Saudi Arabia and the UAE are battling to become the Middle East's economic superpower

Sun, 09/24/2023 - 04:49

Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan have had a longstanding relationship. — Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan have a long-standing relationship.
Anadolu Agency // BANDAR ALGALOUD / SAUDI KINGDOM COUNCIL / HANDOUT

The United Arab Emirates has long been the economic jewel of the Middle East.
That reputation is now under threat.
Saudi Arabia's crown prince is shaking up his economy in a move escalating its UAE rivalry.

Before Mohammed bin Salman became the de facto leader of Saudi Arabia, the 38-year-old was once an obscure young prince whose coming influence on the global stage was unapparent. An Emirati helped change that.