An important mission for Mohammad Bin Salman

Saudi Arabia is a nation forging a bold future, one that is better understood now in US, UK and France

For the past two weeks, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia has travelled across the United States to France, talking to the political leadership, meeting heads of corporations and global businesses, and engaging with the media and opinion shapers to share the vision of his nation with others. The intent is to form strategic alliances in commerce, trade, culture, tourism and across all aspects of economy and the political spectrum to promote Saudi Arabia, enhance its standing and demonstrate that the kingdom is charting a new and exciting course of change.

In France, Prince Mohammad secured key trade, military and cultural agreements that strengthen the historic ties between his nation and Paris, and his visit there was the final leg in a monthlong mission that started in the United Kingdom, a trip that has raised his standing. These are times of change in Saudi Arabia, where new thinking has challenged the long-standing status quo, where the kingdom is now embracing the future, looking forward to change, fundamentally altering the societal dynamics that have acted as a speed barrier to its growth, openness and development.

It is also an exciting time, one where old ways of thinking have been challenged by fresh ideas there that are considered normal everywhere else across this region. It is a nation too with vast potential, and the UAE, as close neighbours and brothers, will only stand to benefit from change there. Prince Mohammad fully understands the threats faced by this region by others across the Arabian Gulf, and his recent missions to London, Washington and Paris have made others clear on how Saudi Arabia and the UAE stand in unison.