Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — An overwhelming 94.4 percent of Saudis are satisfied with the performance of Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, according to a poll conducted by the SMT Studies Center, an independent center for the study of new developments and events in the Middle East region and Arab countries.

Some 92 percent of people surveyed approve the decision of his appointment as the Crown Prince, thinking it will further empower the youth.

Some 88 percent view him as someone with great leadership capabilities.

The poll was conducted through face-to-face interviews with participants, who included an equal number of men and women aged 18 years and above from various regions of the Kingdom.

The poll, which has an error margin of only 3 percent, was conducted between Nov. 18 and 22. Most of the participants — 91.75 percent —are supportive of the decisions taken to empower women and the rights given to them.

In September hundreds of women were allowed to enter a sports stadium in Riyadh in a one-off event to celebrate Saudi Arabia’s National Day.

The authorities also announced that it will allow women into sports stadiums from next year.

The announcement is in line with Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman’s social and economic reforms, including the historic decision to allow women to drive from next June.

Some 95.25 percent of the participants in the SMT Studies Center poll view the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 as very important and the best way for substantial economic reforms.

The Vision aims to make the Saudi economy one of the most powerful in the world.

Some 97.5 percent of the participants supported the recent anti-corruption decisions.

Earlier this month, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman issued a royal decree forming a supreme committee headed by the Crown Prince to tackle corruption in public finance.

The Committee identifies offenses, crimes, persons and entities involved in cases of public corruption.

An overwhelming 99 percent of the people surveyed by the SMT Studies Center agree that internal stability should take precedence over the education and health sectors.

Some 80.25 percent of the participants support the recent public sector changes, including the formation of the General Entertainment Authority.

A total of 98 percent of the participants support the Crown Prince’s decision to expose and fight potential threats such as Iran and terrorist organizations.