In recent months, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has maintained a high profile across multiple arenas — diplomacy, economic diversification, technological initiatives, and infrastructure development. His actions continue to shape Saudi Arabia’s domestic trajectory and its global posture. Below is a survey of his key undertakings and strategic priorities as reported by major news sources.
Strengthening Ties with Russia via Aviation Diplomacy
One of the most visible signals of MBS’s diplomatic influence in 2025 has been the elevation of Saudi–Russian relations, marked by the inaugural direct flight between Riyadh and Moscow operated by Saudia. The first direct passenger flight landed in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport in early October, establishing a regular connection of three weekly return services. Reuters
This development underscores more than just travel convenience — it reflects deepening political, economic, and energy cooperation between the two nations. President Vladimir Putin had publicly thanked MBS for Saudi mediation in a U.S.–Russia prisoner exchange, demonstrating the personal rapport the two leaders maintain. Reuters
The timing also aligns with efforts by MBS to position Saudi Arabia as a nexus between global power centers, leveraging energy diplomacy and strategic connectivity.
Advancing the AI Agenda via “Humain”
On the technological front, MBS has advanced Saudi Arabia’s ambition in artificial intelligence with the launch of “Humain”, a new company under the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Announced in May 2025, Humain is designed to develop AI infrastructure, cloud services, data centers, and advanced models — including efforts to build a powerful Arabic language multimodal large language model (LLM). Reuters
This initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in the Arab world’s digital transformation, accelerating capabilities in high-tech fields that complement the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of diversification. MBS chairs the new entity, reinforcing its importance as a strategic pillar. Reuters
However, a recent analysis suggests tensions underneath the ambition. According to Intelligence Online, there is pressure to shift resources from existing Saudi projects to prioritize Humain, potentially disrupting other development agendas. Some experts point to talent shortages and the reliance on foreign expertise as challenges. Intelligence Online
Diplomacy with Iran: A Delicate Reset
In July 2025, MBS hosted Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah — the first visit by a senior Iranian official to Saudi Arabia in recent years. The meeting, involving MBS alongside key Saudi leaders, signals an attempt to recalibrate relations amid broader regional tensions. Reuters
The agenda reportedly spanned bilateral ties and regional security challenges. Saudi and Iranian officials discussed the shifting dynamics in the Middle East, especially in light of recent conflicts and the fallout of proxy engagements.
This move reflects MBS’s desire to hedge Saudi diplomacy — managing relations with both Western and regional powers to preserve flexibility. It also underscores Riyadh’s willingness to engage Iran directly, rather than leaving regional mediation solely to external actors.
Absence from Global Forums: G7 Nonattendance
While MBS remains active domestically and regionally, he has avoided certain high-level multilateral venues. In June 2025, he declined an invitation to attend the G7 Summit in Canada. The official reason was not publicly clarified, but analysts interpret the decision as a reflection of shifting priorities: emphasizing regional engagements over global prestige events. Reuters
Saudi-state media did not respond immediately to inquiries. A consistent pattern has been that MBS has reduced his participation in distant international travel, focusing instead on consolidating initiatives closer to the Kingdom’s strategic core.
Infrastructure & Urban Ambitions: New Murabba & Soudah Peaks
MBS continues to drive visionary infrastructure projects that align with Saudi Arabia’s broader transformation narrative. Among them is New Murabba, a central downtown development spanning Riyadh and Diriyah, featuring iconic architecture, public spaces, cultural venues, and sustainability goals. Wikipédia
Meanwhile, the Soudah Peaks project, led under PIF-backed entities, is another major signature initiative. Located in ‘Asir Province, it is a luxury mountain tourism development expected to contribute significantly to non-oil GDP and employ thousands. Wikipédia
Such projects position MBS not only as a policymaker but as a master planner of Saudi Arabia’s future spatial and urban identity.
Strategic Alignment: Defense Pact with Pakistan
In September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement (SMDA) at Al Yamamah Palace in Riyadh, with MBS and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as signatories. Under the pact, both nations agreed to treat an act of aggression against one as an act against both — formalizing deeper security cooperation. Wikipédia
This move reflects Riyadh’s expanding influence in South Asia, diversifying alliances beyond the Gulf. For MBS, the pact bolsters Saudi Arabia’s role as a strategic security actor beyond its immediate neighborhood.
Observations & Strategic Patterns
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Diversification of influence: MBS is weaving soft power, tech leadership, infrastructure, and defense alliances into Saudi Arabia’s expanding international footprint.
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Focused diplomacy over global spectacle: His selective attendance at major global fora suggests prioritization of regional relevance and practical impact.
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Risk of overextension: The tension between new tech ventures and existing commitments may invite scrutiny into resource allocation and project management.
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Narrative framing: MBS continues to frame these activities as components of a broader transformation — not just in oil, but in society, governance, and regional leadership.
As the 2025 calendar evolves, MBS’s next steps will be telling: which alliances deepen, what projects accelerate, and how these moves are communicated to both international observers and Saudi citizens. His recent activity underscores the ambition — and complexity — of leading a Kingdom in transition.
References & Sources
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Reuters — “First direct Riyadh–Moscow flight operated by Saudia lands in Russian capital.” Reuters
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Reuters — “Saudi launches company to develop artificial intelligence under PIF.” Reuters
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Intelligence Online — “MbS destabilising existing Saudi projects to bring up his new AI baby.” Intelligence Online
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Reuters — “Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister in Jeddah.” Reuters
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Reuters — “Saudi Crown Prince MBS will not attend G7 Summit in Canada.” Reuters
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Wikipedia / project pages — New Murabba & Soudah Peaks Wikipédia+1
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Wikipedia / defense pact — Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan Wikipédia