In January 2015, as the 90-year-old king of Saudi Arabia, Abdullah, lay dying in hospital, his half-brother Salman was poised to take the throne. Salman’s son, Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, was eager to take on the responsibilities of power. At just 29 years old, MBS had grand ambitions for his kingdom, hoping to transform it into a global powerhouse.
Fearing potential threats from within his own royal family, MBS called a late-night meeting with a senior security official, Saad al-Jabri. The two men disconnected all communication devices in the room, highlighting the prince’s paranoia about palace spies. MBS outlined his vision to modernize Saudi Arabia by diversifying its economy, investing in tech startups, and empowering women in the workforce.
When asked about the extent of his ambition, MBS simply referenced Alexander the Great, ending the meeting abruptly after three hours. This encounter shed light on the young prince’s determination to make his mark on the world stage.
Over the past year, a documentary team has explored MBS’s rule through interviews with both supporters and critics. The Saudi government declined to comment on the claims presented in the documentary. Saad al-Jabri, a former senior security official, provided valuable insights into MBS’s leadership style and decision-making process.
As the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, MBS has faced accusations of human rights violations and controversial policies, such as the Yemen war and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite his rocky start, MBS has implemented significant changes in the country, challenging traditional norms and practices.
Raised in relative obscurity, MBS has proven to be a decisive and ruthless leader, willing to push through reforms at any cost. His rise to power was unexpected, but his ambition and determination have set him apart from previous Saudi rulers. Though his actions have drawn criticism, MBS remains steadfast in his mission to transform Saudi Arabia into a modern and prosperous nation.