Security Crises and Economic Strain Expose Limits of MBS Vision
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman faces a perfect storm of security threats and economic headwinds that are undermining his ambitious 2030 vision. Houthi strikes on Saudi infrastructure have damaged the kingdom’s reputation as a stable energy provider and deterred international investment. Simultaneously, scaling back mega-projects like NEOM and the 2034 World Cup, coupled with rising defense costs, is straining the budget. While some figures like Richard Attias argue long-term stability remains intact, others note that geopolitical instability and diplomatic friction with the US are eroding Riyadh’s leverage.