In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince may not physically attend the initial high-level discussions between Russia and the United States regarding Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Despite his absence, Mohammed bin Salman emerges as the host of this potentially transformative meeting in the ongoing conflict. As the 39-year-old de facto leader of the oil-rich kingdom under his aging father King Salman, Prince Mohammed’s past actions, such as the Yemen war and Jamal Khashoggi’s death in 2018, have marred his global reputation.
Yet, the prince’s influence remains significant as the Trump administration engages with Russia, a country which Saudi Arabia has maintained relations with through the OPEC+ oil alliance. Prince Mohammed piqued President Donald Trump’s interest with a proposed $600 billion investment in the US, prompting speculation about a potential presidential visit to Saudi Arabia. Trump’s suggestion of a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the kingdom further solidifies Prince Mohammed’s role on the global stage.
While the summit unfolds, the Saudi Press Agency discloses that talks between Russia and the US are happening in Riyadh at the prince’s behest, emphasizing his involvement in advancing global security and peace. However, Prince Mohammed’s approach carries risks, especially amidst uncertainties in the Gaza Strip ceasefire and Trump’s remarks on US control in the region, which have inflamed Arab sentiments. Additionally, Saudi criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ongoing tensions within OPEC due to Trump’s past comments continue to challenge the prince’s diplomatic strategies.
Amidst fluctuating global oil prices and geopolitical complexities, Prince Mohammed’s ambitious initiatives face scrutiny. Nonetheless, his pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between key international players underscores his enduring influence in shaping regional dynamics.
The city of Neom is priced at $500 billion. The prince’s peace efforts have helped alleviate the pressure on Saudi Arabia. Following the Khashoggi incident, during a period of strained relations, both Russia and China positioned themselves as alternative allies to Saudi Arabia and Prince Mohammed, offering recognition and support while downplaying Western human rights concerns. Prince Mohammed engaged in discussions and phone calls with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Putin.
In 2023, a Chinese-brokered deal facilitated the reestablishment of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran, providing Prince Mohammed with an opportunity to demonstrate to the United States that other global powers can influence Middle Eastern politics. This agreement also addressed a significant security issue for Saudi Arabia, which had experienced a decrease in oil production due to an alleged Iranian attack in 2019. Perceiving a sluggish response from the U.S. to this and other attacks by Iran-backed Yemeni rebels, Saudi Arabia pursued diplomatic relations with both Western allies and adversaries.
Journalist Mishari al-Dhaidi, writing in the Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq Al Awsat, characterized the summit as a restoration of dialogue between global powers, bringing a sense of optimism and openness. He emphasized the positive impact of Saudi Arabia’s influence for the well-being of all people on the international stage. Despite the flowery language, Prince Mohammed’s strategic approach appears to be yielding results, irrespective of the outcome of the upcoming meeting.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, with the possibility of former U.S. President Trump also making an appearance in the near future.
