
Mohammed bin Salman’s campaign to modernize Saudi Arabia and diversify its economy celebrated its latest success three weeks ago after his bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034 remained unopposed.
Only five years ago, western tourists couldn’t even get a visa to travel to the Gulf monarchy. Now the crown prince, who took power in 2017, wants to follow Qatar in welcoming football fans the world over to the Persian Gulf a century after his grandfather founded the state.