Early Life and Education

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud was born on August 31, 1985, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who later became the King of Saudi Arabia, and his third wife, Fahdah bint Falāḥ ibn Sulṭān. Mohammed’s early life was marked by close observation of his father’s political activities and governance. This formative experience shaped his understanding of statecraft and diplomacy.

Mohammed pursued higher education at King Saud University in Riyadh, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in law in 2007. His academic background laid a foundation for his later roles in governance and economic management. During his time at university, Mohammed began to establish himself as a prominent figure, developing a keen interest in public policy and administration.

Early Career and Rise

Following his graduation, Mohammed bin Salman embarked on a business career, founding several companies and a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in Saudi Arabia. His early ventures demonstrated a commitment to modernizing the Saudi economy and fostering innovation.

In 2009, Mohammed was formally appointed as an adviser to his father, who was then governor of Riyadh. His role in advising and assisting his father provided him with a practical understanding of governance and state affairs. As King Salman ascended the political ladder, eventually becoming crown prince in 2012, Mohammed’s influence grew correspondingly.

Defense Minister and Military Campaigns

In January 2015, following the death of King Abdullah, Salman bin Abdulaziz became the King of Saudi Arabia and appointed Mohammed as Minister of Defense. One of his first major actions was to launch Operation Decisive Storm, a military intervention in Yemen aimed at supporting the internationally recognized government of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi against the Houthi insurgency. The campaign sought to counter the perceived threat of Iranian influence in Yemen. Despite initial optimism, the operation led to a protracted conflict, resulting in severe humanitarian consequences and failing to achieve a decisive military victory.

Economic and Developmental Initiatives

Alongside his defense role, Mohammed bin Salman was placed in charge of the Saudi state oil company, Aramco, and the Council of Economic and Developmental Affairs, which is responsible for the kingdom’s economic strategy. He spearheaded Vision 2030, a comprehensive plan to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy away from its reliance on oil and attract foreign investment. The initiative aimed to stimulate non-oil sectors, such as tourism, entertainment, and technology.

One of the key components of Vision 2030 was the initial public offering (IPO) of Aramco, which was anticipated to be the largest IPO in history. However, the launch faced several delays due to market conditions and strategic considerations, eventually taking place in late 2019.

Crown Prince and Social Reforms

In June 2017, Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince, a role that elevated him to the second-highest position in Saudi Arabia’s hierarchy. He quickly set about implementing his ambitious agenda, both domestically and internationally.

Mohammed’s approach included a bold and controversial foreign policy. He orchestrated a blockade against Qatar, citing its support for Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood. This move aimed to isolate Qatar diplomatically and economically, although it led to a short-term crisis for the country. Qatar ultimately used the situation to strengthen its economic resilience and reduce its dependence on its Gulf neighbors.

Domestically, Mohammed pursued a series of social reforms aimed at modernizing Saudi Arabia’s society. Under his leadership, the government lifted the ban on cinemas and allowed women to attend sporting events. In 2018, he also relaxed the public dress code, permitting women not to wear the traditional abayah (a long black cloak). Furthermore, women were granted the right to drive, marking a significant step toward gender equality. However, these reforms were met with criticism from conservative factions, and activists pushing for further freedoms faced government crackdowns.

Controversies and Human Rights Issues

Mohammed’s tenure has been marred by several high-profile controversies. In October 2018, journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi regime, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The brutal murder, which involved torture and dismemberment, was widely attributed to Mohammed’s orders, leading to international outrage and damaging his global reputation. The Saudi government attempted to deflect responsibility, but the incident remains a significant blemish on Mohammed’s record.

In March 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Mohammed detained several members of the Saudi royal family, including former Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef, on allegations of treason. This move was seen as consolidating Mohammed’s power and eliminating potential rivals within the royal family.

Economic and Diplomatic Developments

As global conditions shifted, Mohammed’s role evolved. The COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affected global oil markets and economic stability. Despite earlier tensions with the United States, President Joe Biden met with Mohammed in July 2022 during a visit to Saudi Arabia, signaling a complex but continuing relationship.

In September 2022, Mohammed was appointed Prime Minister, traditionally a role held by the king, with his younger brother Khalid succeeding him as Defense Minister. This promotion solidified his status as the primary policy-maker in Saudi Arabia.

In pursuit of regional stability and strategic interests, Mohammed sought to normalize relations with Israel. His proposal, contingent on U.S. security commitments and nuclear technology support, was met with resistance from Washington. Turning to alternative diplomacy, Mohammed, with China’s mediation, achieved a landmark deal with Iran in March 2023 to restore bilateral ties. This agreement, which suggested a potential end to the Yemen conflict, also strengthened Saudi-China relations and provided a counterbalance to U.S. influence.

Legacy and Future Outlook

Mohammed bin Salman’s tenure as Crown Prince and Prime Minister has been characterized by dramatic reforms, ambitious economic projects, and controversial policies. His efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia’s economy and society reflect a drive for progress, albeit tempered by significant challenges and criticism. As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate complex domestic and international landscapes, Mohammed’s leadership will remain pivotal in shaping the kingdom’s future.