Muhammad bin Salman Al Saud, better known as MBS, is the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
He is also the true ruler of the Kingdom, the most powerful man in the country, and one of the most influential figures in the Middle East.
His decisions shape the future of Saudi Arabia and reverberate across the region.
But even with all his power, one woman wields immense influence over him.
She remains in the shadows, rarely seen or heard, yet her impact on Saudi Arabia is undeniable.
Surprisingly, with his iron grip on the kingdom, even Crown Prince MBS is said to fear her.
Who is this mysterious woman? Her story and the secrets of the Saudi royal family will leave you speechless.
The Saudi royal family is one of the wealthiest dynasties in the world, with a fortune estimated at over $100 billion, much of it tied to the country’s vast oil reserves.
As the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman, or MBS, has personal control over significant parts of this wealth.
His own fortune is estimated at around $3 billion, making him one of the richest figures in the Middle East.
MBS has gained international recognition as a reformer through his ambitious Vision 2030 plan.
He has pushed for economic modernization and introduced social changes, including granting women the right to drive.
These steps have positioned him as a leader aiming to bring Saudi Arabia into a new era, garnering both praise and controversy.
However, MBS’s reputation as a reformer contrasts sharply with his authoritarian leadership style.
Critics describe him as a despot with a fiery temper.
Human rights organizations have reported troubling allegations, including claims that his wife, Princess Sarah, suffered from domestic abuse during the early years of their marriage.
These reports have fueled concerns about the darker side of his leadership.
Despite his reputation for absolute control, there is one woman in Saudi Arabia who wields significant influence over MBS and the country’s politics.
This woman is said to be one of the few people he truly fears.
Who is this powerful figure? To answer that, we first need to delve deeper into the story of MBS and his family.
The royal family of Saudi Arabia, the House of Saud, has ruled the kingdom for nearly a century and is one of the most powerful dynasties in the world.
Their immense wealth, derived from Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves, has allowed them to maintain control over the nation’s politics, economy, and society.
King Salman, the father of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, heads this influential family.
He is one of the wealthiest monarchs in the world, with an estimated fortune of $18 billion.
This makes him the third richest reigning king globally, a status fueled by Saudi Arabia’s immense oil wealth and the royal family’s vast investments.
King Salman ascended to the throne in 2015 after the death of his half-brother, King Abdullah.
As the seventh king of Saudi Arabia, he inherited a nation critical to the global economy and the Islamic world.
Despite his advanced age—he is now in his late 80s—his reign has been marked by significant developments.
Before becoming king, Salman served as the governor of Riyadh for nearly 50 years, transforming the city into a modern metropolis.
As king, he has been known for his strategic vision, which included appointing Muhammad bin Salman as Crown Prince and allowing him to take the reins on key national projects.
Salman’s decisions have shaped the country’s path toward modernization, though they have also sparked controversy due to his son’s aggressive reforms and centralization of power.
Although Salman’s role is now largely ceremonial due to his age and health, his legacy as a leader who laid the foundation for Saudi Arabia’s current transformation remains significant.
King Salman’s personal life, much like his reign, is deeply rooted in tradition and family alliances.
Over the years, his marriages have reflected the political and tribal dynamics of Saudi Arabia, shaping not just his family but also his legacy.
His first wife, Sultana bint Turki Al Sudairi, came from one of the most influential families in the kingdom.
Their marriage in the early years of Salman’s life marked the beginning of a partnership that would produce six children: five sons and one daughter.
Sultana was not only his wife but also a confidante and a steadfast supporter during his decades as governor of Riyadh.
She was known for her charitable efforts and contributions to society, leaving a legacy of compassion and service.
Her passing in 2011 was a significant loss for both the family and the kingdom.
Following this, Salman married Sarah bint Faisal Al Subaie, with whom he had one son.
Though this union was shorter-lived and eventually ended in divorce, it symbolized another significant alliance within Saudi tribal circles.
Little is publicly known about Sarah, as she lived a private life away from the public eye, and after their separation, her presence faded further.
His current and most prominent wife, Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain, comes from the Al Ajman tribe, another key pillar of Saudi Arabian history.
Fahda is the mother of six sons, including Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince.
Her quiet but significant presence in Salman’s life has been central during his reign, offering support as he transitioned from regional governor to monarch.
It is a fair question: if King Salman’s first two wives gave him six sons, why did Muhammad, the son of his third wife, become Crown Prince and the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia? The answer lies in a mix of tradition, family dynamics, and politics.
In Saudi Arabia, succession isn’t just about being the eldest son.
It is about who has the King’s trust, the right skills, and the support of key figures in the royal family.
Muhammad bin Salman, or MBS, stood out early on.
