#594 | Mohammed Bin Salman & The Rise of Saudi Arabia (English Listening Practice)

#594 | Mohammed Bin Salman & The Rise of Saudi Arabia (English Listening Practice)

From English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English by Leonardo English

February 12, 2026 · 30 min

About this episode

This episode explores the rise of Mohammed bin Salman and the transformation of Saudi Arabia under his leadership.

For decades, Saudi Arabia was ruled by ageing princes, until one young royal began changing the system from within. This episode tells the story of Mohammed bin Salman, and how he rose rapidly to become Saudi Arabia’s most powerful figure. Saudi royal family is huge; succession once moved between brothers. Pressure grew to pass power to a younger generation. Mohammed bin Salman’s early life, connections, and growing ambition. His father becomes king; MBS controls money and army. MBS replaces Mohammed bin Nayef as Crown Prince, 2017. Ritz-Carlton purge targets princes, businessmen; power and assets seized. Vision 2030: modernise society, move economy beyond oil. Global investments and NEOM aim to change Saudi image. Opponents targeted; Khashoggi murder shocks the world. Women driving, cinemas reopen; activists jailed, Yemen war continues. Full interactive transcript, subtitles and key vocabulary available on the website: https://www.leonardoenglish.com/podcasts/mohammed-bin-salman --- You might like: 🔓 Unlock bonus episodes, interactive transcripts, subtitles & vocabulary lists ✨ 5 Powerful Tips for Learning English with Podcasts (Faster & Effectively!) [YouTube] 📹 A…

People in this episode

Host: Leonardo English

Topics covered

  • Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammed bin Salman
  • political power
  • Vision 2030
  • modernization
  • human rights
  • global investments

Keywords

  • Learn English
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Mohammed bin Salman
  • Vision 2030
  • politics
  • modernization
  • human rights
  • Khashoggi

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Saudi royal family, Vision 2030, Ritz-Carlton

Places: Saudi Arabia

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