In just a few short years, Saudi Arabia has undergone a seismic shift, led by its ambitious crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Forget the oil; the future of this nation pulsates through its vibrant culture, driven by a leader who isn’t afraid to make bold moves to reshape his country.
MBS has long had a passion for video games—a fact that illustrates his visionary mindset. Even amidst a grueling schedule, he dedicates time each morning to his favorite game, “Final Fantasy XVI,” where the protagonist must reclaim a stolen crystal to embrace his identity as the “True King.” This is not mere entertainment; it’s an insight into a leader molding his destiny and that of his nation.
Since ascending to power in 2015, MBS has implemented profound reforms at a dizzying pace, tearing down the archaic structures that once held Saudi society in chains. Today, the oppressive religious police that patrolled the streets in 2016 are a relic of the past. In their stead, cultural phenomena like boxing matches, music festivals, and theme parks have emerged, signifying a new era of freedom and expression.
This transformation is rooted in decisive action. On the day of King Abdullah’s funeral, a mere 29 years old and without an official title, MBS convened his advisers to overhaul the government. His directive was clear: decisive action was paramount. Within 18 months, he would dethrone his cousin to assume the crown—and execute a ruthless purge within the royal family.
The notorious Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh became a symbol of MBS’s unyielding grip on power when hundreds of princes, ministers, and magnates were detained under the guise of an anti-corruption campaign. This was more than a shake-up; it was a demonstration of his authority, exemplified by reports of staggering settlements from those who dared to defy him.
The world took note when the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi brought MBS’s iron-fisted rule into sharp focus. While he denied involvement, the prevailing sentiment is that he orchestrates the kingdom’s affairs with such mastery that no action occurs without his tacit approval. Some citizens, however, choose to overlook the shadows of his reign, grateful for the modernization he has ushered in.
This reformative ethos is personal for MBS, who remembers a childhood steeped in limitation, with entertainment systems strictly controlled. The changes sweeping Saudi Arabia today allow women unprecedented freedoms, including the right to travel unaccompanied—all elements of a broader strategy to uplift the nation from its conservative past.
Critical to MBS’s vision is the ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at reducing Saudi reliance on oil. The plan is audacious, featuring futuristic projects designed to catapult the kingdom into the modern age—remarkable cities teeming with opportunities that defy traditional boundaries.
Yet, MBS’s reforms come at a cost. Dissent is swiftly quashed, with countless individuals imprisoned for offending his authority. Nevertheless, among the youth, MBS enjoys significant popularity. They are excited by the prospects of a redefined identity, one that embraces enjoyment and global integration—an attitude made accessible through the tools of modernization.
MBS embodies a paradox: a visionary reformer intent on rejuvenating a stifled society while simultaneously consolidating power with unrelenting precision. Nothing in Saudi Arabia escapes his gaze; from governmental policy to cultural norms, he remains the central architect of change.
Even casual comments made in intimate settings reflect his awareness of the cultural landscape he oversees. During a meeting, he casually remarked to a guest that they needn’t adhere strictly to traditional attire. It was a seemingly simple observation but indicative of a sweeping change in the fabric of Saudi society.
