Why is the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia currently seen as the most influential man in the Middle East?
Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is currently in Washington, D.C., where President Donald Trump warmly welcomed him, treating him as a hero and a close ally. This reciprocal gesture not only reflects the respect Trump has shown since his May visit to Saudi Arabia but also signals an explicit acknowledgment of MBS’s rising leadership and his vision for Saudi Arabia’s future. At just 40 years old, MBS has demonstrated remarkable strategic insight and authority, guiding one of the wealthiest countries in the Muslim world.
His leadership has garnered widespread support from the younger generation of Saudis, who see him as a transformative figure. Since unveiling Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and create millions of new jobs for Saudi youth, MBS has fundamentally shifted the country’s trajectory. This plan is viewed as long overdue by many Saudis, who have long sought reforms to reduce the kingdom’s reliance on oil and to develop sectors such as tourism, entertainment, and technology.
In the United States, MBS secured a major military deal by purchasing advanced F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. without any conditions tied to normalization with Israel—highlighting his leadership qualities and his ability to persuade President Trump not to see Israel normalization as a prerequisite for military cooperation. Additionally, MBS announced a planned $1 trillion direct investment from Saudi Arabia into the U.S. economy, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to deepening economic ties.
He also achieved a milestone by securing NATO non-member status for Saudi Arabia during Trump’s meeting on Tuesday, a move that signifies Washington’s recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strategic importance.
Ultimately, MBS succeeded in acquiring the F-35 jets without requiring normalization with Israel, and he effectively opened the U.S. market to Saudi investment while allowing Saudi access to the American defense industry. These moves have improved his image among Western audiences and solidified his position as a significant global and regional leader. According to President Trump, these agreements are mutually beneficial, with Trump asserting that the influx of Saudi investments will contribute significantly to America’s economic success.
