Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud Wiki: Net Worth, Wife, Age, Height, Children

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, born on August 31, 1985, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. He is the son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain. Mohammed bin Salman, commonly referred to as MBS, is a prominent figure in Saudi Arabian politics, known for his significant influence on both domestic and international affairs.

MBS was educated in Saudi Arabia, where he earned a law degree from King Saud University. His early education and exposure to the workings of the Saudi government set the stage for his future roles within the kingdom.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud Wiki

Full Name	Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman
Born	August 31, 1985, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Age	38 years old (as of 2024)
Height	6 feet (183 cm)
Net Worth	Approximately $1.4 trillion (as of 2024, largely from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund)
Parents	King Salman bin Abdulaziz (Father), Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain (Mother)
Spouse/Wife	Sara bint Mashour Al Saud (m. 2008)
Children	Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, Princess Noura, Prince Abdulaziz
House	House of Saud
Religion	Sunni Islam
Current Titles	Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (June 21, 2017 – present)
Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia	September 27, 2022 – present
First Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia	June 21, 2017 – September 27, 2022
Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia	April 29, 2015 – June 21, 2017
Minister of Defense	January 23, 2015 – September 27, 2022
Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs	June 21, 2017 – present
Chairman of the Council of Political and Security Affairs	June 21, 2017 – present
Preceded by	Muhammad bin Nayef (as Crown Prince)
Monarch	Salman bin Abdulaziz
Major Initiatives	Vision 2030, Social and Economic Reforms, Modernization Efforts
Controversies	Yemen War, Human Rights Issues, Jamal Khashoggi Incident
Relations with Major Powers	Improved ties with Russia and China, Complex relations with the U.S.
Relatives	Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, Princess Noura, Prince Abdulaziz

Personal Life

Mohammed bin Salman is married to Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud, his first cousin, and they have five children: Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, Princess Noura, and Prince Abdulaziz. He is known for his passion for technology, including a strong interest in artificial intelligence and innovation, which aligns with his Vision 2030 goals.

MBS has also garnered attention for his luxurious lifestyle, including the purchase of a $500 million yacht, a $300 million French chateau, and a $450 million painting, “Salvator Mundi,” attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. These acquisitions have drawn criticism, particularly in light of the kingdom’s ongoing economic challenges.

Rise to Power

Mohammed bin Salman’s ascent to power was rapid and strategic. His political career began in earnest in 2009 when he was appointed as a special advisor to his father, then the Governor of Riyadh Province. His influence grew as his father rose through the ranks of Saudi leadership, eventually becoming the King in 2015.

In 2015, MBS was appointed as the Minister of Defense, making him the youngest defense minister in the world at the time. His role expanded further in April 2015 when he was named the Deputy Crown Prince, placing him next in line for the throne after his cousin, Muhammad bin Nayef. However, in June 2017, a royal decree by King Salman removed Muhammad bin Nayef from his positions, elevating MBS to the role of Crown Prince.

As Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman has been described as the power behind the throne, with King Salman’s advanced age leading many to believe that MBS is the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. His appointment marked a significant shift in the kingdom’s leadership, as MBS was seen as a representative of a new generation of Saudi leaders, willing to implement bold reforms.

Vision 2030: A Plan for the Future

One of the most ambitious projects spearheaded by Mohammed bin Salman is the Saudi Vision 2030, a plan announced in April 2016 aimed at diversifying Saudi Arabia’s economy and reducing its dependency on oil. The Vision 2030 initiative is built around three key pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.

• A Vibrant Society: MBS’s vision for a vibrant society includes improving the quality of life for Saudi citizens by enhancing healthcare, education, and social services. His reforms have led to significant changes in Saudi society, such as the easing of restrictions on women, including the right to drive and the reduction of the male guardianship system’s influence.
• A Thriving Economy: Under Vision 2030, the Saudi government aims to diversify its economy by investing in sectors such as technology, tourism, and entertainment. MBS has emphasized the importance of reducing the kingdom’s reliance on oil revenues, instead focusing on sustainable development and innovation.
• An Ambitious Nation: The Vision 2030 plan also includes efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in various sectors, including energy, finance, and culture. MBS has sought to enhance Saudi Arabia’s influence on the world stage, both through economic partnerships and diplomatic initiatives.

