Saudi Arabia: Fast lane for MBS’s young friends

Informed observers have long noted that Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) likes to surround himself with trusted allies from among the younger generation of the Al-Saud, who have a similar educational background and interests as himself. According to a veteran observer of the Al-Saud, “MBS likes young people around him, he finds it awkward to deal with the older generation”. A source who worked in and around MBS’s Vision 2030 programme commented that the crown prince “doesn’t trust some of the older princes and has preferred to socialise with the younger ones”.