This month, the Diriyah Palace in the Saudi capital was adorned with creamy flowers reminiscent of a bridal bouquet, yet the participants in the official photo were engaged in critical global negotiations. The Russian delegation, led by the steadfast Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, exchanged pleasantries with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, a close ally of President Trump, marking a significant shift in foreign policy dynamics.
The meeting underscored the undeniable intent of the US administration to facilitate an end to the war in Ukraine, albeit on terms that appear more favorable to the aggressor than to the victim. Notably absent from this dialogue were representatives from Ukraine, Britain, and other allied nations.
Choosing Riyadh as the venue for the first high-level talks between Moscow and Washington since the onset of the war carries substantial implications. In a world increasingly characterized by geopolitical turmoil, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a pivotal crossroads for major powers, serving as a hub for both business and diplomatic endeavors. Although rumors of a follow-up meeting surfaced for this week, it has since been postponed as various diplomatic angles continue to evolve. In this context, every party seeks to project an image of being in control.
The overarching effect of this scenario is to elevate Saudi Arabia’s status as a key mediator in international conflicts, free from ideological constraints. Privately, Saudi officials are optimistic about their expanding role in upcoming negotiations, particularly as they anticipate leveraging this experience in future discussions concerning Trump’s new strategy for Gaza.
Additionally, this moment signals a remarkable turnaround for the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, who was previously marginalized after the CIA concluded that he had ordered the grisly assassination of exiled Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018. Bin Salman has consistently denied any connection to the murder, although the ensuing trial of eight suspects was controversially transferred from Turkey to Saudi Arabia, where they received prison sentences ranging from seven to 20 years.
At the recent summit in Diriyah Palace, the potential for a peace agreement regarding Ukraine was a focal point of discussion (Photo: Evelyn Hockstein/AP). Despite the lack of transparency surrounding the fates of the convicted individuals, the Crown Prince has publicly accepted “full responsibility” for the “heinous crime,” as it occurred during his leadership.
Nonetheless, he has managed to capitalize on a fractured international order, positioning Saudi Arabia as a central geostrategic player, particularly as an oil-rich nation closely allied with both the US and Britain in defense and security matters. This was underscored by UK leader Keir Starmer’s visit last December, which he described as part of his “number-one mission” to bolster the UK economy through enhanced ties with the Kingdom.
The Ukraine crisis has emerged as a transformative moment for the Saudi ruler, who has struck a mutually beneficial agreement with Moscow to coordinate oil prices in a manner that favors Vladimir Putin’s regime. Meanwhile, Beijing views Saudi Arabia as a strategic foothold in the region and a showcase for its burgeoning tech enterprises, which often face skepticism in the security-conscious West. By maintaining a neutral stance, this nation of 33 million can maximize lucrative deals without the complications of exclusive alliances.
Today, Riyadh is a vibrant city, where modern skyscrapers rise alongside dusty streets, reflecting a melting pot of global capitalism: luxury showrooms for Bentley and Rolls Royce share space with China’s Huawei, American hotel chains, and celebrity chef establishments. On the Red Sea coast, efforts are underway to attract international visitors to luxury resorts, with plans for a new international airport and 50 new hotels and residences, including an exclusive private island retreat called Thuwal, available for rent by private jet. The elite crowd is drawn to five-star accommodations such as the Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis.
Last week, Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie were spotted enjoying the scene: Johnson, a long-time ally of the Saudis from his time in No 10 and through various business connections, was joined by Carrie, who showcased her public relations skills by posting idyllic images on Instagram from their stay at the St. Regis resort, featuring water sports and private butler service. She shared her thoughts on the lavish experience, emphasizing that for those seeking privacy and relaxation, it was the perfect getaway.
Back among the influential figures, “MBS”—as the Crown Prince is affectionately known—oversees a whirlwind of growth and ambitious projects aligned with his grand scheme, Vision 2030. This initiative aims to reduce the Kingdom’s dependence on oil and gas, serving as the central guiding principle for the nation’s development, straddling the line between a grand strategy and a near-cult of personality.
“Nobody questions it,” remarked a British businesswoman working in Riyadh. “This is what matters most. It’s not a democracy, so there’s little room for debate about which ideas are great or which need reconsideration. The upside is the incredible drive to get things done quickly. The downside is the pressure to please in a hierarchical culture, where constructive criticism can be challenging. The burnout rate is significant.”
