Mohammad bin Salman, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Riyadh
  • Last updated on

Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the prince's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 17/09/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Bin Salman for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 41-year-old prince, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Bin Salman so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the prince have already been named ‘Saudi Of The Year’ by some major Saudi newspapers and even ‘Jeddah Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Jeddah (Mohammad bin Salman's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the prince was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#Bin SalmanPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 16 Sep 2026
“Congrats! Mohammad has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 16 Sep 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Mohammad bin Salman?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 16 Sep 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Mohammad bin Salman?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Mohammad bin Salman: Recent News

 

page served in 0.039s (1,2)