Saudi Arabia's foreign policy will avoid controversy

Significance

Saudi Arabia will use the summit to underline its regional leadership, with a foreign policy posture that has been increasingly less confrontational since 2020. This reflects the increasing centrality of economic development.

Impacts

• Saudi Arabia will not extend unconditional aid, affecting Egypt's and Pakistan's abilities to weather economic difficulties.
• Pressure will increase on international companies to shift regional headquarters to Saudi Arabia.
• Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian assistance to Turkey and Syria after the February 6 earthquake will contribute to improving its global image.
• Progress on resolving the Yemeni conflict will help Saudi Arabia make the case for advanced weapons sales from the United States.
• Saudi Arabia will grow more economically competitive to meet targets set in Vision 2030, its social and economic modernisation plan.