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

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

Author: Leonardo English February 13, 2026 Duration: 30:00
English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English
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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


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Keywords: Learn English, vocabulary, lessons, idioms, aprende inglés, idiomas, aprender inglês, apprendre l'anglais, imparare l’inglese, ingilizce öğren,英語を習う, تعلم الإنجليزية


If your language studies could use a dose of fascination, English Learning for Curious Minds might just be what you're looking for. Created by Leonardo English, this podcast is designed for intermediate to advanced learners who are tired of dry textbooks and repetitive exercises. Instead, each episode dives into a curiously compelling topic-you might explore the history of forgotten inventions, unravel mysteries of ancient cultures, or discuss surprising scientific discoveries. The conversation is deliberately paced for comprehension, allowing you to absorb natural pronunciation and complex vocabulary in context. To support your learning, every episode includes an interactive transcript, subtitles, and key vocabulary lists. It’s this blend of genuine intellectual curiosity and practical learning tools that has built a global community, with listeners tuning in from 189 different countries. The result is a genuinely engaging way to build fluency, where improving your English feels less like a chore and more like a series of fascinating conversations about the weird and wonderful aspects of our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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