Who is the leader in Saudi Arabia? This question often stirs curiosity and intrigue, as the country’s leadership is a topic of significant importance in both regional and global politics. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its vast oil reserves and strategic location, plays a pivotal role in the Middle East and beyond. Understanding who holds the highest position of power in Saudi Arabia is crucial for anyone seeking to comprehend the dynamics of this influential nation. In this article, we will delve into the current leader of Saudi Arabia and explore the historical context that has shaped the country’s governance.
The current leader of Saudi Arabia is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS. Born on August 31, 1985, he is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the late Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. MBS ascended to the throne of Saudi Arabia following the death of his father in January 2015. As Crown Prince, he has been the de facto ruler of the country since his father’s abdication in 2017.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing the Saudi economy and diversifying the country’s reliance on oil. His Vision 2030 initiative aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global investment powerhouse by reducing the public sector’s dependency on oil revenues and promoting private sector growth. Under his leadership, the Kingdom has embarked on a number of ambitious projects, including the development of the NEOM megacity and the Red Sea Project.
Despite his efforts to modernize the country, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has faced criticism and controversy. His leadership style has been characterized by a mix of bold reforms and authoritarian measures. His tenure has been marked by the arrest of thousands of Saudi citizens, including former officials and royals, in what has been termed the “Saudi Arabia’s anti-corruption campaign.” The campaign, which began in November 2017, was aimed at curbing corruption and strengthening the monarchy’s grip on power.
Moreover, MBS’s foreign policy has been marked by a confrontational approach towards Iran and other neighboring countries. His government has been at the forefront of the war in Yemen, which has resulted in a humanitarian crisis and widespread criticism from human rights organizations. Additionally, the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has further tarnished the reputation of the Crown Prince and the Saudi government.
The leadership of Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a complex issue, as it encompasses both modernization efforts and authoritarianism. As the country’s de facto ruler, MBS’s decisions have far-reaching implications for the region and the world. The question of who is the leader in Saudi Arabia, therefore, is not just about identifying a single individual but understanding the broader context of power, politics, and change in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
