New BBC doc, featuring my insights, paints chilling picture of MBS
New BBC doc, featuring my insights, paints chilling picture of MBS
The Kingdom: The World’s Most Powerful Prince draws on the insights of biographers, journalists, diplomats, to document the remarkable rise of “MBS”.
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In December 2023, I participated in a BBC-commissioned documentary exploring the ascent of Saudi Arabia's crown prince and de facto ruler, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). This two-part series delves into the profound changes sweeping Saudi Arabia, highlighting the career of one of the Middle East's most influential leaders with long-lasting global repercussions.
I was chosen to provide insight into the impact of Saudi Arabia's recent investments in sports, particularly focusing on football, golf, and Formula 1.
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has made unprecedented investments in international sports, acquiring stakes in major footballs clubs and revamping the domestic Saudi Pro League, which has attracted some of the world's top players. The Kingdom has also made waves in golf, with the creation of the LIV Golf series, challenging traditional golf tournaments and reshaping the sport's competitive landscape.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia's involvement in Formula 1 also showcased the Kingdom's ambitions on the world stage. These investments are not just about sports; they are a reflection of a larger geopolitical strategy, designed to enhance Saudi Arabia's soft power, diversify its economy, and rebrand the nation on the global stage. My role in the documentary was to help the audience understand these dynamics, exploring how Saudi Arabia's investment in sports helped reshape the Kingdom and positioned MBS as a key player in international affairs.
The documentary began airing on Monday Aug, 19, with part 2 scheduled to air on Aug. 26. Both are currently available on BBC iPlayer.
Here is a synopsis from Rogan Productions, which produced and directed the documentary for BBC.
From fringe royal to de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, the rise of Mohammed bin Salman is one of the most extraordinary stories of our time. This two-part series looks at how he became one of the most powerful and divisive leaders in the world.
Hearing from friends and advisers, Western spies and diplomats who have seen him up close, and from those who were in the inner circles of Saudi power, the documentary reveals how MBS, as he is known, has outwitted rivals – both inside and outside the Kingdom – with a combination of ambition, brains and ruthlessness to become the effective leader of the Kingdom.
The documentary also paints a fascinating psychological profile of MBS, including stories such as his alleged intention to assassinate King Abdullah with a “poison ring” from Russia in order to speed up his own father’s ascendence to the throne.
You can watch the episodes on BBC iPlayer here.
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