Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud Biography: Net Worth, Family, Controversies, Age, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children

Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, often referred to by his initials MBS, is a central figure in Saudi Arabia’s political landscape.

As the Crown Prince, he has spearheaded a wave of ambitious reforms through his Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at transforming the kingdom’s economy and society.

While lauded for his modernization efforts, his leadership has also drawn significant international scrutiny due to controversies surrounding human rights and governance.

Profile

• Full name: Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
• Nickname: MBS
• Date of birth: August 31, 1985
• Age: 40 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• State of origin: Riyadh Province
• Nationality: Saudi
• Profession: Crown Prince, Minister of Defense, Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs
• Height: 180 cm
• Parents: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (father), Fahda bint Falah Al Hathloul (mother)
• Siblings: Faisal bin Salman, Sultan bin Salman, Abdulaziz bin Salman, Turki bin Salman, Khalid bin Salman
• Spouse: Sara bint Mashour Al Saud
• Children: Prince Salman, Prince Mashhour, Princess Fahda, Princess Nora
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Islam (Sunni)
• Ethnicity: Arab
• Net worth: $25 billion

Early Life and Education

At the age of 40, Mohammed bin Salman was born on August 31, 1985, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He is the eldest son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Fahda bint Falah Al Hathloul. Raised in the political heart of the kingdom, he was deeply immersed in Arab and Islamic traditions and governance from a young age.

He studied law at King Saud University, earning a bachelor’s degree that laid the groundwork for his future roles in administration and leadership.

Personal Life

Mohammed bin Salman is married to Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud, his cousin. They have four children together: Prince Salman, Prince Mashhour, Princess Fahda, and Princess Nora. Though he plays a very public role as a statesman, his personal and family life is kept largely private.

Career

Mohammed bin Salman began his political journey in 2009 as a special advisor to his father. His rapid rise followed King Salman’s ascent to the throne in 2015, when MBS was named Minister of Defense—the youngest in the world at the time—and later Deputy Crown Prince.

In 2016, he introduced Vision 2030, a bold initiative designed to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil. This plan included investments in tourism, tech, and entertainment, and introduced projects like NEOM, a futuristic smart city.

In 2017, he became Crown Prince, consolidating power through both reform and controversy. He played a key role in social reforms like lifting the driving ban on women and expanding entertainment options, while also launching an aggressive anti-corruption campaign and intervening in Yemen.

Net Worth

Mohammed bin Salman’s net worth is estimated at $25 billion, largely derived from the broader wealth of the House of Saud, which is rooted in oil revenues and global investments.

Controversy

Involvement in the Yemen Conflict

As Minister of Defense, MBS initiated a military campaign in Yemen in 2015. The operation led to a prolonged humanitarian crisis, with international criticism over civilian casualties and alleged war crimes.

Human Rights Concerns

While promoting modernization, his administration has detained activists, journalists, and clerics. Human rights organizations cite cases of torture, forced confessions, and suppression of dissent.

Killing of Jamal Khashoggi

The 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul shocked the world. U.S. intelligence concluded that MBS likely ordered the killing, though he denies involvement.

Crackdown on Opposition

In 2017, dozens of royals and businessmen were detained at the Ritz-Carlton hotel under an anti-corruption campaign. Critics view this as a strategy to consolidate power.

Surveillance Allegations

Saudi authorities have been accused of hacking, spying on dissidents, and manipulating social media to bolster the Crown Prince’s image while silencing critics.

Repression Amid Reform

Despite progressive changes like women’s empowerment, MBS’s government has continued mass arrests and public executions, undermining the human rights aspects of Vision 2030.

Surge in Executions

In 2024, Saudi Arabia executed 330 individuals, including for non-violent crimes, contradicting earlier reforms. Rights groups claim torture and unfair trials are common.

Foreign Policy and Accusations

In 2024, MBS condemned Israel for “collective genocide” in Gaza. A former intelligence official described him as a “psychopath with no empathy,” fueling concerns about his rule.

Sportswashing Allegations

Saudi Arabia’s investment in global sports and entertainment is seen by many as an attempt to distract from domestic rights abuses—a strategy widely known as “sportswashing.”

Neom Project Struggles

The futuristic Neom city has faced delays, ballooning costs, and doubts about feasibility, casting a shadow on the broader success of Vision 2030.

Crackdown on “Immoral Acts”

In March 2025, over 50 people were arrested for offenses like prostitution and begging. This marked a rare public acknowledgment of such activities and drew polarized reactions.

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