“While I was checking the reservation list of my restaurant, I found out that a 'Prince Muhammad Bin Salman' was among our guests. I told my staff to give his table their utmost care and attention," says my young Saudi friend. “Later on, the guest arrived with his companions on time. They were given their assigned table, and I went to say hello. A companion intercepted me and asked about my purpose. I introduced myself, and told him that I was the owner of the restaurant and just wanted to greet his highness. Looking surprised at my looks —I was wearing jeans, not the proper Saudi dress — he was a bit confused. I explained to him that working hands-on in a restaurant requires such an attire. Unconvinced, it seems, he told me to wait until he gets the Prince's permission. I felt so embarrassed, with my staff and customers looking on, and told him to forget about it — It was just a courtesy hello! “I went outside for some fresh air, and returned a bit later. I heard someone calling my name, with much enthusiasm. I thought it was a close friend, and turned around to see Prince Muhammad Bin Salman coming toward me, extending his hands, like I was his long-lost friend. He took me to his table and showed his appreciation for the quality of the food, the decor and service. “Inquiring about my project, he encouraged my intuitiveness and promised to give a good word of mouth to his family and friends. His wide smile brightened the place ... and my heart. “Later on, he became a regular customer and in every visit he treated me like a close friend. Today, when I hear about his new roles, I feel confident that my beloved Prince will stand for all of us —Saudi youth — and support our initiatives and endeavors. I will never forget my first encounter with him, and will forever pray for him.” This wasn't the only story I heard about the new star in Saudi leadership. Another colleague of Prince Muhammad Bin Salman in the Law Department of King Saud University, Riyadh, spoke of a serious student, who wouldn't settle for less than an A. “If the grade was less for a project or a report, he would redo it again and again, until he received the top mark," he said. “It is hard for you to recognize he was a prince, if you weren't told. His dedication to education, his humbleness set him apart from many who came from rich and big families. It was like he was trying to prove something, reach somewhere, or in a mission to learn all he could to be ready for a future objective. “I don't think you would find many who could tell you they knew him well. Private and serious, the way he was, he didn't seem to make many pals. Professors and students alike respected his achievements and the way he carried himself in school. Other than classes, we hardly saw him around. Later we learned that he was so close to his father and working with him.” This may explain why few know much about our new Defense Minister and Head of the Royal Court, Prince Muhammad Bin Salman. He is a serious, hard-working, private personality. Still, we know he is an ambitious person, who learned a lot from working so closely with his father, and that he believes in youth empowerment. His encounter with the restaurant owner showed another dimension of his character — the gentleman. His charisma, attitude and style, according to some associates, he took after his father.
Also, he is known for his experience in social and new media. This is another quality he may have learned from Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, known for his keen interest in Arab media, and his role in the establishment of the biggest press house in the Arab world — the pan-Arab Saudi Research and Marketing Group that own many pan-Arab newspapers and magazines in four languages, including Arabic and English. The King was even younger than his son when he became the Governor of Riyadh Region in 1954, at the age of 19. Muhammad Bin Salman was appointed minister of defense on January 23 this year when his father, the previous defense minister, became King. He was also named as the Head of the Royal Court on the same date. On January 29, Prince Muhammad was named Chair of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs which replaced the Supreme Economic Commission. Besides his government posts, the young Prince is also Chairman of Prince Salman Youth Center and Secretary General of the Riyadh Competitiveness Center. In 2011, he established a youth association, Prince Muhammed Bin Salman Foundation and chaired its board. At 30, Prince Mohammad Bin Salman is the youngest Defense Minister in the world, besides his many posts and responsibilities. With his father's guidance, he could prove that, given the opportunity, young Saudis (our better 70 percent of the population), can take us to a brighter sky. — Dr. Khaled M. Batarfi is a Saudi writer based in Jeddah. He can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him at Twitter: @kbatarfi
