Saudi Arabia: From regional power to global diplomatic actor

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has ceased to be seen solely as the Gulf’s oil giant and has begun positioning itself as a significant diplomatic actor, skillful in the global geopolitical chessboard. From multilateral summits to UN corridors and high-level bilateral meetings in Moscow, Beijing, Washington and Brussels, it has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to a volatile international environment. This growing diplomatic relevance is evident as US President Donald Trump prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE from May 13 to 16.

This strategic shift, defined by a policy of “multialignment,” is linked to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030. This national roadmap positions Saudi Arabia as a key mediator and reliable global partner, aligned with its push for economic diversification and geopolitical repositioning. The country has expanded its relations beyond its historic alliance with the US, cultivating ties with China, Russia, the EU and actors from the so-called Global South. Although Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations with China in 1990, the relationship significantly deepened in 2006 and, more notably, in 2015 and 2016, as both countries aligned their strategic priorities around Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The latest Vision 2030 performance reports confirm that more than 93 percent of key indicators have already been achieved or are on track, including historic milestones such as lowering unemployment to 7 percent, achieving over 4.3 percent non-oil gross domestic product growth and increasing Saudi homeownership to 65.4 percent — all ahead of 2024 targets. The country also surpassed targets in areas such as the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, female workforce participation and e-government development rankings, highlighting the depth and breadth of its internal transformation. These outcomes reinforce the global projection of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic strategy.

As part of this evolution, it has played a prominent diplomatic role in conflicts such as Yemen, Sudan, Gaza, Lebanon and Syria, where it leads mediation efforts. A milestone was the historic restoration of relations with Iran. This renewed diplomacy is no coincidence: it is part of a strategy designed to sustain the Kingdom’s relevance in a world where the rules of the game are being rewritten.

In the case of Gaza, Saudi Arabia has adopted a clear position: categorical rejection of any attempt to displace the Palestinian population and active defense of international law and international humanitarian law. At the extraordinary Arab Summit held in Cairo in March, it supported the $53 billion Egyptian Reconstruction Plan, backing the creation of a Palestinian administrative committee supervised by the Palestinian Authority.

This renewed diplomacy is no coincidence: it is part of a strategy designed to sustain the Kingdom’s relevance

Hana Jalloul Muro

It has condemned Israeli bombings of civilian targets and demanded at the International Court of Justice an end to human rights violations in the Occupied Territories. Furthermore, it conditions any possible normalization with Israel on verifiable progress toward a two-state solution, showing consistency with its role as a regional leader and defender of the Palestinian cause. This position has effectively frozen the normalization process and the Abraham Accords due to the ongoing Palestinian conflict.

In Syria, it has gone further by committing, along with Qatar, to settle Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank, aiming to pave the way for the country’s recovery after years of conflict. At the same time, it supports Syria’s territorial integrity and the country’s stability under its new government, while openly criticizing Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory. Meanwhile, in Lebanon, it has promoted the strengthening of state institutions and demanded the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the south, positioning itself as a guarantor of sovereignty and regional stability.

In parallel, Saudi Arabia has woven a network of key strategic alliances. With Turkiye, after overcoming past tensions, a pragmatic cooperation has emerged centered on the reconstruction of Syria. Both countries seek to prevent Syria from once again falling under Iranian influence and promote an inclusive solution for its political future.

With China, the relationship has consolidated. The articulation between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative has driven multibillion-dollar investments in renewable energy, technology, infrastructure and education. Between 2005 and June 2024, China allocated $53.85 billion to infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. Total investments reached $13.93 billion, of which $9.02 billion has come since 2019. This concentration reflects strong support for Saudi Vision 2030, according to data from the Carnegie Endowment.

It has also opted to maintain a flexible stance regarding its invitation to join BRICS. Although formally invited, it has not yet confirmed its accession, reflecting a balancing strategy: strengthening ties with powers like China, Russia and India without breaking with its traditional partners in the West. This strategic autonomy allows it to act as a bridge power in a transforming global order.

