The Five Pillars Of Power: Inside Mohammed Bin Salman's Visionary And Controversial Kingdom In 2025
Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the Crown Prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, continues to be one of the most powerful and transformative figures on the global stage, driving an unprecedented social and economic revolution within the Kingdom. As of late 2025, his influence is not only cemented domestically through the ambitious Vision 2030 but is also expanding internationally through high-stakes diplomacy and massive infrastructure projects. The world watches closely as MBS navigates complex geopolitical challenges, from energy markets and regional conflicts to the controversial human rights record that shadows his modernizing efforts.
This deep dive explores the current state of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitious agenda, focusing on the latest updates regarding his mega-projects, the shifting sands of his foreign policy, and the domestic reforms that are reshaping Saudi society at a breakneck pace. The year 2025 marks a crucial phase, with several cornerstone projects entering their final stages of development, determining the long-term viability of his transformative vision.
The Complete Profile: Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, often referred to as MBS, has rapidly risen to become the most influential figure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His aggressive timeline for reform and consolidation of power has made him a pivotal, albeit polarizing, leader.
- Full Name: Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Born: August 31, 1985 (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia)
- Father: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Mother: Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain (King Salman's third spouse)
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Law from King Saud University (Riyadh)
- Key Titles (Current): Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister, Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs (CEDA), Chairman of the Council of Political and Security Affairs (CPSA), Minister of Defense (2015–2022).
- Wife: Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud
- Net Worth Estimate: Varies widely, with figures often cited around $5 billion to $25 billion, a reflection of his personal assets and control over the vast wealth of the House of Saud.
Pillar 1: The Status of Vision 2030’s Giga-Projects in 2025
Vision 2030 is the blueprint for Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification, aiming to wean the nation off its heavy reliance on crude oil exports. The centerpiece of this plan is a collection of audacious giga-projects, some of which are now reaching critical completion milestones in 2025.
The NEOM Megacity and The Line Update
NEOM, the $500 billion futuristic city in the Tabuk Province, remains the most ambitious and scrutinized project. It is intended to be a hub for technology, tourism, and sustainable living. However, reports in 2025 indicate a significant scaling back of the initial, jaw-dropping vision for The Line, the 100-mile-long mirrored linear city. While NEOM officials maintain that The Line is a "strategic priority" and a "new blueprint for humanity," the construction timeline and population targets have reportedly been reduced from the original, highly optimistic projections.
Other components of NEOM, however, continue to advance:
- Oxagon: A planned floating industrial complex and logistics hub on the Red Sea.
- Trojena: A mountain resort destination, set to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, demonstrating the Kingdom's commitment to year-round tourism.
Red Sea Global: AMAALA and Thuwal Private Retreat
The Red Sea Global (RSG) development, which includes The Red Sea and AMAALA, is focused on ultra-luxury tourism and sustainable development. This sector is hitting major milestones in 2025, positioning Saudi Arabia as a new global destination for high-end travel.
- AMAALA: The Triple Bay area of AMAALA, a coastal lifestyle destination, is scheduled for its Phase One completion in 2025. This phase includes the opening of a Marina Village and a cluster of eight resorts.
- Thuwal Private Retreat: This single-hotel destination, part of the wider RSG development, already opened in 2024, signaling the operational readiness of the first luxury components.
Qiddiya City: The City Built for Play
Located near Riyadh, Qiddiya is being developed as the world's first city built specifically for play, focusing on entertainment, sports, and culture. Executives have noted that Qiddiya is "shaping the future of entire sectors" in the Kingdom. Recent 2025 news suggests the potential for a Universal Studios theme park to be established within the megaproject, underscoring the massive investment in leisure and quality of life.
Pillar 2: The Shifting Sands of Foreign Policy
In 2025, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has cemented a remarkable diplomatic comeback, positioning Saudi Arabia as a crucial "linchpin" in a new regional order. His foreign policy is characterized by pragmatic engagement and a focus on regional stability to secure the goals of Vision 2030.
US and Western Relations
MBS’s diplomatic efforts include high-level meetings with Western leaders, notably US President Donald Trump, to discuss commercial and defense agreements. These meetings underscore the Kingdom's strategic importance as an energy producer and a regional security partner, despite lingering tensions over human rights issues and past controversies.
The Israel Normalization Question
The issue of normalizing relations with Israel, potentially through the expansion of the Abraham Accords, remains a central point of discussion. While MBS reportedly rejected a push from the US President for immediate normalization during a recent summit, he has also expressed interest in joining the Accords if certain conditions are met, particularly regarding the Palestinian issue. This nuanced stance reflects a careful balancing act between regional leadership and strategic alignment.
Pillar 3: Social and Economic Reforms
MBS’s domestic policy is defined by a series of dramatic social and economic reforms. The economic goal is to foster a "thriving economy" by providing a supportive business environment and diversifying revenue streams.
Economic Diversification and Investment
The core of Vision 2030 is the shift from a state-led, oil-dependent economy to a dynamic, private-sector-driven one. Key programs driving this change include the Financial Sector Development Program and the Fiscal Sustainability Program. The Crown Prince is actively courting foreign direct investment (FDI) to fund the massive capital requirements of the giga-projects and to transfer technology and expertise to the Saudi economy.
Social Liberalization
On the social front, MBS has overseen significant changes, including lifting the ban on women driving, easing the male guardianship system, and introducing public entertainment (cinemas, concerts). These reforms aim to improve the quality of life and increase female participation in the workforce, aligning with the "Vibrant Society" pillar of Vision 2030. A Saudi adviser recently lauded parallels with Singapore in modernization efforts, highlighting the Kingdom's rapid transformation.
Pillar 4: The Ongoing Human Rights and Controversy Shadow
Despite the modernization efforts, the Crown Prince’s tenure is consistently scrutinized for its controversial elements. This duality of reform and repression is a defining feature of his rule.
Controversial Detentions
The government continues to face international criticism for the detention of political opponents and activists. Reports in 2025 indicate that women's rights activists, who were instrumental in the push for social reforms, remain imprisoned on terrorism charges, highlighting the limits of liberalization within the absolute monarchy.
Aggressive Foreign Policy Stances
MBS is known for his aggressive foreign policy, which has included the intervention in the Yemeni Civil War and the 2017 anti-corruption purge, which saw prominent princes and businessmen detained at the Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh. These actions, while consolidating his power, have drawn significant global attention and controversy.
Pillar 5: The Future of the Saudi Monarchy
As the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, MBS is firmly established as the Kingdom's de facto ruler, effectively managing the day-to-day affairs of state on behalf of his father, King Salman. His rapid rise and consolidation of power have fundamentally altered the traditional, consensus-based succession structure of the House of Saud. His long-term vision is not just about economic reform but about securing a dominant, stable, and modernized Saudi Arabia for decades to come, ensuring the continuity of the monarchy under a new, more centralized style of leadership.
The success of his massive undertakings, particularly the completion of key Vision 2030 components like the Red Sea Global resorts and the next phases of Qiddiya, will be the ultimate measure of his transformative leadership. As 2025 unfolds, MBS continues to execute a high-stakes strategy that promises to either revolutionize the Middle East or face the immense challenges of a $2 trillion gamble.
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