Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, or MBS, is one of the most talked-about leaders in the world right now. Since he was named heir to the Saudi throne in 2017, MBS has made waves with some major reforms in a country known for its strict traditions. Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has lifted the ban on women driving and allowed genders to mix in public spaces, something unimaginable just a few years ago. People can now go watch a movie, attend a concert, or even cheer at a football game—events that would’ve been unthinkable not long ago.
But MBS isn’t without his controversies. While some praise him for shaking things up, others view him as an autocrat. One major stain on his image is the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The U.S. government believes MBS ordered Khashoggi’s killing, seeing it as part of his crackdown on dissent. On top of that, MBS has faced accusations of detaining Saudi elites in an alleged anti-corruption campaign.
MBS’s boldness extends beyond politics. In 2017, he spent a staggering $450 million on the world’s most expensive painting, Leonardo da Vinci’s 'Salvator Mundi'. The purchase was a move that showed just how determined he is to outshine the West and assert his power on the world stage. But since buying it, the painting has mysteriously disappeared.
Despite his controversial actions, MBS continues to rise in power. In 2022, he was appointed prime minister, solidifying his role as Saudi Arabia's de facto decision-maker. His foreign policy has also been ambitious. After years of tension with Iran, MBS brokered a historic deal in 2023, restoring ties between the two countries with China’s help. This move, along with his offer to normalize relations with Israel, shows that MBS is willing to play the long game, even if it means looking beyond traditional Western allies. He’s making it clear: he’s a leader with big ambitions, and he’s ready to shape the future of the Middle East on his own terms.
