Title: The Rise and Reign of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince MBS
In January 2015, as the 90-year-old King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia lay dying in a hospital, his half-brother Salman was poised to take the throne. Little did the world know that Salman’s favorite son, Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, was preparing to wield unprecedented power and reshape the kingdom in ways never seen before.
At just 29 years old, MBS had grand ambitions for Saudi Arabia. He envisioned transforming the economy by selling a stake in the state oil producer Aramco, investing in tech startups like Uber, and empowering Saudi women to join the workforce to create millions of new jobs. His vision was bold, his determination unwavering.
In a midnight meeting with a senior security official, MBS revealed his plans to awaken Saudi Arabia from its slumber and elevate it to a global powerhouse. The conversation, which was meant to last half an hour, stretched into three hours as MBS shared his aspirations inspired by historical figures like Alexander the Great.
However, MBS’s journey to power was not without controversy. His involvement in the devastating war in Yemen, the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and allegations of human rights violations have cast a shadow over his reign. Despite these challenges, MBS remains resolute in his mission to modernize Saudi Arabia and assert his authority on the world stage.
As MBS prepares to potentially rule Saudi Arabia for the next 50 years, he faces threats of assassination and internal opposition. His ruthless determination to implement his vision for the kingdom has both admirers and critics watching closely.
The story of Mohammed bin Salman, from his inauspicious start to his controversial reign, is a tale of ambition, power, and the complexities of modern leadership in one of the world’s most influential nations. As he navigates the challenges ahead, the world waits to see if MBS can fulfill his grand ambitions while addressing the concerns raised by his critics.
Jonathan Rugman is a consultant producer on The Kingdom: The world’s most powerful prince, providing insight into the enigmatic figure of MBS and the future of Saudi Arabia under his rule.
