Saudi Arabia’s MBS is facing his greatest challenge

Growing security threats from Iran and its Houthi proxies, as well as economic pressures, are testing Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ability to deliver the stability, prosperity and reform on which his rule depends. | Saudi Press Agency / via REUTERS

Oct 20, 2026

Mohammed bin Salman has led Saudi Arabia for about a decade, but the next few months will be his greatest challenge yet.

It was as defense minister back in 2015 that the crown prince coordinated a massive assault on the Houthi rebels in Yemen, announcing to the world that Saudi Arabia was under new management. And that won’t have made the recent attack by the Houthis on Riyadh’s main airport any easier to bear. Twelve people died and more than 300 were injured, flights were cancelled or rerouted and videos of panicked travelers spread across the Middle East.

The airport attack undercut one of the pillars of the bargain that MBS has offered his people. Saudi Arabia is not an easy country to rule. It is a young place, hosting all the aspiration and discontentment that goes with an average age of 25. The crown prince demands stability and loyalty, and in return promises security, prosperity and reform. Globally he has sought to position the country as a reliable, attractive location for both investment and tourism.

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