Saudi Arabia: Jasour – News Desk
The French-Arab Cultural Heritage Center has named Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman as the “Personality of the Year 2024” in its prestigious annual ranking.
American and Arab social affairs researcher Alaa Elqatary-Reelitz commented on the active role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the renaissance of the Kingdom and the unprecedented cultural and social openness in the country.
Actress Yousra praised this recognition, stating that it is well-deserved for the Crown Prince, who has led a pioneering renaissance in the artistic, cultural, and social fields. Actor Hassan Al-Raddad expressed his happiness with this selection, emphasizing the true leadership that the Crown Prince has established in the Kingdom, creating a great artistic renaissance. Actress Arwa Gouda noted that the recognition comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing a massive artistic renaissance and significant attention to the field of art and influential soft power.
Actor Ahmed Al-Awadi highlighted the importance of this recognition for the Crown Prince, affirming that his achievements are evident and undeniable, making this recognition well-deserved. Actress Laila Elwi expressed her joy at the selection of the Crown Prince as the Personality of the Year, seeing it as well-deserved after achieving a tremendous artistic leap in the Kingdom. Actress Dina Fouad commented that the Crown Prince’s achievements in the Kingdom include significant attention to women in various fields and all forms of art, with his leadership being as clear as daylight.
Researcher Alaa Elqatary-Reelitz also commented on the importance of Egyptian-Saudi cooperation in the artistic and cultural fields and Egypt’s active role in this era of openness. She is currently working on several scientific studies to examine the results of this cooperation and its impact on society.
The survey, conducted across Europe between March 1, 2023, and December 5, 2024, saw wide participation from students, journalists, intellectuals, and internet users who contributed to selecting the most influential personalities.
The selection process, carried out in collaboration with various cultural institutions, focused on identifying leading figures in various fields, whether as heads of state, global business leaders, or heads of non-profit organizations. These personalities were chosen based on their influence on the international stage and their commitment to humanitarian issues.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was honored for his pioneering efforts in several strategic areas, including a prominent role in empowering women, driving wide-ranging social and cultural reforms, and leading a historic transformation within Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince has successfully combined societal modernization with the respect and enhancement of the Arab world’s rich values and traditions.
This title recognizes the global influence and wise leadership of the Crown Prince, adding his name to a list of prominent figures honored in previous years, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Personality of the Year 2018) and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi (Personality of the Year 2019). The list also includes notable names like German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Mehriban Aliyeva, and Irina Bokova, who have left significant marks in the center’s previous rankings.
It is noteworthy that no personality has managed to gain international public support for the title of “Personality of the Year” since 2019, despite the annual survey organized by the French-Arab Cultural Heritage Center.
The selection of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for this title in 2024 is a significant event in the history of this ranking, reflecting the exceptional role of his efforts and his substantial impact on the international stage, as well as the high appreciation for his ambitious and inspiring initiatives.