As the BRICS group of emerging economies chases growing global influence with help from the Middle East in 2025, a potential linchpin in the expanding bloc’s ambitions remains uncommitted to joining: Saudi Arabia.
During the World Governments Summit in Dubai on Feb. 12, the kingdom's economy minister, Fadhil Alibrahim, reiterated that Saudi Arabia is still mulling the benefits of membership, more than a year after being invited to the coalition, which is positioned as an alternative to the G7 club of major industrialized democracies, anchored by the United States. That echoed similar comments made by Saudi officials in January at Davos.
Riyadh’s reticence is no accident. According to Sami Hamdi, managing director of global risk and intelligence company the International Interest, a BRICS invite remains relevant for Saudi Arabia only as a means to coax the United States into showing greater support as the kingdom hopes for strong ties with Donald Trump back in the White House.
“However, if that does not materialize, Saudi will use the prospect of a BRICS membership as leverage,” Hamdi told Al-Monitor.
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