On special day of the Crown Prince’s Birthday, Soul of Saudi extends our heartfelt wishes to His Excellency Mohammed Bin Salman, a leader redefining the future of Saudi Arabia with bold dreams and unstoppable ambition.
When you look at Saudi Arabia today, the transformation feels almost unbelievable. The Kingdom has shifted from a quiet, oil-dependent society into a nation brimming with ambition, creativity, and global influence. At the heart of this change is Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, widely known as MBS.
His leadership has sparked sweeping reforms, from women driving and cinemas reopening to futuristic mega-projects like NEOM and Qiddiya.
“The future of Saudi Arabia is not dependent on oil but on the minds of our people and their ability to unleash their potential. – Mohammed Bin Salman”
That one line captures the essence of his philosophy of empowering people, embracing possibility, and pushing beyond limits.
Who is Mohammed Bin Salman?
Mohammed Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, known globally as MBS, is the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. Born on August 31, 1985, he is the son of King Salman and the Kingdom’s heir to the throne.
MBS is best recognized as the architect of Vision 2030, the long-term national plan designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, modernize its society, and elevate its global role. Today, he stands among the most influential leaders of the 21st century, guiding the Kingdom through one of the most ambitious transformations in modern history.
Early Years of a Future Leader
Birth and Roots
Raised in Riyadh, Mohammed Bin Salman grew up within the royal household of King Salman and Princess Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain. His father’s direct lineage to the Kingdom’s founder, King Abdulaziz, and his mother’s Ajman tribal heritage gave him a powerful blend of royal authority and tribal connections that shaped his identity as a leader.
Education at Home
Unlike many royals who studied abroad, Mohammed Bin Salman completed his education entirely in Saudi Arabia. At King Saud University, he graduated second in his class with a degree in law.
His decision to stay grounded in local education shaped his understanding of Saudi society in ways that prepared him to champion the reforms he would later implement.
Early Entrepreneurial Drive
Even as a teenager, MBS showed sharp business instincts. By 16, he was trading stocks and reinvesting family gifts of gold coins and watches. Later, he founded businesses in real estate and waste management before shifting into politics. These early ventures gave him a hands-on appreciation of commerce and innovation. Skills that now shape his leadership of Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification.
From Young Minister to Crown Prince
Entry into Politics
In 2009, at only 24, Mohammed Bin Salman became a special advisor to his father and following advisory, he became the Governor of Riyadh. By 2013, he was Chief of the Crown Prince’s Court with ministerial rank, making him one of the most influential figures in state affairs.
Defense Minister and Rising Influence
When King Salman took the throne in 2015, and he appointed his son as Minister of Defense, at 29, the youngest in the world. MBS also became Deputy Crown Prince and Chairman of the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.
Becoming Crown Prince
On June 21, 2017, Mohammed Bin Salman was named Crown Prince, receiving the highest approval rating in Saudi history with 31 out of 34 votes from the Allegiance Council. Within months, he launched an anti-corruption campaign, detaining hundreds of officials and recovering over $100 billion in settlements. It signaled a new era of accountability and centralization of power.
Vision 2030: The Blueprint for Transformation
Launched in April 2016, Vision 2030 is MBS’s signature project and the most ambitious reform plan in Saudi history. The vision’s goals base around three pillars:
1. A Vibrant Society
- Increase life expectancy from 74 to 80 years
- Boost cultural and entertainment spending
- Double UNESCO World Heritage sites
2. A Thriving Economy
- Reduce unemployment to 7%
- Raise female workforce participation to 30% (already surpassed at 36.2%)
- Expand non-oil revenues and attract international investment
3. An Ambitious Nation
- Strengthen e-government services (Saudi Arabia now ranks in the global top 10)
- Increase citizen volunteerism to over one million annually
- Enhance transparency and governance standards
By 2024, 85% of Vision 2030 initiatives were either completed or on track, an extraordinary achievement for a program of such scale.
Transforming the Saudi Economy
Power of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)
Under Mohammed Bin Salman’s leadership, the Public Investment Fund has grown into one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, valued at over $900 billion. It invests across technology, sports, tourism, and renewable energy, fueling Saudi Arabia’s global presence.
Mega-Projects That Define the Future
- NEOM: A $500 billion futuristic city, including The Line, Oxagon, Trojena, and luxury island Sindalah.
- Qiddiya: A vast entertainment hub larger than Disney World, set to welcome 17 million annual visitors.
- Red Sea Project: Luxury eco-tourism across 90 pristine islands.
- Diriyah and AlUla: Heritage restorations positioning Saudi Arabia as a cultural tourism leader.
These projects represent Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be a global hub for tourism, innovation, and sustainability.
