Who is Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud ?

Biography, Role, Children, and the Vision Behind ilmi in Riyadh

Executive Summary (Key Facts)

• Full name: Sara bint Mashour bin Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman Al Saud. Wikipedia

• Family: Daughter of Prince Mashour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; granddaughter of King Abdulaziz (Ibn Saud).

• Spouse: HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (married 6 April 2008).

• Children: Five — Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, Princess Noura, and Prince Abdulaziz.

• Public role: Founder and Chairperson of ilmi — the Science Discovery & Innovation Center in Riyadh, a Misk initiative opening at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City. مركز عِلمي+1

Early Life and Royal Lineage

Princess Sara was born into the prestigious Saudi royal family, a descendant of King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the founding father of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Her father, Prince Mashour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is one of the senior sons of King Abdulaziz, making her a granddaughter of the founder of the modern Saudi state.

Through her lineage, Princess Sara carries the legacy of unity, modernisation, and leadership that defines the Saudi monarchy. Her family background intertwines with the history of the Kingdom, placing her within the upper echelons of Saudi nobility.

Note on age: The exact birth date is not officially disclosed. Public sources vary and are inconsistent; reliable outlets treat her year of birth as not publicly confirmed. We therefore avoid asserting a specific age

Marriage and Family

Princess Sara is married to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (MBS), the Prime Minister and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Their union represents not only a royal alliance but also a symbolic strengthening of familial ties within the House of Saud.

Together, they have five children, continuing the dynastic line that shapes the future of Saudi leadership. The couple’s marriage embodies traditional values deeply rooted in the Kingdom’s cultural and religious heritage, while also standing as a reflection of internal stability within the royal family.

Position Within the House of Saud

Although Princess Sara does not hold an official governmental or political position, her role within the royal structure remains significant and respected. As the wife of the Crown Prince, she occupies a prestigious status in the royal hierarchy. Her influence is subtle but substantial, often reflected in her proximity to the nation’s leadership and her representation of traditional Saudi values.

The House of Saud is known for its intricate network of relationships and alliances. Princess Sara’s position consolidates her branch’s prominence, particularly due to her father’s lineage and her husband’s leadership role.

Life in the Royal Sphere

Princess Sara leads a private and dignified life, rarely appearing in public media or official events. This discretion is consistent with the cultural norms of the Saudi royal family, where female members often maintain low public profiles.

However, within the royal circle, she is known for her grace, intellect, and adherence to cultural and religious principles. Her life is believed to focus on family, philanthropy, and the preservation of traditional Saudi values, ensuring continuity between the Kingdom’s heritage and its modern transformation.

Public Work and Patronage: ilmi (Science Discovery & Innovation Center)

Princess Sara’s most visible public role is as Founder and Chairperson of ilmi, a major science discovery and innovation destination in Riyadh designed to spark lifelong curiosity and STREAM learning (Science, Technology/Reading, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). The official ilmi site identifies her as creator of the initiative and outlines its mission to make science accessible to all learners across the Kingdom. مركز عِلمي

• Location & Opening: ilmi is being developed at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City in Riyadh with a planned 2025 opening. مؤسسة مسك

• Scale & Themes: The center spans ~27,000 m² with permanent exhibits organized around the core themes “Our World,” “Our Selves,” and “Our Inventions.” مؤسسة مسك

• Program Style: In addition to the physical center, announcements noted live activations and hands‑on challenges aimed at families and youth, reinforcing a culture of making and discovery. Arab News

Time Out Riyadh also reported on the project’s educational ambition and authorship, echoing the focus on science and technology engagement for young people in the capital. Timeout Riyadh

Why ilmi Matters?

We view ilmi as more than a venue; it’s an engine for scientific literacy, innovation culture, and skills development aligned to national transformation goals. By combining interactive exhibits with programs that translate complex topics (from ecosystems to AI) into hands‑on exploration, the center is positioned to cultivate the next generation of Saudi scientists, technologists, and creators. مؤسسة مسك

The Legacy of Prince Mashour bin Abdulaziz Al Saud

Princess Sara’s father, Prince Mashour bin Abdulaziz, is an influential figure within the royal family. As a senior son of King Abdulaziz, he has contributed to maintaining the unity and political stability of the House of Saud. His legacy, combined with that of his daughter’s marriage to the Crown Prince, strengthens the internal cohesion of the royal household.