He showed ambition, leadership, and a vision for the country’s future.
His economic reforms, especially his Vision 2030 plan aimed at modernizing the kingdom, gained him much attention.
King Salman’s close relationship with MBS’s mother, Fahda bint Falah, also played a role.
Fahda is known to strongly influence the King, which likely helped position MBS as his favorite.
Unlike the sons from King Salman’s earlier marriages, MBS was brought up closely aligned with his father’s growing power and was trusted with major responsibilities.
In 2017, MBS replaced his cousin Muhammad bin Nayef as Crown Prince.
This wasn’t just a family decision; it was a strategic move.
By then, MBS had already proven himself as a bold leader and someone who could take control of the country’s challenges.
He consolidated power quickly, sidelining rivals and securing his position as the most powerful figure in Saudi Arabia.
So it wasn’t just luck or birth order.
MBS’s rise to power was a mix of his own drive, his mother’s influence, and his father’s decision to trust him with the kingdom’s future.
It is fascinating that in Saudi Arabia, a country often seen as limiting women’s rights, the mother of Muhammad bin Salman and the wife of the de facto ruler plays such an influential role.
Who is this woman, and how does she hold so much power in a nation where men dominate public life?
Fahda bint Falah Al Hithlain was born in 1965, making her 30 years younger than King Salman.
She comes from the ancient and respected Ajman tribe, a lineage deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia’s Bedouin culture.
Her early life in a traditional tribal environment was far removed from the luxury and influence she would later command.
Growing up in the vast desert landscapes, Fahda absorbed the values, traditions, and dynamics of Bedouin society, giving her a unique insight into the cultural fabric of the kingdom.
When Fahda married King Salman, it wasn’t just a romantic union, but a strategic alliance.
Marrying a woman from a prominent tribal family helped bridge the divide between the royal family and the more conservative tribal factions of Saudi society.
Her Bedouin background brought legitimacy and strengthened connections with traditional communities at a time when the kingdom was navigating the tension between modernization and preserving its heritage.
Fahda is not a public figure, rarely appearing in the media or at official events, but her influence is undeniable.
As the mother of MBS, she has played a crucial role in shaping the man who now leads Saudi Arabia.
Her close relationship with her son and insight into both tribal and royal cultures has given her a voice in the inner workings of the royal family.
She is said to be a trusted adviser to King Salman and a stabilizing force within the palace.
Fahda’s role in Saudi Arabia isn’t limited to being King Salman’s wife or Muhammad bin Salman’s mother.
Her influence reaches much further, shaping the leader who now defines the kingdom’s future.
MBS is known for his bold and often controversial leadership, pushing modern reforms with Vision 2030 while making contentious decisions like Saudi Arabia’s involvement in the Yemen conflict.
Behind the scenes, Fahda’s quiet counsel is said to have played a crucial role in shaping these moves.
As a mother, Fahda has a strong bond with MBS, giving her unique access to his decision-making process.
While she stays far from the public eye, those close to the royal family say her guidance has significant weight.
For example, during the dramatic 2017 anti-corruption purge that reshaped Saudi governance, Fahda was reportedly a steady voice of influence, advising on actions that shook the kingdom and sent ripples across the Middle East.
Though rarely acknowledged, her role as an advisor behind closed doors was key during this pivotal moment in Saudi politics.
Fahda’s ability to wield such influence stems from her unique position.
She combines the deep-rooted tribal traditions of her Bedouin upbringing with a keen understanding of the complex power dynamics within the Saudi royal court.
This blend of cultural insight and strategic thinking has helped MBS navigate the intricate world of Saudi politics, where tradition and modernity often collide.
Fahda’s impact isn’t just political; she is also deeply involved in charitable work, focusing on women’s education and healthcare.
Her efforts to support women entering the workforce have made a lasting difference, even if they don’t often make headlines.
She believes in slow but meaningful change, working quietly to improve lives across Saudi Arabia.
What makes Fahda especially unique is her decision to stay out of the public eye.
She avoids media attention and prefers to work behind the scenes.
This isn’t a sign of weakness or disinterest; it is a deliberate choice.
By staying private, Fahda has maintained her influence and protected her position, offering advice and support without the distractions of public scrutiny.
Her quiet strength makes her one of the kingdom’s most powerful and enigmatic figures.
When Muhammad bin Salman began consolidating his power as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, his mother became a source of tension.
Known for her significant influence and strong presence in the royal family, Fahda’s role was at odds with MBS’s vision of total control.
For a leader often accused of being a tyrant and authoritarian, his image as a reformer appeared to be little more than a facade.
Critics argue that beneath the promises of modernization lies a ruthless despot unafraid to use harsh tactics, even against his own family.
