A resurfaced video featuring Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) declaring his intent to eradicate Islamic extremism and promote moderate Islam has once again captured public attention. The clip, originally from the 2017 Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference, showcases MBS’s commitment to transforming the kingdom’s socio-religious landscape.
Origins of the Viral Clip
The video, widely circulated on social media platforms, features MBS stating, “We want to destroy Islamic extremism and co-exist with other religions.” This declaration aligns with his broader vision to reform Saudi Arabia’s religious policies and open its society to global cultures. The footage dates back to the inaugural FII conference in October 2017, an event that marked the launch of several ambitious initiatives under the Vision 2030 framework.
MBS’s Vision for a ‘Moderate’ Saudi Arabia
Since ascending to power, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been vocal about steering Saudi Arabia away from its ultra-conservative past. In the same 2017 interview with The Guardian, he attributed the country’s stringent religious stance to reactionary policies following the 1979 Iranian Revolution. He emphasized the need to return to a more open and moderate interpretation of Islam, stating, “We are simply reverting to what we followed—a moderate Islam open to the world and all religions.”
Key Reforms Under MBS
Under MBS’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has witnessed a series of significant reforms aimed at modernizing its socio-economic fabric:
Economic Diversification : Launched in 2016, Vision 2030 aims to reduce the kingdom’s dependence on oil by diversifying its economy. This includes promoting sectors like tourism, entertainment, and technology.- Women’s Empowerment: Notable strides have been made in enhancing women’s rights, including lifting the ban on women driving in 2018 and increasing women’s participation in the workforce.
- Cultural Initiatives: The reintroduction of cinemas in 2018, after a 35-year ban, and the establishment of the Red Sea International Film Festival highlight the kingdom’s efforts to promote cultural openness.
- Mega-Projects: Ambitious projects like NEOM, a $500 billion futuristic city, are underway to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for innovation and tourism. However, these projects have faced challenges, including financial constraints and concerns about human rights.
Prince bin Salman’s Sweeping Reforms
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) rose to power, Saudi Arabia has introduced sweeping reforms that indicate a shift toward a more moderate and modernized state. Social changes have been among the most notable, particularly regarding women’s rights. In 2018, the kingdom lifted the decades-long ban on women driving, marking a historic milestone. Guardianship laws that previously restricted women’s ability to travel, work, or obtain a passport without male permission have also been eased. Additionally, Saudi women have gained access to more professional opportunities, with female workforce participation rising significantly in recent years. These changes represent a departure from the rigid social structures that once defined Saudi society.
The kingdom has also reduced the influence of religious conservatism, particularly by curbing the authority of the religious police, known as the Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. Once feared for enforcing strict moral codes, this group lost its power to arrest citizens for violations such as indecent dress or socializing with unrelated members of the opposite sex. The country has embraced cultural openness, reopening cinemas after a 35-year ban and hosting global entertainment events, including concerts featuring Western artists. Tourism initiatives, such as the Red Sea Project and the ambitious $500 billion NEOM megacity, aim to attract international visitors and investors, signaling Saudi Arabia’s intent to become a global hub for business and leisure.
Alongside social reforms, MBS has promoted a vision of “moderate Islam” that seeks to distance the kingdom from the extremist ideology that once shaped its policies. Certain restrictions on religious practices, such as the mandatory closure of businesses during prayer times, have been eased in some areas. While non-Muslim public worship remains restricted, there are reports of increasing tolerance for private religious gatherings. These moves, while incremental, reflect a broader attempt to present Saudi Arabia as a country that values coexistence and modernization while maintaining its Islamic identity.
On the economic front, Vision 2030 serves as the foundation for Saudi Arabia’s diversification efforts, aiming to reduce dependence on oil by investing in tourism, technology, and entertainment. The government has introduced reforms to attract foreign investment, streamline business regulations, and create employment opportunities for its growing youth population. Women’s participation in the workforce has surged, and special economic zones have been established to encourage entrepreneurship. However, despite these advancements, Saudi Arabia continues to face criticism for human rights concerns, including restrictions on political freedoms and the suppression of dissent. While the country is evolving in many ways, questions remain about the balance between modernization and control under MBS’s leadership.