Modernization and Social Reforms

Mohammed bin Salman has championed a series of social reforms aimed at modernizing Saudi society. He has advocated for a more moderate interpretation of Islam, distancing the kingdom from the ultra-conservative Wahhabi ideology that has long been dominant in Saudi Arabia. This shift was evident in his support for events and activities that were previously banned, such as live music performances, film screenings, and sports competitions, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

MBS has also taken steps to curtail the influence of the religious police, an institution that once held significant power over the daily lives of Saudi citizens. These changes are part of his broader effort to present Saudi Arabia as a more open and tolerant society, in line with his Vision 2030 objectives.

Human Rights and Controversies

While Mohammed bin Salman’s reforms have garnered praise from many in the international community, his tenure has also been marked by significant human rights concerns. Since 2017, the Saudi government has arrested hundreds of individuals, including activists, journalists, and even members of the royal family, in what many view as a crackdown on dissent.

One of the most prominent controversies associated with MBS is the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist and critic of the Saudi government. Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018, leading to widespread condemnation of MBS, who has been accused of ordering the assassination. While MBS has denied direct involvement, the incident has severely damaged his reputation, particularly in the Western world.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

Mohammed bin Salman’s foreign policy has been characterized by assertiveness and a desire to position Saudi Arabia as a regional power. One of his most controversial actions was the decision to lead a coalition of Arab states in a military intervention in Yemen in 2015. The war, aimed at restoring the government of President Hadi and countering the influence of the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, has led to a humanitarian crisis and widespread suffering in Yemen.

The conflict in Yemen has drawn international criticism, with many accusing Saudi Arabia of contributing to civilian casualties and exacerbating the humanitarian situation. Despite this, MBS has remained committed to the intervention, viewing it as a necessary measure to counter Iran’s influence in the region.

• Relations with the United States: MBS’s relationship with the United States has seen significant fluctuations. Under President Donald Trump, Saudi-US relations were strong, with Trump supporting Saudi Arabia’s stance on Iran and approving arms sales to the kingdom. However, the relationship has been more strained under President Joe Biden, who has criticized Saudi Arabia’s human rights record and temporarily paused arms sales to the country. Despite these tensions, Saudi Arabia remains a key ally of the US in the Middle East.
• Relations with Russia and China: Under MBS’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has also sought to strengthen its ties with Russia and China. The kingdom is a key member of the OPEC+ alliance, which includes Russia, and has continued to invest in Russian companies despite Western sanctions following the Ukraine conflict. Relations with China have also deepened, with Saudi Arabia becoming China’s largest trading partner in the Middle East. MBS has pursued a pragmatic approach, balancing Saudi Arabia’s traditional alliances with the West while fostering new partnerships with other global powers.
• Diplomatic Relations with Iran: Perhaps one of the most surprising developments in MBS’s foreign policy has been the recent thaw in relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. After years of rivalry and diplomatic tensions, the two countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties in 2023, following negotiations facilitated by China. This move is seen as part of MBS’s broader strategy to create a more stable regional environment conducive to the economic goals of Vision 2030.

Conclusion

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud is a complex and polarizing figure in contemporary global politics. As the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, he has implemented significant reforms aimed at modernizing the kingdom and reducing its dependence on oil. His Vision 2030 plan represents a bold vision for the future of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on economic diversification, social liberalization, and increased global influence.

However, MBS’s tenure has also been marred by human rights abuses, controversial foreign policies, and the shadow of the Khashoggi murder. As he continues to navigate the challenges of leading one of the world’s most influential countries, Mohammed bin Salman’s legacy will likely be defined by both his ambitious reforms and the controversies that have accompanied them.