Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

Inside the rapid rise and unprecedented power grab of Saudi Arabia's millennial crown prince

Peter JacobsNov 11, 2017, 21:43 IST

Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman during a meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 30, 2017.REUTERS/Pavel Golovkin/Pool

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is rapidly becoming the driving force behind his Middle East kingdom and one of the most powerful people in the world.

The 32-year-old royal has influenced Saudi Arabia's military, foreign policy, economy, and even day-to-day religious and cultural life.

Crown Prince Mohammed - or MbS, as he's widely known - is also widely seen to be the muscle behind Saudi Arabia's recent anti-corruption purge. The heir to the throne, Crown Prince Mohammed is consolidating power in a way Saudi Arabia hasn't seen in decades.

Meet the powerful prince who could reshape the Middle East: