What the Crown Prince’s Pledge of Allegiance Anniversary Means to Saudis

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)
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What the Crown Prince’s Pledge of Allegiance Anniversary Means to Saudis

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz. (Bandar al-Galoud)

As Saudi Arabia marks the eighth anniversary of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz’s appointment, history pauses for a moment, reflecting on an unprecedented chapter in the Kingdom’s evolution.

On June 21, 2017, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz issued a royal decree naming Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince.

That blessed night, the Saudi people pledged their allegiance to him. It was a pivotal moment in Saudi history, highlighting a remarkable leader who embraced his country’s ambitions, steeped in its rich heritage, global stature, and cultural influence.

Through this pledge of allegiance, Saudis underscore the uniqueness of their political system, its Islamic authenticity, and its constitutional legitimacy, deeply rooted in the collective acceptance and satisfaction of both rulers and citizens.

This bond solidifies the foundation of the Saudi social contract, while also evoking the nation’s achievements and its determined steps toward a bright future.

The appointment of Prince Mohammed bin Salman as Crown Prince marked the beginning of a new era, where innovation met ambition, and bold planning was paired with relentless action.

This decision was more than a political shift; it was a response to the urgent need for leadership driven by a distinct vision, one rooted in determination and the belief that the future is made, not awaited.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has demonstrated exceptional competence and distinguished leadership, making him the ideal choice for Crown Prince, the most important position after the King.

The role symbolizes stability, solidifies the King’s foundation, and ensures the continuity of the succession. He also heads the government and the Political and Security Affairs Council, which oversees national security strategies, as well as domestic and foreign policies.

In addition, he leads the Economic and Development Affairs Council, which is responsible for economic, financial, investment, and developmental issues, including education, healthcare, and public services.

As such, he oversees the formulation and execution of policies and strategies across all state sectors.

Moreover, he is the architect of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the driving force behind its goals, and the guardian ensuring the successful implementation of its programs and projects.

All the executive tasks and responsibilities entrusted by King Salman to his Crown Prince culminated in his appointment as head of the government by royal decree in September 2022.

This marked the first time in 60 years that the King was not the head of the government. While the legal and historical aspects of this royal decree are extensive, the key takeaway is the full trust and absolute delegation from the King to the Crown Prince to manage these responsibilities and oversee a vast range of issues.

The scope of achievements reflects this significant delegation.

The Crown Prince has translated the King’s vision into a living reality, transforming Saudi Arabia into something distinctly different today, while still remaining a continuation of past phases.

This is evident in the unwavering commitment to the principles and foundations on which the state was built, drawing strength from its historical legacy and cultural depth.



Trump Visits Al Udeid, Says Qatar Will Invest $10 Billion in Air Base

President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 
President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 
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Trump Visits Al Udeid, Says Qatar Will Invest $10 Billion in Air Base

President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 
President Trump speaks on stage during a tour of the Al Udeid Air Base on May 15, 2025, in Doha, Qatar (Getty) 

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Qatar will invest $10 billion in the coming years in the Al Udeid Air Base southwest of Doha, the largest US military facility in the Middle East.

Speaking at a meeting with business leaders in Qatar, Trump said his trip through the Gulf region could generate $4 trillion.

“This is a record tour. There’s never been a tour that will raise—it could be a total of $3.5, $4 trillion. Just in this four or five days,” he said.

He described his visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Emirates as a historic trip.

Later during a visit to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar on Thursday, where he spoke to American troops, Trump said, “We almost lost the Middle East because of the policies of the Joe Biden administration. But we’re going to protect the Middle East.”

On the nuclear file, Trump revealed that the United States is “very close to making a deal with Iran,” stating that Tehran has “somewhat agreed to the terms” of a long-term agreement. He added, “We want to deal with the Iran problem in a smart way — but not violently.”

On the situation in Yemen, Trump said the US is prepared to return to military operations against the Houthis if provoked.

“We’re dealing with the Houthis, and I think that’s been very successful. But maybe an attack will be launched tomorrow — in which case, we’ll go back to the offensive,” he said.

Trump then praised US troops stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha.
“You are the greatest fighting force in the history of the world. We have the strongest military in the world,” he said.

Trump also touted plans for advanced US warplanes — including the Boeing F-47 announced in March as an update on the F-22 and named in honor of both the incumbent 47th president and the founding year of the Air Force.

“We’re going to do an F-55 and I think if we get the right price, we have to get the right price, and that’ll be two engines and a super upgrade on the F-35,” Trump said.

The US President also commented on his meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh.

“I didn’t know Syria had been under sanctions for this long,” Trump said.