driving, marking a historic moment in the kingdom’s social policy. He has also pushed for the empowerment of women in the workforce and political life.

The Vision 2030 plan also includes efforts to improve the kingdom’s international standing and its image, promoting Saudi Arabia as a modern, forward-looking nation on the global stage. However, while these reforms are often seen as groundbreaking, they have also been met with criticism from some quarters, particularly for not being fully implemented and for their limitations in terms of political freedoms and rights.

Foreign Policy and Global Influence; Mohammed bin Salman

Under Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has taken a more assertive and sometimes controversial role in global politics and foreign affairs. Some of the key aspects of his foreign policy include:

1. Yemen Conflict: Mohammed bin Salman

One of the most significant aspects of MBS’s foreign policy has been his involvement in the ongoing Yemen Civil War. Since 2015, Saudi Arabia, under MBS’s leadership, has led a coalition of Arab countries in a military intervention to support the government of Yemen against Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with widespread famine, disease, and civilian casualties. The war has drawn significant international criticism for the heavy civilian toll and for alleged violations of international law.

2. Relations with the United States and Western Countries: Mohammed bin Salman

MBS has strengthened Saudi Arabia’s strategic ties with the United States and Western powers, particularly in areas related to energy security, trade, and military cooperation. He has cultivated a close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, with the two leaders forming a strong partnership during Trump’s tenure, particularly in terms of arms sales and economic ties.

However, MBS’s relationship with the West has been complicated by human rights concerns, particularly following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and critic of the government, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul by agents of the Saudi government. The killing sparked international outrage, and while MBS has denied direct involvement, the incident has raised questions about his leadership style and his approach to dissent.

3. Relationship with Iran: Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia’s rivalry with Iran has become one of the defining elements of MBS’s foreign policy. The two countries are engaged in a proxy conflict across the Middle East, particularly in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. MBS has pushed for a more confrontational stance against Iran, which he views as a threat to Saudi Arabia’s security and regional dominance.

However, in recent years, there have been signs of potential rapprochement between the two countries, particularly following efforts to ease tensions and engage in diplomatic talks. This shift in policy reflects a broader desire by MBS to reduce Saudi Arabia’s military entanglements in the region and focus on domestic economic reforms.

4. Israel and the Middle East Peace Process: Mohammed bin Salman

Under MBS’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has taken steps toward normalizing relations with Israel, marking a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics. While Saudi Arabia has not formally recognized Israel, MBS has signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue with Israel, particularly in relation to Iran and the broader stability of the Middle East. His approach to Israel is seen as pragmatic, aimed at fostering cooperation on issues such as security and economic development.

Human Rights and Controversies: Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership has been marked by both progressive reforms and widespread criticism over human rights. On one hand, his social reforms, such as lifting the ban on women driving and allowing women to attend sports events, have been hailed as steps forward for gender equality. However, his government has also been criticized for its crackdown on political dissent, freedom of speech, and the persecution of activists.

The Khashoggi killing in 2018 remains one of the most significant controversies associated with MBS. The international backlash over the murder led to strained relations with Western allies, and while MBS denied any direct involvement, the incident has overshadowed many of his domestic reforms. Human rights organizations continue to monitor Saudi Arabia’s record on issues such as freedom of expression, the treatment of dissidents, and the use of capital punishment.

Additionally, MBS’s war in Yemen and his government’s authoritarian control over the kingdom have drawn criticism from both human rights groups and international organizations.

Legacy and Future: Mohammed bin Salman

Mohammed bin Salman is a transformative figure in the modern history of Saudi Arabia. His ambitious Vision 2030 plan aims to rebrand Saudi Arabia as a global economic and technological powerhouse, but its success will depend on how effectively he navigates the challenges of governance, regional tensions, and human rights concerns.

MBS’s leadership has already led to significant changes in Saudi society, particularly in terms of women’s rights and social liberalization, but many of the reforms remain a work in progress. His foreign policy has positioned Saudi Arabia as a key player in the Middle East, but the ongoing conflicts and controversies surrounding his leadership could shape his legacy.

As the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman’s future will be closely watched both within the kingdom and around the world. His ability to balance social, economic, and political changes with international pressures will determine the success of his reign and his place in history.