Abstract

Significance In Saudi Arabia, more than 2 million Muslims performed hajj (the annual pilgrimage required of all Muslims in their lifetimes to Islam's holiest sites, Mecca and Medina), reaching pre-pandemic numbers. De facto leader Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has disempowered traditional clerical entities, but at the same time he still deploys religious rhetoric to serve his agenda. Impacts Gradual social liberalisation will be a major feature of Saudi life, visible through entertainment and sporting events. Women’s increased personal freedom and involvement in the labour force will become routine. Formal acceptance and open observance of other religions are some way away. Competition for leadership of the Muslim world could intensify, with each country promoting its version of ‘moderate’ Islam. The crown prince can always use the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to mobilise support from the clerical establishment.

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