Introduction
Saudi Arabia’s recent invitation to join the BRICS bloc—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has sparked global interest and debate. While countries like Egypt, Iran, and the UAE have swiftly accepted their memberships, Saudi Arabia has taken a more cautious approach. The Kingdom has expressed appreciation for the invitation but has yet to confirm its acceptance. This measured response highlights Saudi Arabia’s strategic foreign policy approach as it carefully navigates global economic and political shifts.
BRICS represents a powerful economic alliance, and its expansion is intended to enhance the group’s influence in the global order. For Saudi Arabia, joining BRICS presents significant opportunities, yet also comes with complex geopolitical considerations. The Kingdom’s hesitation stems from its desire to maintain a delicate balance between its traditional Western alliances and its growing partnerships with emerging global powers.
BRICS Expansion and Saudi Arabia’s Calculated Response
During the BRICS summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, the bloc extended membership invitations to six new nations, including Saudi Arabia. This move was seen as part of BRICS’ broader efforts to counter Western economic dominance and promote a multipolar world order. The expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader foreign policy, which has increasingly focused on economic diversification, regional influence, and global connectivity.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan expressed gratitude for the invitation, stating that the Kingdom would study the details before making a final decision. This cautious stance underscores Saudi Arabia’s methodical approach to diplomatic and economic engagements. Unlike other invitees that immediately accepted their memberships, Riyadh’s decision-making process reflects a careful evaluation of BRICS’ potential benefits and risks.
Strategic Hedging: A Deliberate Approach
Saudi Arabia’s hesitation can be understood as part of a broader strategy of hedging—avoiding overcommitment to any single global power bloc while maintaining flexibility in foreign relations. The Kingdom has long pursued a policy of balancing ties between global superpowers, a strategy that has been especially evident in its dealings with the United States, China, and Russia.
The BRICS bloc, though economically influential, consists of nations with diverse political systems and economic policies. Saudi Arabia’s careful approach suggests a desire to ensure that membership aligns with its long-term national interests. The Kingdom’s leadership is likely weighing whether BRICS membership would complement or complicate its existing alliances, particularly its strategic relationship with the United States.
Economic Diversification and Vision 2030
A major factor influencing Saudi Arabia’s decision is its ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence. As part of this strategy, Saudi Arabia is actively seeking investment opportunities, expanding its energy portfolio, and positioning itself as a global business hub.
Joining BRICS could open new avenues for investment, trade partnerships, and economic cooperation, particularly with China and India—two of the world’s largest economies. However, Saudi Arabia must carefully assess whether BRICS membership would enhance or hinder its economic goals. Given that the BRICS nations have varying economic policies, Riyadh may be evaluating whether joining would offer tangible benefits or create new economic dependencies.
Maintaining Global Relationships: The US Factor
Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy has traditionally been anchored in its alliance with the United States, which has provided security guarantees and extensive economic partnerships. However, in recent years, Riyadh has sought to diversify its alliances, as evidenced by its growing cooperation with China, Russia, and other emerging economies.
The US has historically viewed BRICS with caution, perceiving it as a counterbalance to Western-dominated financial institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Saudi Arabia’s leadership is likely considering how BRICS membership could impact its relationship with Washington. While Riyadh has demonstrated increasing independence in its foreign policy, outright alignment with a bloc often seen as challenging Western dominance could create friction in US-Saudi relations.
At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s engagement with BRICS could serve as leverage in negotiations with Western powers, reinforcing its position as a key player in global affairs. The Kingdom’s approach suggests it is keen to maximize economic and geopolitical benefits while avoiding any moves that could alienate its traditional allies.
Geopolitical Considerations and Regional Dynamics
Saudi Arabia’s role in the Middle East further complicates its decision regarding BRICS. The Kingdom is a dominant player in the Gulf region, leading the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and influencing energy markets, regional security, and political affairs. Aligning with BRICS, which includes nations like China and Russia, requires careful navigation to maintain regional stability and address potential concerns from neighboring Gulf states.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Iran—another BRICS invitee—adds another layer of complexity. While Riyadh and Tehran have recently taken steps toward diplomatic reconciliation, historical rivalries and regional competition persist. Saudi Arabia may be evaluating whether BRICS membership would enhance regional cooperation or introduce new challenges in managing its relations with Iran and other key players in the Middle East.
Potential Economic and Trade Benefits
From an economic standpoint, BRICS membership could provide Saudi Arabia with several advantages. The bloc has been advocating for de-dollarization in global trade, promoting the use of alternative currencies in international transactions. For Saudi Arabia, this presents an opportunity to explore diversification in trade settlements, particularly in energy exports.
China, the world’s largest importer of Saudi oil, has been pushing for transactions in yuan rather than the US dollar. BRICS membership could accelerate this shift, potentially reducing Saudi Arabia’s reliance on the dollar and increasing financial cooperation with emerging economies. Additionally, being part of BRICS could enhance Saudi Arabia’s ability to attract investment in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy projects.
However, such a move comes with risks. A shift away from dollar-based trade could create volatility in financial markets and strain economic relations with the US and its allies. Saudi Arabia must carefully evaluate whether these trade benefits outweigh potential geopolitical and financial risks.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s response to the BRICS invitation reflects a nuanced and strategic foreign policy approach. Rather than rushing into a decision, Riyadh is taking the time to assess how BRICS membership aligns with its economic goals, geopolitical interests, and existing alliances.
By maintaining a measured approach, Saudi Arabia seeks to balance its traditional relationships with Western nations while expanding its influence in the global economic order. The Kingdom’s leadership understands the significance of this decision and is ensuring that any move it makes serves its long-term national interests.
While BRICS presents opportunities for economic diversification, trade expansion, and global influence, Saudi Arabia’s hesitation underscores the complexities of global diplomacy. As the world watches closely, the Kingdom’s final decision on BRICS membership will shape not only its own future but also the broader geopolitical landscape.
