Mohammed bin Salman
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Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia; Chairman of PIF (Saudi Arabia), ranks #3/500 on the Power & Influence Index (84.9). Greatest lever: Political power (90.0, Leading). Entrenchment 88/100; net worth $5bn.
Dimension read
| Dimension | Value | Standing | What a high vs low value means, and where Mohammed bin Salman sits |
|---|---|---|---|
| PII Power & Influence (PII) | 84.9 | Leading · #3/635 | High here, near the apex of civilizational influence. ▲ high: near the apex of civilizational influence · ▼ low: lower relative influence within this elite set |
| Economic power Economic power | 92.0 | Leading · #9/635 | High here, controls vast wealth and companies. ▲ high: controls vast wealth and companies · ▼ low: limited economic control |
| Political power Political power | 90.0 | Leading · #3/635 | High here, commands states, law or policy. ▲ high: commands states, law or policy · ▼ low: little formal political power |
| AI power AI power | 80.0 | Leading · #36/635 | High here, shapes or controls the trajectory of AI. ▲ high: shapes or controls the trajectory of AI · ▼ low: limited sway over AI's direction |
| Platform reach Platform reach | 80.0 | Leading · #45/635 | High here, commands a vast audience or network. ▲ high: commands a vast audience or network · ▼ low: limited direct reach |
| Institutional control Institutional control | 95.0 | Leading · #3/635 | High here, controls pivotal institutions and capital. ▲ high: controls pivotal institutions and capital · ▼ low: limited institutional control |
| Entrenchment / tenure Entrenchment / tenure | 88.0 | Leading · #14/635 | High here, power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake). ▲ high: power is locked in (indefinite or controlling stake) · ▼ low: power is contingent, term-limited or contestable |
Strengths
- Political power (90.0, Leading), commands states, law or policy.
- Institutional control (95.0, Leading), controls pivotal institutions and capital.
- Economic power (92.0, Leading), controls vast wealth and companies.
Risk factors
- Highly entrenched (tenure 88): power is locked in and hard to contest or remove.
AI worldview
Ideas & positions
Mohammed bin Salman has positioned Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global AI landscape, emphasizing the role of AI in achieving the goals of Vision 2030. He has supported significant investments in AI through the Public Investment Fund (PIF), including the development of NEOM, a futuristic city with a strong focus on AI and robotics. Bin Salman has not explicitly taken a position on existential risk, but he has promoted the idea that AI can drive economic growth and innovation. He has also shown a preference for a regulated approach to AI, ensuring that the technology is developed and deployed responsibly.
What shapes the view
Bin Salman's views on AI are shaped by his broader vision for Saudi Arabia's economic diversification away from oil dependence. The need to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in a post-oil era has driven his interest in AI and other advanced technologies. His stance on government intervention reflects a belief in the state's role in fostering technological innovation while maintaining control over strategic sectors. National security and the desire to enhance Saudi Arabia's regional influence also play a significant role in his AI strategy.
The AI-powered future they see
Bin Salman envisions a future where AI plays a central role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a modern, technologically advanced nation. He predicts that AI will drive significant advancements in healthcare, education, and urban planning, particularly within the NEOM project. He also sees AI as a tool for enhancing national security and military capabilities, positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Middle East.