Mohammed Ben Salman, commonly known as MBS, has been the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia since 2015, when his father King Salman ascended the throne and appointed him crown prince. Over the past decade, MBS has pursued an ambitious agenda to transform the kingdom, both economically and socially, while simultaneously centralizing power and facing intense international scrutiny over human rights abuses. The following article synthesizes the major headlines and key facts from a collection of reports on MBS, providing a comprehensive overview of his rule.
Modernization and Economic Reforms
One of the central themes of MBS's reign is his effort to modernize Saudi Arabia and reduce its dependence on oil. The crown prince launched Vision 2030, a sweeping plan to diversify the economy, develop non-oil industries, and open up the country to tourism and foreign investment. Headlines highlight the development of the Al-Ula valley as a tourist destination, with France partnering in the project. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has been bolstered by transfers of shares from Aramco, and it has invested heavily in global technology and entertainment. In 2023, Saudi Arabia's gaming subsidiary Savvy acquired an American video game publisher for $5 billion, signaling the kingdom's intent to become a player in the digital economy. MBS has also overseen the opening of cinemas, the lifting of the ban on women driving, and the promotion of a more moderate form of Islam.
Foreign Policy and Geopolitical Maneuvering
MBS has pursued an assertive foreign policy, seeking to position Saudi Arabia as a major independent power. He has continued the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen, though recent reports indicate a fragile peace effort. He has also sought to balance relations between the United States, Saudi Arabia's traditional ally, and China, which has increased its influence in the Gulf through investments in oil, gas, and technology. A headline notes that the Persian Gulf is at the heart of a Sino-American struggle for influence, with Saudi officials having to navigate carefully. MBS has also engaged with European leaders, such as French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the Gulf to strengthen Franco-Saudi ties and discuss energy production. Meanwhile, the crown prince has maintained a close personal relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, but faced a cold shoulder from the Biden administration, especially after the release of a U.S. intelligence report implicating him in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The Khashoggi Murder and International Fallout
The assassination of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018 remains the darkest stain on MBS's reputation. Numerous articles chronicle the affair: the CIA concluded that MBS ordered the killing; U.S. senators accused him of orchestrating it; the United Nations special rapporteur called for a criminal investigation; and several Western countries imposed sanctions or travel bans on Saudis involved. A 2021 report by the U.S. intelligence community explicitly said MBS approved the operation. The fallout included boycotts of the Davos in the Desert investment forum, a broad condemnation by human rights groups, and a reshaping of Saudi Arabia's image abroad. Despite this, MBS has survived politically, partly thanks to support from King Salman and the buffer provided by high oil prices and Saudi Aramco's revenues. In 2023, the Turkish court case against 20 Saudis continued, and the fiancée of Khashoggi, Hatice Cengiz, continued her campaign for justice.
Internal Consolidation of Power
MBS has not hesitated to use force to eliminate rivals. A headline reads: "In Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Ben Salman assures his accession to the throne by force." He initiated a massive purge of the royal family in 2017, detaining hundreds of princes, officials, and businessmen at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh on charges of corruption. The operation also targeted senior royals, including Prince Ahmed, the king's brother. MBS also cracked down on dissidents, arresting women's rights activists such as Loujain al-Hathloul and others who were imprisoned and allegedly tortured. Another article details the arrest of Princess Hussa, the king's daughter, in Paris for assaulting a worker. MBS's rule has left little room for opposition; Saudi dissidents in exile formed a political party abroad to advocate for democracy, but their influence inside the kingdom is minimal.
Economic Challenges and Diversification Efforts
Despite the focus on Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has faced economic headwinds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GDP contracted sharply, and unemployment hit record highs. The kingdom initiated a price war with Russia over oil production in early 2020, which exacerbated the crisis. However, high oil prices in subsequent years provided a windfall, enabling MBS to continue spending on mega-projects like the NEOM smart city. Saudi Aramco, the world's most valuable oil company, raised $100 billion in debt in 2019 through a record bond sale. The sovereign wealth fund has also invested in SoftBank's Vision Fund and other tech ventures. Yet, the country still struggles to wean its economy off oil, and its classification on the EU's money-laundering blacklist has complicated international financial relations.
Regional Rivalries and Alignments
MBS has presided over a redrawing of alliances in the Middle East. The rivalry with Qatar, which led to a blockade from 2017 to 2021, eventually thawed. Tensions with Iran remained high, but after Chinese mediation, Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic relations in 2023. The crown prince also strengthened ties with Egypt and the UAE, while competing with Turkey for influence in the Sunni Muslim world. The assassination of Khashoggi and the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen strained relations with the West. However, MBS continued to cultivate ties with India and Pakistan, as highlighted by his visit to the region amid tensions over Kashmir. The murder also provided an opportunity for Turkey's President Erdogan to position himself as a defender of press freedom, further complicating regional dynamics.
Cultural Initiatives and Sports
In an effort to project a more open image, MBS has invested heavily in culture and entertainment. The opening of the Al-Ula archaeological site, home to Nabatean ruins, and the French partnership for its development underscore this ambition. The crown prince also made headlines for his alleged purchase of the $450 million painting Salvator Mundi, though its provenance remains disputed. In sports, Saudi Arabia has aggressively entered the global arena, hosting the Formula One Grand Prix and attracting football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar to its domestic league. These moves align with the soft power strategy of Vision 2030, aimed at attracting tourism and diversifying the economy away from oil.
Human Rights and Opaque Governance
Despite the social reforms, Saudi Arabia under MBS remains an absolute monarchy with a poor human rights record. The execution of 81 individuals in a single day in 2022 drew international criticism. MBS has been accused of using surveillance against critics, including wiretapping Jeff Bezos, owner of The Washington Post, which extensively covered Khashoggi's case. A United Nations report found that the murder of Khashoggi was a state-sponsored operation, and the Saudi public prosecutor's limited trial of low-level operatives was seen as a whitewash. MBS's government has also restricted freedom of expression, imprisoned activists, and maintained a strict system of social control, even as aspects of daily life become less restrictive.
The figure of Mohammed Ben Salman remains a study in contrasts: a modernizer who champions economic transformation and openness, yet an autocrat who suppresses dissent and consolidates power through fear and force. The collection of headlines about him reflects the dual nature of his rule—a young leader wrestling with global ambitions, domestic vulnerabilities, and the legacy of his most notorious act.
Source: Le Figaro News