Social and Cultural Reforms
Empowering Women
Among the key achievements of Mohammed Bin Salman as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia are his reforms for women:
- Lifting the driving ban in 2017
- Granting travel and passport rights without male guardianship
- Criminalizing workplace discrimination
- Expanding career opportunities across the military, aviation, and business sectors
Today, women contribute at record levels to the Saudi workforce and society.
Entertainment and Lifestyle Revolution
Saudi Arabia, once known for its restrictions, has transformed into a stage for global entertainment. Cinemas reopened in 2018, international music festivals like Soundstorm draw hundreds of thousands, and Riyadh Season brings cultural events to millions.
Toward Moderate Islam
“We want to go back to what we were: a moderate Islam open to all religions,” MBS declared.
Under his leadership, the powers of the religious police have been reduced, and interfaith dialogue is being encouraged.
Tourism and Global Recognition
Tourism has become one of the brightest symbols of change. Since the launch of tourist visas in 2019, Saudi Arabia has surpassed 100 million annual visitors, exceeding its Vision 2030 target years ahead of schedule. The Kingdom now ranks among the world’s fastest-growing travel destinations.
Global institutions have also recognized MBS’s leadership: TIME named him among the 100 Most Influential People, and international think tanks continue to study his model of balancing modernization with cultural authenticity.
Lesser-Known Fun Facts About Mohammed Bin Salman
Beyond politics, Mohammed Bin Salman has a distinctly human side:
- He prefers basketball to soccer and dedicates 1.5 hours daily to cardio.
- He enjoys Marvel movies, Japanese animation, and science fiction.
- He spent his honeymoon in Kyoto, Japan, reflecting his fascination with Japanese culture.
- Despite his workload, he limits social media use to just 20 minutes a day.
He is also deeply philanthropic through the Misk Foundation, supporting youth, education, and innovation.
Inspiring Leadership Lessons
“We want to be a nation of dreamers and doers, a nation that leads the world in innovation and creativity.” – Mohammed Bin Salman.
The leadership style of Mohammed Bin Salman offers lessons for anyone studying transformational change:
- Think Boldly: Aim for transformative, not incremental, change.
- Empower the Young: With 71% of Saudis under 35, he has made youth the engine of progress.
- Act Decisively: Quick decisions often beat endless debate.
- Balance Modernity with Tradition: Change must honor cultural roots.
- Stay Globally Connected: Saudi Arabia’s partnerships with the U.S., China, Europe, and India reflect a multipolar strategy.
Beyond these principles, Mohammed Bin Salman’s approach to diplomacy stands out as well. He has positioned Saudi Arabia not only as a regional power but as a global convener. From reconciling with Qatar to working with China to restore ties with Iran, he has shown how diplomacy can expand influence and bring stability.
“We want to be a global hub for dialogue and peace,” he once said,
His statement underscores his vision of Saudi Arabia as a bridge between East and West.
A Legacy in Motion
At just 40, Mohammed Bin Salman has already secured his place among the world’s most influential leaders. Through Vision 2030, economic diversification, social reforms, and cultural openness, he is guiding Saudi Arabia into a new chapter of history.
From women driving to futuristic cities rising in the desert, his achievements are reshaping how the world sees the Kingdom. His legacy is still being written, but one truth is clear: Mohammed Bin Salman is not only transforming Saudi Arabia, he is redefining what visionary leadership means in the 21st century.
FAQs
When is Mohammed Bin Salman’s birthday?
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman was born on August 31, 1985. His birthday is seen not only as a personal milestone but also as a reminder of his leadership journey and the reforms that have reshaped Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
How old is Mohammed Bin Salman in 2025?
In 2025, Mohammed Bin Salman turns 40. Despite his youth, he has already spent a decade steering Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, balancing tradition with progress while leading the Kingdom through a period of rapid growth.
What is the net worth of Mohammed Bin Salman?
MBS’s personal wealth is estimated to be around $5 billion, although exact figures are unclear. Much of the royal family’s fortune comes through state resources, Saudi Aramco, and the Public Investment Fund. Collectively, the House of Saud’s wealth is over $1.4 trillion.
Does Mohammed Bin Salman have a wife?
Yes. He married Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud in 2008, and they have five children, including three sons and two daughters. Princess Sara maintains a low profile and is linked to charitable and youth-focused initiatives.
Who is the next king of Saudi Arabia?
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is the official heir, appointed in June 2017. With no deputy crown prince, he remains the clear successor to King Salman.
Who is the king of Saudi Arabia in 2025?
As of 2025, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud remains monarch, ruling since 2015. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman serves as Prime Minister and de facto leader, driving the Kingdom’s reform agenda.
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This article is brought to you by Soul of Saudi (a Saudi travel blog dedicated to uncovering the beauty, heart, and soul of the Kingdom).