Saudi Arabia plays a central role in the Gulf Cooperation Council, acting as a driver of coordination in key areas such as security and energy. Although historically it had a different approach to Qatar, Oman and the UAE, Riyadh today promotes a more cohesive stance on regional challenges like Iran. This strategy reflects a shift toward greater integration and reinforced collaboration with external partners like the EU. It is important to highlight that, despite these differences between countries, there is coordination and cohesion through the GCC.

The EU-Saudi interparliamentary meetings and the EU-GCC Summit in October 2024 marked a turning point in bilateral relations. The topics discussed — energy transition, security, digitalization and human rights — reflect an ambitious and convergent agenda.

This strategy reflects a shift toward greater integration and reinforced collaboration with external partners like the EU

Hana Jalloul Muro

The EU has recognized the valuable role Saudi Arabia, along with Qatar, plays as a mediator in Gaza, as well as its growing diplomatic engagement in Lebanon, Syria and Ukraine and as a partner in regional stabilization. Cooperation is expanding into areas like economic connectivity, maritime security and sustainability. Riyadh, in turn, seeks to expand its investments in Europe, attract technology and participate in joint projects in green energy and digitalization. This was also evident during a recent European Parliament Committee on Foreign Affairs mission to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in which I took part, aimed at reinforcing parliamentary dialogue and identifying concrete areas for collaboration.

The 2025 Human Rights Report, published by the Saudi Human Rights Commission, highlights the presence of more than 5,400 active civil society organizations, driven by key legal reforms. This institutional strengthening supports the international legitimacy of Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic role.

In this context, it is urgent that the EU overcomes internal fragmentation and defines a coherent strategy toward the Middle East. As I explained in a recent article in Agenda Publica, the bond with Saudi Arabia must go beyond hydrocarbons and be based on solid pillars: innovation, diplomacy, security and sustainable development. Our relationship must develop more depth and understanding.

As rapporteur for Saudi Arabia in the European Parliament, I am currently leading the drafting of an own-initiative report that thoroughly analyzes the state of our bilateral relations. This work not only diagnoses the current situation but also proposes a realistic and strategic roadmap for strengthening ties.

There are three key areas for a renewed partnership. Firstly, economic and technological synergies. Saudi Arabia leads in clean energy, digitalization and future-oriented urban planning. Europe can contribute with technology, investment and academic cooperation.

Secondly, diplomacy and security. In the face of shared challenges such as terrorism and instability in the Red Sea, EU-Riyadh cooperation in intelligence, joint capabilities and multilateral governance is essential.

Thirdly, human rights and sustainable development. As part of its 2034 FIFA World Cup bid, Riyadh launched a National Human Rights Strategy, developed with the Human Rights Commission led by Hala Al-Tuwaijri, reinforcing its image as a stabilizing power. One of the strategy’s pillars is the increased inclusion of women in Saudi society, particularly in the labor sector. These reforms — especially in gender equality and labor rights — should be accompanied by a respectful, constructive and cooperative approach.

The consolidation of Riyadh as a diplomatic hub coincides with its growing influence in Asia. With India, ties have deepened in sectors such as green hydrogen, emerging technologies and security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described the Kingdom as “a strategic ally and trusted friend.” Saudi Arabia has also strengthened relations with Africa and Latin America, consolidating itself as a global actor with a cross-regional vision.

The 21st century will see Saudi Arabia not only as an energy powerhouse, but also as a central node in the global diplomatic and economic balance. Europe now has both the opportunity — and the responsibility — to acknowledge this transformation and build a durable strategic alliance, based on shared interests and common values. Because the future of Euro-Mediterranean stability, effective multilateralism and the new global order is also being shaped — in Riyadh.

• Hana Jalloul Muro is Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (S&D Group) and the parliament’s Rapporteur for Saudi Arabia.