Saudi Arabia's MBS: Popularity, Economic Growth, and Regional Diplomacy

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Popularity and Vision

• 👑 Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is currently surfing a wave of popularity in Saudi Arabia, which is expected to endure through economic development, reform, and growth.
• 💡 The Vision 2030 project aims to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy and rebrand its international image, moving away from a purely religious narrative towards a national one.
• 🎯 This vision is particularly popular with young Saudis, who desire social freedoms, economic opportunities, and a lifestyle comparable to other countries.

Regional Normalization and Diplomacy

• 🤝 Saudi Arabia, under MBS, is actively pursuing the normalization of relations with countries like Israel and Iran, and fostering economic integration in the Middle East.
• 🕊️ While normalization with Israel was progressing, it was derailed by the events of October 7, 2023, but is expected to return to the agenda depending on future developments in Gaza and Palestinian self-determination.
• 🌍 The kingdom has become a significant diplomatic power broker, hosting meetings between the US and Russia, and engaging in discussions regarding the Ukraine war and postwar Gaza.

Economic Drivers and Challenges

• 💰 The endurance of MBS's popularity is intrinsically linked to economic development and growth, which are crucial for achieving Vision 2030 goals.
• 📈 A key challenge is generating large amounts of foreign direct investment to drive job growth and provide rewarding careers for the young Saudi population.
• 🛡️ MBS is seeking an upgraded security deal with the US, similar to the one provided to Qatar, to guarantee the kingdom's domestic and external security, a departure from the previous understanding of US security guarantees.

Saudi Arabia's Global Role and Identity

• 🕌 As the custodian of the two holy places, Saudi Arabia holds a unique and central position in the Muslim world, with Mecca and the Kaaba being the heart of Islam.
• 🌐 The kingdom is working to shift its global perception, moving away from past associations with extremism and towards a more complex, pluralistic society reflected in its youth's response to reforms.
• ⚖️ Reconciling its role as a custodian of holy sites with becoming a more normal state within the regional system presents ongoing challenges, despite remarkable progress so far.