Who was Crown Prince before MBS? This question often arises among those who are keen on understanding the history of Saudi Arabia’s royal family. Before the ascension of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the throne, the position of Crown Prince was held by his father, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. King Salman, who became the king in 2015, had previously served as the Crown Prince for several years, playing a crucial role in the country’s political and economic landscape.
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was born on December 31, 1935, and is the second son of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. He has been involved in the country’s politics since his early years, serving in various capacities within the Saudi government and military. King Salman’s reign as Crown Prince was marked by his efforts to modernize the nation and diversify its economy, particularly after the oil shocks of the 1970s and 1980s.
During his tenure as Crown Prince, King Salman was instrumental in implementing the “Saudi Vision 2030” initiative, which aimed to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil revenues and promote private sector growth. He also played a pivotal role in the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, as well as in the country’s foreign policy, particularly in its response to the rise of Islamic State and other regional security challenges.
King Salman’s reign as Crown Prince was characterized by a strong focus on national security and stability. He worked closely with the Saudi Arabian National Guard, which is responsible for protecting the royal family and the kingdom’s vital infrastructure. Additionally, he was actively involved in the country’s military campaigns, including the intervention in Yemen and the conflict with Qatar.
Despite his many contributions to the kingdom, King Salman’s reign as Crown Prince was not without controversy. Critics argue that his policies, particularly those related to the economy and social reforms, have not been implemented effectively and that they have led to increased social and political tensions within the country. However, it is undeniable that King Salman’s experience and influence have left a lasting impact on Saudi Arabia’s trajectory.
With the ascension of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the throne, the Saudi royal family entered a new era. MBS, who has been at the forefront of the country’s economic and social reforms, has introduced a more aggressive approach to modernizing the nation. His tenure as Crown Prince has been marked by bold initiatives aimed at transforming the kingdom’s economy and improving its international standing.
In conclusion, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was the Crown Prince before MBS, and his reign was characterized by efforts to modernize the nation and promote stability. As Saudi Arabia continues to evolve under the leadership of MBS, it remains to be seen how the legacy of King Salman will shape the future of the kingdom.