In 2018, reports from 14 current and former senior US officials revealed that MBS had taken drastic measures to sideline his mother.
According to intelligence, MBS blocked Fahda from seeing her husband, King Salman, for over two years.
This move coincided with MBS’s rapid rise to power as he sought to eliminate any perceived obstacles to his authority, even if it meant targeting his own mother.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman offered multiple explanations to his father about why his mother was unavailable.
One of the most striking claims comes from an incident during King Salman’s 2015 visit to the White House.
At the time, the 82-year-old king reportedly told then-President Barack Obama that his wife was in New York receiving medical treatment.
However, US intelligence indicated that she was not in the United States at all.
This discrepancy raised questions about the real reasons for Princess Fahda’s absence and whether MBS might have concealed her whereabouts.
In 2017, when MBS boldly moved to become Crown Prince, tensions within the royal family were running high.
According to US officials, he saw his mother as a potential obstacle to his plans.
They believe that Fahda opposed MBS’s rapid power grab, fearing it could divide the royal family.
MBS viewed her influence on King Salman—who deeply values her opinion—as a threat.
To ensure she couldn’t interfere, MBS reportedly placed her under house arrest, keeping it hidden from his father.
That same year, at just 31 years old, MBS ousted his cousin as Crown Prince, taking control of Saudi Arabia’s future.
While he introduced some headline-grabbing reforms, these changes came alongside ruthless moves to consolidate his power.
In November 2017, MBS launched a sweeping crackdown, arresting over 200 prominent Saudis, including princes, officials, and wealthy businessmen.
The government called it an anti-corruption campaign, but many saw it as a way for MBS to eliminate rivals and silence dissent.
The world took notice, and reactions were mixed.
Then-President Donald Trump openly supported MBS’s actions, defending the harsh treatment of those detained, viewing MBS as a crucial ally in their Middle East strategy.
These events showed the lengths MBS was willing to go to secure his power, sending a clear message: anyone, even close family, could be sidelined if they stood in his way.
Saudi Arabia has strongly denied claims that Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman kept his mother under house arrest.
In response to reports suggesting she was isolated from King Salman, the Saudi Embassy in Washington quickly issued a rebuttal.
Fatima Baeshen, an embassy spokesperson, firmly dismissed the allegations.
“It is absolutely not true,” she stated, “and if you would like to ask Her Royal Highness the princess yourself, this includes asking her in person, we would be happy to arrange it immediately.
” By inviting direct access to the princess, Saudi officials sought to counter accusations of secrecy and control within the royal family.
However, despite the Saudi government’s denials, US intelligence agencies reportedly have reason to believe that MBS did isolate his mother.
Officials have stated that their assessment of the situation is built on a combination of human intelligence, intercepted communications, and information shared with the US by other nations.
This detailed analysis points to a complex dynamic between MBS and his mother, suggesting that her absence may not have been as simple or benign as Saudi authorities claim.
Another piece of evidence suggesting that Princess Fahda may have been placed under house arrest comes from a claim made by an individual who reportedly worked closely with her.
According to this source, shared by the Gulf Institute, Fahda’s detention was linked to accusations of her involvement in controversial practices.
The source alleged that Fahda had a habit of seeking the services of African sorcerers specializing in black magic.
She allegedly used these practices to place spells on her son’s political rivals, including the deposed Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef.
These allegations, while unverified, have been cited as a potential factor in her isolation, suggesting that MBS might have acted to prevent her influence from interfering with his consolidation of power.
While the use of black magic may sound far-fetched, such accusations carry weight in deeply conservative Saudi society, where traditional beliefs and modern politics often collide.
After the suspicions about Princess Fahda being under house arrest, her appearances in public became very rare.
For years, there was little to no information about her activities, fueling speculation about her situation.
However, in 2023, reports surfaced that she had traveled to Morocco for a vacation, accompanied by her security team.
Joining her were friends, including princesses from the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
This trip suggests that Fahda may no longer be under any restriction, if such measures ever existed.
Her ability to travel abroad and meet with prominent figures could indicate that her influence within the royal family remains intact.
At the same time, her reemergence raises questions: was this trip deliberate to dispel rumors about her isolation, or is it simply a sign of her life returning to normal?
The story of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and his mother, Princess Fahda bint Falah, sheds light on the hidden struggles within the Saudi royal family.
MBS, seen as both a reformer and a ruthless leader, has been accused of sidelining even his mother to secure power.
Allegations of her house arrest highlight the tension between his ambitions and her influence.
Yet, Fahda’s recent reemergence suggests she still holds significant sway.
As a figure with deep tribal roots and royal connections, her role remains important, proving that Saudi Arabia’s future is shaped not only by public reforms but also by the fiercely guarded private relationships within its ruling family.
