Mohammed bin Salman: Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince of Influence
Mohammed bin Salman, commonly known as MBS, is the Crown Prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Appointed heir to the throne in 2017 by his father, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, MBS has since positioned himself as a dominant force not just in the Gulf but on the global stage. His rule is marked by aggressive economic reform, tightened social controls, and an ambitious vision to diversify the kingdom's oil-dependent economy.
Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Who Is Mohammed bin Salman?
Born in 1985, MBS is the son of King Salman and quickly rose through the ranks of Saudi leadership. He was appointed Minister of Defense in 2015 at the age of 30 and was later made Crown Prince in 2017, sidelining more senior members of the royal family. Known for his rapid consolidation of power, he has led efforts such as Vision 2030, a sweeping plan to reform Saudi Arabia’s economy, invest in tech and tourism, and reduce its reliance on oil.
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How Rich Is Mohammed bin Salman?
While the exact figure of MBS’s personal wealth is unknown, it is widely estimated to be in the billions. He is believed to control or benefit from vast state and family-held assets, including investments in sovereign wealth funds, real estate, and stakes in major global companies. In 2015, he reportedly purchased a $500 million yacht and a Leonardo da Vinci painting for over $450 million, underscoring the financial power at his disposal.
Though technically the wealth belongs to the royal family or the state, MBS exercises significant personal control over financial decisions, especially those tied to the $700 billion Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
His 2025 Meeting with Trump: What It Signals
In 2025, MBS met with former U.S. President Donald Trump in Riyadh during Trump’s Middle East tour. While official statements framed the meeting around “economic partnership and regional cooperation,” observers believe more was discussed behind closed doors. Trump, known for his transactional approach to foreign relations, has previously enjoyed a strong rapport with the Saudi royal including record-breaking arms deals during his presidency.
This recent meeting is thought to involve talks around strategic investments into the U.S. tech and infrastructure sectors, as well as mutual political support. With Trump positioning himself for a stronger global role, whether in business or politics and MBS expanding Saudi influence in sports, media, and energy, their alliance could carry significant implications.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Why MBS Matters Globally
MBS has managed to blend authoritarian consolidation with economic modernization. Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has hosted international events, invested in major tech firms, and become a dominant player in global energy policy. But his rule has not been without criticism particularly following the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, which U.S. intelligence linked directly to him.
Despite the controversies, world leaders continue to engage with MBS due to the sheer weight Saudi Arabia carries in global finance and oil politics. His meeting with Trump in 2025 is simply the latest in a series of maneuvers that reinforce his role as one of the most powerful and polarizing figures in international affairs.