The shift of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to a prominent global role aligns perfectly with MBS’s ambitions. “There are no limits to his aspirations, and he’s willing to take any measures necessary to achieve them,” stated one former UK ambassador to the region. “He sees himself on par with Trump and Putin, maintaining careful diplomatic and business ties with President Xi.” Currently, a charm offensive is underway aimed at fostering relations with democratic nations, particularly Britain.
Strategic Connections and the Pursuit of Influence
The Saudi ambassador to the UK, Prince Khalid bin Bandar, is a polished and affable figure, having graduated from Oxford and Sandhurst. Comfortable in London society and married to the niece of the 12th Duke of Northumberland, he played a crucial role in the purchase of Newcastle United football club and its subsequent revival. In a recent interview with Politico, he expressed that this acquisition was part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties with the UK. However, the larger ambition is the Saudi strategy of acquiring sports and media assets to cultivate favorable public opinion and to compete with neighboring rivals, particularly Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attract specialized professionals with lucrative salaries and benefits indicate that a nation once largely closed to the outside world is now a thriving travel hub for British expatriates. Both Saudi Airlines and British Airways flights are routinely booked with weekly “commuters” engaging in lucrative contracts across various sectors, including accounting, law, public service, and technology.
On British Airways flights, a celebratory cheer erupts when the drinks service resumes once the plane exits Saudi airspace, while such indulgences remain strictly prohibited on Saudi Airlines. Alcohol is banned throughout the Kingdom, with baggage checks upon arrival to confiscate contraband. While embassies in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ) enjoy exemptions, local citizens require permission to enter this meticulously maintained area, with their identification closely monitored.
Despite hints at relaxing restrictions over a year ago to allow large hotel chains to serve alcohol, the government has since reversed course, reflecting a conservative society that may harbor reservations about the pace of progress and necessary concessions.
In many ways, life in Riyadh has improved significantly since the early 2020s when women were barred from driving and working, and the capital was devoid of social vibrancy. Today, the city hosts raves, rock concerts, including performances by Jennifer Lopez, who recently stirred controversy by showcasing her midriff, gaming contests, and a variety of sporting events ranging from football tournaments to martial arts competitions.
During a recent visit to celebrate a friend’s birthday, we enjoyed the sun in one of Riyadh’s trendy restaurants, savoring burrata salads and prawn skewers, served with mocktails crafted by a skilled “dry” mixologist who created innovative non-alcoholic beverages from hibiscus and lilac infusions. Nearby, women adorned in chic designer abayas (full-body garments) chatted behind dark sunglasses, while outside the privileged enclaves, traditional attire that covers women’s faces, except for their eyes, still prevails.
These remarkable advancements, however, rest upon a framework of control and the absolute authority of a singular figure, who interprets the nation’s historical narrative. The national museum chronicles the rise of the Al Saud family, who unified Arabia in the 1920s, establishing their rule through an alliance with the fundamentalist Wahhabi sect, parts of which later supported Al-Qaeda and contributed to the export of Islamist terrorism. From the 1980s onward, zealous religious clerics dictated the social order, relegating women to the shadows and enforcing strict prohibitions against shorts and public displays of affection.
MBS has relaxed some of the harshest social restrictions, abolishing severe punishments for adultery and adopting a lighter approach toward the persecution of homosexuals. In a nation where two-thirds of the population is under 35, he enjoys a reputation akin to that of a “rock star,” breaking down strictures that once defined society.
Privately, MBS indulges in one of the most extravagant lifestyles globally, owning a faux palace near Versailles and a luxury yacht where he hosts vibrant parties and even DJs personally. He once entertained guests at a dinner in London by joking about a newspaper article that scrutinized his lavish spending habits, quipping, “I’m a Saudi Prince, not the head of an NGO!”
Those who have encountered him describe him as insightful and humorous. However, a more ominous side reflects his insistence on control and his willingness to exercise it ruthlessly. Shortly after claiming the throne amid intense palace deliberations in 2017, he detained prominent figures of the business elite at the Ritz Hotel, pressuring them to relinquish assets and support his initiatives. Many of those detained later made credible allegations of mistreatment, including interrogation and torture.
While the dramatic nature of these actions has lessened, the appetite for suppressing women activists advocating for further reforms, along with random political detentions and intimidation of critics, remains unchanged. His strong grip on social media serves as another tool to stifle dissent. Over time, such control could foster internal instability in a nation where power transitions typically occur through palace coups and sudden realignments. For now, the Crown Prince who seized the crown occupies the very position he coveted—at the epicenter of global affairs. The voices of dissent remain silenced.
Anne McElvoy is the host of Politico’s Power Play podcast, which featured an interview with the Saudi ambassador to the UK.
