The Saudi cabinet approved the formation of The Higher Committee for Hydrocarbon Affairs on 31 July. The body will be headed by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman and “be a reference for all hydrocarbon issues.” Also on the committee are the energy, economy & planning, finance and trade ministers. The cabinet approved the formation during a visit to the futuristic, but unbuilt, planned city of Neom. But will the committee help lead the kingdom into a brave new world?