Facts to Know About Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on His Birthday

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, is celebrating his 38th birthday on August 31st, and in honor of his birthday, we're sharing a few things you should know about MBS. 

His Early Years

From a young age, Crown Prince Mohammed was interested in government, shadowing his father Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and remaining conscious about his image. 

His Education

Mohammed bin Salman attended King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in law in 2007. He never studied outside of the Kingdom unlike many of his cousins who chose to study abroad.

His First Job

The young Saudi leader's first job after he graduated was in the public sector. He worked as a consultant for several years, before exclusively going into politics. In 2009 he became a formal adviser to his father, who was then governor of Riyadh.

His Personal Life/Family

Mohammed bin Salman married Princess Sara bint Mashoor bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in 2008 and they have five children together; three boys and two girls.

His Governance Journey

Apart from being crown prince, he also holds two other positions in the government: Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs. 

He served as minister of defense from 2015 to 2022, becoming the youngest defense minister in the world at age 30.

Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince

MBS was appointed crown prince in June 2017. His policies began to relax many of the strict social restrictions for which Saudi Arabia was known in line with his effort to boost tourism in the Kingdom. He eased several laws that previously restricted women's rights. Saudi women can now drive, own their own businesses, join the military and partake and attend sporting events.

Saudi Arabia, under his provisions, recently enjoyed a jazz festival attended by men and women together, a comic con, a monster truck rally, and the re-opening of cinemas after 40 years.

MBS Ranked Among Top 10 Most Influential/Powerful People

The crown prince was among the Top 10 on TIME 100 Most Influential Poeple in 2018. He was also ranked the 8th most powerful person in the world by Forbes on The World's Most Powerful People list in 2018 as well.

MBS May Become The Youngest King of Saudi Arabia

If Mohammed bin Salman is crowned king, he would be the youngest king in the history of Saudi Arabia.