Saudi Arabia is a monarchy ruled by the Al Saud. Its official religious doctrine is Wahhabism. It is home to the two sacred Muslim cities of Mecca and Medina
Islam

Al-‘Issa, the Face of the New Saudi Islam that the Islamists do Not Like

The Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Muhammad al-‘Issa, was appointed to lead the main prayer at the annual pilgrimage, arousing the indignation of the Islamists. Who is al-‘Issa and why is he so controversial?

Middle East and Africa

Saudi Vision2030 and Mutawātir Hadīth: an Unexpected Combination

Mohammed bin Salman’s recent statements suggest that Saudi Arabia could move towards a post-Wahhabi era characterised by limited application of Sharia law and reform of the Saudi judicial system
Christians in the Muslim World

Women Preachers at the Service of the Reason of State

In Saudi Arabia, some women have exploited sex segregation to assume positions as religious leaders. However, their role remains ambiguous: on the one hand, they guarantee a female presence in the public space; on the other, they are spokespersons for the Wahhabi establishment.
08
Sep, 2020

MBS: the rise to power of a modernizer autocrat

An account of the Saudi Crown Prince's story and his boundless ambition. Review of MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammad Bin Salman by Ben Hubbard
Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia: Between Oil and Coronavirus, the Risks for MBS

The spread of Coronavirus and the collapse of the oil market are straining the Saudi economy and Muhammad bin Salman’s projects. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is in danger of definitively sinking as austerity policies threaten the social contract.
29
Jun, 2020

The University that Wants to Train an Army of Preachers

The spread of Wahhabism through Saudi educational institutions
Islam

Wahhabi Doctrine and its Development

Founded on a rigid understanding of monotheism, Wahhabism has come to terms with political power over the centuries, but has not renounced its main tenets
Middle East and Africa

The New Geopolitical Order of the Gulf

The balance of power in the Middle East has been challenged by new dynamics in the Persian Gulf, notably Muhammad bin Salman’s struggle to reshape the region and the resistance of Qatar
Middle East and Africa

Saudi Arabia and the UAE: allies, but not too close

While striving together to defeat the Houthi rebels, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are vying for influence over Yemen’s future
26
Oct, 2018

No Woman, no Drive

While the cinemas are re-opening in Riyadh, the Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch tells the story of Casablanca, the city of criss-crossing destinies
25
Oct, 2018

The New Saudi Arabia Under Scrutiny

To understand the Kingdom, ingratiating interviews are not enough
Islam

Saudi Arabia will Remain Wahhabi

In his reformist vision, Muhammad Bin Salman is promising to return to the “moderation” that preceded 1979. It is definitely too soon to talk about the Kingdom’s de-Wahhabization, however: its ulama have always been masters at adapting to change