Saudi Arabia’s Multi-Alignment Shift Under Vision 2030: Why Businesses Should Care

Key takeaways

• Saudi Arabia is adopting a multi-alignment approach aimed at maximising its strategic autonomy rather than relying on a single power.

• The KSA maintains strong ties with the US whilst closely monitoring Iran in the Gulf, cooperating with the UAE and Russia, and engaging with BRICS+ economies.

• Businesses can capitalise on the KSA’s Vision 2030 for significant long-term opportunities. 

  
  

Saudi Arabia’s new diplomatic model

In an increasingly fragmented international order characterised by a transition toward multipolarity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is emerging as a regional middle power. This positioning is partly the result of a multi-alignment strategy and pragmatic cooperation with competing powers. This shift, promoted under the leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) within the framework of Vision 2030, aims at diversifying the Kingdom’s external partnerships. The objective is to maximise the benefits of a multipolar world by deepening economic ties, strengthening security cooperation, and expanding diplomatic outreach. 

US–Saudi relationship: central but evolving

The alliance with the US represents a cornerstone of Saudi foreign policy. Shaped on 14 February 1945 during the meeting between King Abdulaziz and US President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the strategic partnership between the two countries has endured for more than 80 years. The relationship is based on the “oil-for-security” agreement, whereby Washington provided military protection to Riyadh in exchange for access to its oil reserves. This win-win strategy has, however, undergone an evolution in recent years. Riyadh has announced its intention to diversify and liberalise the economic system in order to reduce dependence on oil, considered “very dangerous”. Consequently, the relationship has taken on a more negotiation-oriented character and become less automatic. This is demonstrated by MbS’s visit to the White House, during which opportunities in trade, artificial intelligence, technology, and regional diplomatic initiatives were discussed. This highlights how the KSA considers its relationship with the US crucial but no longer exclusive, and demonstrates a growing willingness to pursue a more autonomous and multi-layered foreign policy.

KSA’s regional balancing strategy

In the Middle East, the KSA balances the defence of its national interests with the prudence required to reduce regional tensions. This is evident in the complex relationship with Iran, which reflects a structural ambivalence in Saudi foreign policy. On the one hand, there is the intention to contain Tehran in order to preserve its strategic advantage; on the other, there is an interest in avoiding the collapse of the Iranian regime, which could generate destabilising consequences in the Gulf. The strategy is therefore reflected in the containment of Iran through close monitoring, as evidenced by the resumption of diplomatic relations between Tehran and Riyadh under the China-mediated agreement in 2023. This dynamic is also mirrored in relations with Israel, where Riyadh sees an opportunity to enhance regional stability and limit Iranian influence. However, normalisation with Israel is currently on hold. This is mainly due to the war in Gaza and the two-state solution, which is strongly supported by KSA.

Riyadh within GCC dynamics 

Within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the KSA cooperates with other member states on economic integration, cultural cooperation, and security coordination, with the aim of strengthening regional stability and cohesion. A particular partnership in this context is that between the KSA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Often considered the backbone of regional stability, it is currently under pressure due to divergences on multiple fronts. Both countries are at the centre of a competitive rivalry driven by overlapping economic goals and differing approaches to the management of regional conflicts. This relationship has been further exacerbated by the oil dispute, which culminated in the UAE’s departure from the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) due to contrasting visions. However, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh continue to be “deeply enmeshed in trade, investment, and logistics”. What emerges is that, despite current misalignments in priorities, there remains a shared set of interests that continues to benefit both countries.

Saudi–Russian energy pragmatism

The KSA’s multi-vector foreign policy is also evident in the energy sector. Riyadh, as part of OPEC+, met virtually on 03 May 2026 with other member states, including Russia, to discuss “global market conditions”. Further discussions between MbS and Russian President Vladimir Putin have taken place due to the need to stabilise the global oil market. Despite ideological obstacles, differing geopolitical alignments, and Saudi caution in avoiding sanctions, Moscow and Riyadh share the common objective of ensuring the stability of the oil market. The Russian–Saudi synergy is therefore based on mutually beneficial cooperation, as well as on the pragmatism that characterises it.

Riyadh looks to BRICS+

For Riyadh, protecting its interests means pursuing economic diversification. In line with this vision, the KSA welcomed, albeit cautiously, the invitation to join BRICS+ in 2023. Riyadh views this step as an opportunity to reduce the centrality of the dollar in the oil market, at a time when the US has established itself as the world's leading producer of shale oil. Participation in the mBridge project in 2024 is an example of this shift. Reducing US financial influence implies greater strategic autonomy, as well as strengthened economic ties with countries such as China, the largest importer of Saudi crude, and India. This outlines numerous trade opportunities, also thanks to the KSA’s position at the centre of the Belt and Road Initiative and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. However, BRICS+ accession remains stalled, reflecting KSA’s balancing act between economic diversification and relations with Washington. 

Business implications

• The KSA’s multi-alignment strategy creates significant potential for businesses seeking to explore new markets. Within the framework of Vision 2030, firms have expanding opportunities across the economic, public, and social sectors.

• Companies intending to invest in key sectors such as renewables, technology, tourism, logistics, and healthcare, or in ambitious projects capable of supporting innovation and advancing sustainability in the country, are actively encouraged by the Saudi leadership.

• Given the KSA’s ambition to transform cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah into multinational hubs, the real estate sector remains particularly attractive.