In every era, a faction of "wily, troubled individuals" emerges, regrettably some of them Arabs. Their primary concern is to belittle, demean, and undermine others, casting governments and peoples in the light of "lies and fabrications."
During the 1970s and 1980s, this group's favorite accusation was labeling the Gulf, specifically the Saudi, policy as "petrodollar politics." In London, "extortionists," primarily from the northern Arab regions, falsely and maliciously called themselves "journalists," and published yellow newsletters and frail magazines, believing that defaming Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states, or what they derogatorily called "desert Bedouins," was a shortcut to the petrodollar wealth. Naturally, these publications collapsed and vanished, even in archive-conscious Britain, after being disregarded and scorned by the Gulf countries and tossed into the "dustbin of history."
Since Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz assumed the role of the Crown Prince and Chairman of the Saudi Council of Ministers, under the supervision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, "petrodollar" has become merely a financial term. Indeed, Saudi Vision 2030, initiated, managed, and planned by the Crown Prince, diminished the significance of the "petrodollar" by weaning off its dependence and paving the way for a "non-oil" economy to contribute significantly to the Saudi GDP. Concurrently with these significant Saudi transformations, Riyadh enhanced its diplomatic role and regional and international influence, derived from the substantial issues Saudi Arabia can impact.
The foundation of Saudi diplomacy was solidified by the efforts of successive Saudi kings since the reign of its founder King Abdulaziz Al Saud. However Saudi diplomacy gained significant weight with Prince Mohammed bin Salman facing the challenges and "geopolitical shifts" and emerging interests of superpowers. Amidst this turbulent arena, the Crown Prince took the initiative to enhance his country's genuine role, not just as an oil power but also as a bridge between the East and West, North and South, to mediate disputes and quell regional and international crises. We have witnessed Saudi Arabia's effective presidency of the G20, which groups the world's largest economies, skillfully managing its agenda during the deadly global COVID-19 pandemic.
Indeed, Prince Mohammed bin Salman transformed Riyadh into a hub for regional, international, and Arab summits, hosting eight such events in 2023 alone. The Crown Prince's diplomacy played a crucial role in mediating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, facilitating negotiations with the United States to resolve the war and political crisis in Sudan, extending peace overtures to Yemeni factions, especially during talks hosted by Oman, and hosting Sudanese factions in Jeddah to halt internal conflict.
Many who enjoy disparaging the Kingdom, its leadership, and its people mistakenly believe their insults matter to Saudis — a naive belief, bordering on "profound ignorance." Saudi Arabia has far more critical responsibilities and priorities arising from its significant roles, being the world's leading oil producer and reserve holder, the fifth globally in natural gas reserves, the ninth in natural gas production, and one of the top 20 economies capable of achieving its people's aspirations with an ambitious national vision. All these significant files are adeptly managed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who seeks the highest quality of life for Saudi citizens and the continuation of reforms in all areas begun by Vision 2030.
The "buzz of fools" sitting on political analysis and commentary chairs, attacking with lies and fabrications, will not harm Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom's soft power has become more influential and effective than ever before, with Saudi Arabia emerging as a global force in sports, entertainment, and tourism, by hosting important international events across various fronts. All these capabilities managed with competence and vigilance, have constructed the true image of this lofty country, untainted by the slogans of "traitors," the fabrications of "worthless haters," and campaigns of the envious and troubled.