The Modern Context: Saudi Arabia’s Transformational Era

Princess Sara’s life coincides with a historic phase of transformation in Saudi Arabia. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has embarked on Vision 2030, an ambitious reform agenda designed to diversify the economy, empower women, and modernize society.

Although Princess Sara remains largely private, her symbolic presence as the Crown Prince’s wife reflects the balance between modernization and tradition. She represents a bridge between the Kingdom’s royal heritage and its aspirations for progress.

Cultural and Religious Significance

As a member of the royal family, Princess Sara upholds the Islamic and cultural values that form the foundation of Saudi society. Her adherence to religious customs and respect for tradition mirror the broader identity of the Kingdom.

Her example serves as an emblem of modesty, loyalty, and devotion—qualities deeply revered in Saudi culture and Islamic teachings.

Global Attention and Public Perception

Internationally, Princess Sara attracts attention due to her marriage to one of the most influential leaders in the Arab world. While she maintains a low profile, global interest in her life and lineage continues to grow as observers seek to understand the dynamics within the Saudi royal family.

Her discreet nature has only heightened curiosity, leading to speculation about her influence and role within the inner workings of the royal household.

Family Tree of Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud

Below is a simplified diagram representing her lineage within the House of Saud:

Influence and Representation

Though not an active public figure, Princess Sara’s symbolic role as the consort of the Crown Prince carries immense importance. Her presence signifies continuity, legitimacy, and unity within the royal family, supporting the monarchy’s enduring authority.

Her life stands as a reminder that influence within royal systems can manifest quietly—through heritage, respect, and steadfast commitment to tradition—rather than through public exposure.

Public Presence, Privacy, and Media Accuracy

Princess Sara maintains a low public profile, with official communications emphasizing her philanthropic leadership rather than personal details. Because of this, unverified claims about her private life circulate widely. We prioritize official and reputable sources—notably ilmi.sa, Misk communications, and mainstream references—for biographical facts. Where information is not confirmed (e.g., exact age), we state that clearly to avoid perpetuating inaccuracies. مركز عِلمي+1

Frequently Searched Questions (Clear, Sourced Answers)

Who is Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud?

A Saudi royal, granddaughter of King Abdulaziz, and wife of HRH Mohammed bin Salman. She is the Founder and Chairperson of ilmi in Riyadh. Wikipedia+1

When did she marry Mohammed bin Salman?

6 April 2008. Wikipedia

How many children do they have and what are their names?

Five: Prince Salman, Prince Mashour, Princess Fahda, Princess Noura, and Prince Abdulaziz. Wikipedia

What is ilmi?

A large‑scale Science Discovery & Innovation Center in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (Riyadh), opening 2025, built to inspire STREAM learning with accessible, world‑class exhibits and programs. مؤسسة مسك

Is her age publicly known?

Her exact birth date is not officially published; outlets disagree, so responsible coverage avoids definitive claims. Wikipedia

Timeline of Notable Milestones

• 2008: Marriage to HRH Mohammed bin Salman (April 6). Wikipedia

• 2017–2023: Increasing public references to her philanthropic focus and educational advocacy. Wikipedia

• May 2023: ilmi announced; location confirmed at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City; 2025 opening target. مؤسسة مسك+1

SEO‑Ready Fact Box

• Name: Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud

• Role: Founder & Chairperson, ilmi (Science Discovery & Innovation Center)

• Affiliation: Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk); Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City (location of ilmi) مركز عِلمي+1

• Spouse: HRH Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud (m. 2008) Wikipedia

• Children: Five named above Wikipedia

• Focus areas: Science education, youth empowerment, STREAM learning مركز عِلمي

Sources and Further Reading

• Official: ilmi — mission, authorship, and role of Princess Sara (Founder & Chairperson). مركز عِلمي

• Misk / Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City: Press information on ilmi (location, scale, 2025 target, exhibit themes). مؤسسة مسك

• Saudi Press Agency via Arab News: Program activations and youth focus at ilmi. Arab News

• Reference biography (core family facts): Marriage date and children’s names. Wikipedia

Conclusion

Princess Sara bint Mashour Al Saud plays a distinctive role in contemporary Saudi public life: a royal figure with a clear, institutional commitment to science education. Through ilmi, she champions accessible, hands‑on discovery for youth and lifelong learners, aligning with broader national ambitions to cultivate innovation, skills, and curiosity across the Kingdom. مركز عِلمي+1