MBS is not just driving reforms, he’s inspiring Saudis

May you live in interesting times, it is said. And the times are not just interesting, but exciting for Saudi Arabia, long considered a conservative kingdom, but which is now moving rapidly with the changing global situation. Much credit for this change in mindset and attitude must go to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The speed of his reform process may have unnerved conservatives in the kingdom, but the young leader believes that this is the best way to make up for the lost time. With him at the helm of the change, the world is taking notice, and what is striking is his honesty and willingness to take decisions without fear. He is shaking things up for the better, and how. What’s also worth noting is his maturity and ability to think on his feet. This maturity showed in the crown prince’s reaction to US President Trump’s immature statement, a diplomatic transgression, on the ability of Saudi Arabia to defend itself. So, Crown Prince Salman, popularly known as MBS, opened up in an interview to a Western news agency to make his views clear. It took courage to speak his mind, but he spoke like a true statesman, without bitterness and rancour.

Trump’s statement was provocative but MBS did not take the bait, while holding true to his core principles and values. He looked at the big picture and was willing to let bygones be bygones, as disagreements between friends. The interview provides remarkable insights into a leader who is working hard to speed up Mission 2030, to transform Saudi society and the economy. His honesty was laudable, he was open and transparent, and explained all issues, including Aramco, and the delay in its listing, and why. He spoke of bottlenecks with candour, rarely side-stepping a question or pointing the journalists in another direction. It is clear that the Saudi leadership has it all charted out. It won’t be pushed around but will move with confidence in what it believes is good for its people and the economy. And in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, it has a capable and transparent leader who will get the job done. These are exciting times indeed.