His aides reveal that when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) does take a break from his demanding schedule, he unwinds with video games, binge-watches popular TV series like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead, or engages in cardio workouts at his palace gym. Despite being part of a royal family known for polygamy, MBS has only one wife, a first cousin, with whom he shares four young children.

MBS’s primary focus, however, remains fixed on promoting his vision of a robust and influential Saudi Arabia. He is resolute in strengthening the kingdom to counterbalance Iran’s regional presence, echoing Napoleon Bonaparte’s 19th-century ambitions to fortify France against Britain.

Napoleon’s words, “A new born government must dazzle and astonish,” resonate deeply with MBS. Like the French leader, he seeks to captivate his predominantly young population – 60% of Saudis are under 30 – with a grand vision of their country’s future. MBS invites them to join him in shaping history, inspiring a sense of national pride and shared purpose.