Unquestionably, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is the impetus behind all of these significant changes in Saudi Arabia. He is overhauling the kingdom’s social policies, particularly with respect to tourism, sports, and urban development. His bold vision has captured international headlines and investment to match. They have led to fear over a blatant disregard for human rights, censorship and his draconian paternalism.
In recent years, Mohammed bin Salman has heavily invested in tourism campaigns aimed at transforming Saudi Arabia into a global travel destination. This initiative is part of his broader Vision 2030 plan, which seeks to diversify the economy away from oil dependence and promote futuristic cities, such as NEOM. The campaign has received endorsements from various sectors worldwide, positioning Saudi Arabia as a burgeoning hub for entertainment and leisure.
This change has taken place amid an ongoing climate of extreme repression. Since becoming heir apparent, Mohammed bin Salman has severely repressed all opposition, jailing billionaires, authors and even moderately vocal critics. So much so that he has likely earned the description of “pariah” for authoring the murderous regime change of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Though the CIA has already come to the judgment that he personally ordered the assassination—a conclusion Mohammed bin Salman has repeatedly denied, sometimes with spittle-flecked enthusiasm.
“Saudi Arabia was not always this repressive, but now it’s unbearable.” – Jamal Khashoggi
Even with the kingdom’s riches and fast-developing tourism industry, many citizens are still poor and increasingly unhappy. Even critics have pointed out that all of that wealth being collected through oil revenues hasn’t led to better lives for most Saudis. Observers contend that Mohammed bin Salman’s government is more focused on enhancing its global image through high-profile events rather than addressing domestic issues.
Beyond these new tourism undertakings, Mohammed bin Salman is charged with participating in “sportswashing.” This is often known as soft power, and one method nations use to promote their soft power is by sponsoring high-profile, global sports events. Saudi Arabia’s backing of the LIV golf tournament and its ownership of Newcastle United soccer team have drawn scrutiny, with critics suggesting that these moves aim to distract from the kingdom’s human rights violations.
Mohammed bin Salman’s highly problematic and controversial relationships with Western leaders do him no favors. He continues to receive support from people such as Jared Kushner, who counselled him on how to ride out the storm after Khashoggi’s murder. Reports indicate that Kushner’s private equity firm FUNNELED an incredible $2 billion into Mohammed bin Salman’s investment fund last year. This decision further deepens and darkens the ties between the business world and politics.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump consistently defended the Crown Prince. During an official visit by Mohammed bin Salman to Washington, Trump hosted him at the White House and bragged about their family ties.
“I get along great with all of them; they buy apartments from me. They spend $40m, $50m,” – Donald Trump
“Am I supposed to dislike them? I like them very much!” – Donald Trump
Trump’s comments expose a deeply personal relationship with the Saudi leadership. They underscore the broader geopolitical forces at work. And yet how many Western leaders are eager to shake Mohammed bin Salman’s hand? They gloss over his administration’s abysmal track record on human rights and free speech. Critics point out that his administration has imposed harsh red lines on dissent and freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia.
The international community is still split on how to interact with the Crown Prince. Others insist we must keep the pressure on and defend economic reforms. Some argue that we need to hold him accountable for his egregious human rights abuses. Observers believe that Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious vision for Saudi Arabia requires careful navigation between modernizing efforts and maintaining social stability.