MBS and the Transformation of Saudi Arabia: Balancing Reform and Tradition

At the recent Arab Summit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was notably absent. However, a resurfaced video of him on social media has reignited discussions about his vision for the kingdom. In the footage, MBS emphatically declares his commitment to eradicating Islamic extremism and steering Saudi Arabia toward a moderate form of Islam, one that is open to the world and all religions.

MBS first made this declaration in 2017, the same year he was appointed Crown Prince at just 31 years old. His rise to power was marked by an assertive consolidation of authority, which included a purge of rivals and influential businessmen. His confidence was evident early on, as his crackdown on opposition followed just a month after his speech about modernizing Saudi society. Since then, Saudi Arabia has undergone a remarkable transformation.

One of the most notable changes has been the revival of cinemas, which reopened in April 2018 after a 35-year ban, with ambitious plans to establish 300 theaters by 2030. Women’s rights have also seen significant advancements, including the lifting of the driving ban in 2018, allowing thousands of women to take to the roads. By 2019, the guardianship rules were relaxed, granting women over 21 the right to travel without male approval. Additionally, the introduction of a visa system in 2019 opened Saudi Arabia to foreign tourists for the first time, shifting its economic focus beyond oil. The diminishing influence of the religious police has further led to cultural liberalization, allowing women to attend sporting events and concerts alongside men while adopting more relaxed dress codes.

The driving forces behind these sweeping reforms can be traced back to two key factors. Firstly, Saudi Arabia has a youthful population, with over 63% under the age of 30. These young citizens prioritize entertainment, employment, and a globalized lifestyle over rigid ideological conservatism. Secondly, economic diversification has become imperative as the kingdom’s vast oil reserves are expected to deplete within the next 60 years. To address this, MBS launched Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at reducing dependence on oil and fostering new industries, including tourism, sports, and artificial intelligence.

Under MBS’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has been rebranded as a global entertainment and sports hub. The country now hosts a Formula 1 Grand Prix, attracts football stars like Cristiano Ronaldo to its domestic league, and is developing a Saudi Louvre in Riyadh. Furthermore, investments in AI and data centers are positioning Saudi Arabia as a major player in the technology sector, drawing interest from global investors, celebrities, and top professionals.

However, challenges remain on the path to modernization. Despite significant progress, limited freedoms persist, as not all job opportunities are accessible to women, and criticism of the government is not tolerated. Saudi Arabia continues to operate as an absolute monarchy, lacking political transparency. Moreover, MBS must carefully balance reform with stability—excessive change could destabilize the monarchy, while too little might alienate younger generations eager for progress.

MBS walks a delicate tightrope, managing religious scholars, royal rivals, and geopolitical uncertainties. While the transformation he has spearheaded is undeniable, the ultimate question remains: can he successfully balance reform and tradition to ensure both economic prosperity and political stability for Saudi Arabia’s future?