Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, is in a situation where clashes between Saudi Arabia and Yemen have intensified and security threats, especially against the capital of the country, Riyadh, have increased. According to reports, Yemen's retaliatory attacks on energy facilities and Saudi airports have forced Saudi Arabia to adopt special security measures to protect the crown prince. These attacks have also posed serious challenges to Riyadh's ambitious economic plans.
Escalation of Attacks on Riyadh and Its Consequences
Riyadh, located about 500 miles from areas controlled by the Yemenis, has turned into a war zone. Residents of the city are heading to shelters as the sound of explosions can be heard. In one of these attacks, remnants of a ballistic missile struck a kindergarten and a medical clinic complex. Additionally, employees in the financial district and students at some international schools were instructed to evacuate or take shelter.
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Security Measures for the Crown Prince
In light of these threats, security measures to protect Mohammed bin Salman have been significantly increased. He is moving between fortified palaces equipped with strong shelters, and a special security team is protecting him. His last public appearance on Tuesday, for a national blood donation campaign, indicates the continuation of his activities in a crisis situation.
At the same time, Riyadh's military options to respond to these attacks are limited. Christian Kochs Ulrichsen, a Gulf expert, points out that any military response could lead Saudi Arabia into a more complex stage of conflicts. This assessment indicates that Riyadh is facing serious challenges regarding the security of its infrastructure and its international reputation.
Economic Pressures and Ambitious Projects
As Mohammed bin Salman seeks to realize his multi-trillion-dollar projects, the economic pressures resulting from the war and Yemeni attacks have impacted these plans. These projects include the futuristic city of Neom, a massive cube-shaped building in Riyadh, and a ski resort in a desert environment. The total cost of these projects amounts to trillions of dollars, a heavy figure for a government with an annual budget of about $350 billion.
Moreover, the decline in foreign investment and challenges in achieving the 2030 vision are among Saudi Arabia's main concerns. Foreign investment has decreased in the first two quarters of this year and is far from the set goals. This situation could have negative impacts on the implementation of Saudi Arabia's economic diversification plans.
As a result, Saudi Arabia faces a dual challenge: managing security threats and the costs of war on one hand, and maintaining the financial resources necessary to implement economic transformation plans on the other. For Mohammed bin Salman, the continuation of conflicts is not only a security issue but also a serious test for achieving the country's economic and developmental goals.
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