Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS, has made a remarkable comeback despite facing backlash for his involvement in the brutal killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Recently, the 40-year-old crown prince was honored by U.S. President Donald Trump during a lavish state banquet at the White House, following the announcement of the sale of advanced military aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
This resurgence in the crown prince’s reputation has been likened to a “comeback tour” by analysts, with implications that extend beyond borders, including Canada. According to Dennis Horak, Canada’s former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, the kingdom holds significant regional and global importance and cannot be ignored by countries seeking economic diversification and investment opportunities.
The infamous incident involving the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 tainted MBS’s image, with U.S. intelligence agencies implicating him in the crime. However, Trump has publicly supported the crown prince, dismissing any links to the killing during a press conference, which further solidified MBS’s rehabilitation process.
While many nations distanced themselves from the controversial leader, Canada’s relationship with Saudi Arabia deteriorated over human rights concerns, leading to a diplomatic rift. Nevertheless, recent developments indicate a thaw in relations, with Canada swiftly elevating diplomatic and economic ties with the kingdom.
Under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in diversifying its economy and empowering women, although concerns about political freedoms persist. Canada’s engagement with Saudi Arabia is increasingly focused on trade and investment opportunities, with both countries exploring collaborations in various sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
As Saudi Arabia strives to rebrand itself on the global stage, human rights groups continue to raise alarms about ongoing repression and executions in the kingdom. Despite criticisms, MBS’s efforts to present Saudi Arabia as a modern nation have garnered attention and interest from international investors, signaling a potential shift in perceptions of the kingdom.