Why Prince William's Trip to Saudi Arabia is a Diplomatic Maze
A delicate dance of diplomacy and a country in flux
Prince William's upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia is more than just a visit; it's a delicate diplomatic maneuver in a country undergoing a significant transformation. While previous official visits to Estonia, Poland, Brazil, and South Africa have been less sensitive, Saudi Arabia presents a unique and complex challenge. The focus of this trip, centered around energy transition and young people, highlights key areas of development in a nation that is both opening up culturally and striving to diversify its economy beyond oil.
A Changing Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabia Prince William will visit is vastly different from the one his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, traveled to during her 70-year reign. While the regime remains authoritarian and led by an absolute monarchy, the country is experiencing a cultural shift. Society is opening up, and there's a push to develop the economy beyond oil. The list of high-profile entertainment and sporting events on Saudi soil is expanding, from the Riyadh Comedy Festival featuring heavyweights like Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Bill Burr, to the Red Sea International Film Festival and the Saudi Formula One Grand Prix. In 2034, it will host the men's football World Cup, one of the highest-profile events in sports.
Human Rights Concerns and the Crown Prince
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have accused Saudi leaders of using sport and comedy to whitewash its human rights record. The kingdom's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has previously stated that he 'doesn't care' how it is labeled, as long as it benefits the Saudi economy. Meeting MBS will be a significant part of Prince William's visit. As the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, MBS is a controversial figure. Prince William, who has talked about his vision for a modern monarchy, is visiting a country in transition.
A Country in Transition
Dr. Neil Quilliam from the Middle East and North Africa program at Chatham House notes that Saudi Arabia has been opening up massively over the past decade. The younger generation of policymakers is more transactional than their forefathers, and there's greater competition for Saudi investment in the UK. Prince William's visit sends a signal that the UK values its relationship with Saudi Arabia.
Controversy and Public Opinion
However, the images of William meeting MBS will be hard to stomach for many. A 2021 US intelligence report found that MBS approved the murder of exiled Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. The report, released by the Biden administration, said MBS approved a plan to either 'capture or kill' Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia rejected the report, calling it 'negative, false, and unacceptable,' and MBS has denied any role in the murder. Despite these controversies, world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, France's Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have continued to court MBS.
The Way Forward
Amid the moves towards modernization, the Saudi authorities' attitude towards critics, both within the kingdom and abroad, remains unchanged. In January, a UK judge ruled that Saudi Arabia should pay Ghanem al-Masarir damages of over £3 million. Al-Masarir, a London-based YouTuber and satirist, had used his online voice to attack the Saudi regime. He told the court that he'd been followed, assaulted, and had his phone bugged by agents acting for the kingdom, resulting in psychological damage. Despite his experience, al-Masarir does not oppose Prince William's visit but urges the UK's future king not to hold back. He believes that Prince William has a privileged place and opportunity to speak to MBS, but he questions the authenticity of their handshake, given MBS' role in Khashoggi's murder.
The Way Forward
Prince William's trip to Saudi Arabia is a complex diplomatic endeavor, navigating a country in transition, a controversial crown prince, and a history of human rights concerns. As the world watches, the outcome of this visit will shape the future of Saudi-UK relations and the perception of Saudi Arabia on the global stage.
