Surprising Facts You Didn't Know About Muhammad bin Salman

Welcome to SSEGU, the place where people come to get inspired and educated about the world. Hello everyone, and welcome to another exciting article! If you're new here, be sure to subscribe and follow us on our socials. Today, we’re diving into the life of one of the most influential leaders in the world: Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.

Muhammad bin Salman Al-Saud, commonly referred to as MBS, was born on August 31, 1985, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is the eldest son of King Salman and his third wife, Fahda bint Falah bin Sultan. After attending King Saud University, he worked in the private sector before becoming his father's personal aide in 2009. His father was the governor of Riyadh Province at the time. In June 2017, MBS was appointed Crown Prince by his father, making him the heir apparent to the throne. He is currently considered the real power behind the throne and has implemented significant changes in the country.

Let’s take a closer look at this powerful leader with 15 things you didn't know about Muhammad bin Salman.

1. First Royal to Oversee Saudi Aramco

Saudi Arabia's state-owned oil company, Saudi Aramco, is the most valuable in the world, valued between $2 trillion and $10 trillion. MBS chairs the supreme board of Aramco, making him the first of the royal family to oversee the state oil company directly. He plans to offer public shares of the company for the first time shortly.

2. Married His Cousin in 2008

Muhammad bin Salman married his first cousin, Princess Sarah bint Mashour bin Abdulaziz, in 2008. They have four children together: Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, and Princess Nora. She is his only wife.

3. Graduated Second in His Class

Unlike many Saudi royals, MBS has never been educated outside of Saudi Arabia. He attended King Saud University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in law and graduated second in his class.

4. Bought the Most Expensive Painting in the World

In December 2017, a mystery bidder bought Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" for a record-breaking $450.3 million at Christie's auction house. The painting, one of fewer than 20 authenticated da Vinci works, was later revealed to be owned by Muhammad bin Salman and is displayed at the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

5. Arrested Famous Billionaire Al-Waleed bin Talal

Shortly after becoming Crown Prince in 2017, MBS ordered the arrests of hundreds of princes, businessmen, and government officials on money laundering and corruption charges. Among those detained was billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, a major investor in Citi, Twitter, and News Corp. The detainees reached settlement agreements to be released, recovering over $100 billion in fraudulently obtained money and assets.

6. Eased Women's Rights Restrictions

MBS has implemented numerous reforms, including easing laws that restrict women's rights. Women in Saudi Arabia now have the right to drive, own businesses, attend sporting events, and join the military. He aims for 30% of the workforce to be women shortly.

7. Net Worth Over $3 Billion

Although his exact net worth is unknown, it is estimated to be over $3 billion, with an annual income of about $480 million. His net worth has increased by about 25% since his father became king.

8. Owns at Least 18 Luxury Cars

MBS has an impressive luxury car collection, including a Ferrari, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce. His total collection is worth more than $23 million.

9. Reopened Movie Theaters Since the 1970s

MBS created a new entertainment authority, bringing numerous concerts to the region and organizing the country's first comic-con, YouTube FanFest, and American-style monster truck rally. He also reopened cinemas, where movies are now shown for the first time since the 1970s.

10. Bought a $300 Million French Chateau

In 2015, MBS bought the Chateau Louis XIV near Paris for about $300 million. The newly constructed home, designed to appear like a 17th-century chateau, features a cinema, deluxe swimming pool, fountains controlled by an iPhone, and a moat with a transparent underwater chamber.

11. Reads One Book a Week Assigned by the King

MBS's father, King Salman, assigns him one book per week to read and quizzes him on it. He believes that reading the history of 1,000 years gives one the experience of 1,000 years.

12. Youngest Defense Minister in the World

When his father became king in 2015, MBS was appointed defense minister at the age of 30, making him the youngest defense minister ever. One of his first moves was to lead Saudi Arabia into a war with Yemen, a controversial decision resulting in many civilian casualties and an escalation of Yemen's humanitarian crisis.

13. Bought a $500 Million Yacht on the Spot

While on holiday in the south of France, MBS bought the 440-foot yacht "Serene" from a Russian tycoon for $500 million. The purchase was completed within a few hours, and the Russians moved off the ship the same day.

14. Threw an $8 Million Party in the Maldives

After launching an air campaign against Yemen, MBS rented a private island in the Maldives for an $8 million, two-week holiday. He invited several celebrities, including Pitbull, Shakira, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, although it is unclear if they were guests or hired entertainment.

15. Will Be the Youngest King in Saudi History

MBS is set to become the youngest king in Saudi history within the next several years. Barring any unforeseen events, he could reign for 50 years or more.

Bonus Fact: House of Saud's Net Worth and Vision 2030

The House of Saud has a net worth of $14.3 trillion, primarily from oil reserves. Recognizing the need to diversify, MBS introduced Vision 2030, which includes plans for a half-trillion-dollar mega-city featuring robots, drones, driverless cars, non-segregated zones, entertainment venues, and more to drive the economy and encourage tourism.

What do you think about these surprising facts? How do you think Saudi Arabia will change under MBS's rule? Let us know in the comments below.

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