Ep 7. House of Saud

House of Saud is the seventh episode of the twenty-third season of the investigative documentary series, Frontline. This episode takes a deep dive into the power dynamics of Saudi Arabia and the country's royal family, the House of Saud. The documentary seeks to uncover the key forces that have helped the House of Saud maintain its grip on power for nearly a century.

To achieve this, the documentary starts with an exploration of the history of the House of Saud, from its origins in the Arabian Peninsula to the present day. The episode covers how the family rose to power and became a dominant force in the region, and recounts some of the key events that have shaped the country's political and social landscape over the years.

House of Saud also includes interviews with a range of experts and insiders, who offer insights into the family dynamics of the House of Saud and the ways in which the family has maintained its power. The documentary looks at the complex web of alliances and rivalries within the family, as well as the role of religion, oil, and geopolitics in shaping Saudi Arabia's political landscape.

Another key focus of the episode is the recent reforms that have been taking place in Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The documentary examines the changes that have taken place in the country since MBS became Crown Prince in 2017, including the lifting of the ban on women driving and the increasing role of women in the workforce. The episode also looks at the economic reforms that have been implemented under MBS's leadership, including the Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy away from oil.

However, the documentary does not shy away from the controversies that surround MBS, including his crackdown on dissent, his handling of the war in Yemen, and the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. House of Saud explores the various factions within the House of Saud and the role that MBS has played in consolidating his power, as well as the challenges he faces in maintaining the support of other members of the family.

Throughout the episode, Frontline presents a nuanced and detailed portrait of Saudi Arabia's political landscape and the House of Saud's role within it. The documentary offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world's most powerful and enigmatic royal families, and sheds light on the complex forces that have helped the House of Saud maintain its grip on power for so long.