Despite attending a recent BRICS meeting in Brazil, Saudi Arabia has refrained from officially joining the alliance, according to two insiders familiar with Riyadh’s strategy. The kingdom is treading carefully, wary of antagonizing Washington as it works to finalize crucial defense and technology agreements with the United States.
Since receiving an invitation to join BRICS in 2023, the Saudi government has approached the matter cautiously, especially with former U.S. President Donald Trump scheduled to visit the country next week. Diplomatic sources suggest Riyadh is prioritizing negotiations over nuclear energy and arms deals with the U.S., a long-time strategic partner.
Although the BRICS alliance — originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa — has recently expanded to include nations like the UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia, Saudi Arabia remains in limbo. While the BRICS website lists the kingdom as a member, Saudi officials have not confirmed formal accession.
When contacted, Saudi Arabia’s government communications office did not respond to requests for comment. Brazil’s foreign ministry, currently heading BRICS, deferred all membership queries to Saudi authorities.
Balancing Global Ties
Saudi Arabia’s current diplomatic strategy reflects its efforts to maintain a delicate balance between East and West. China, the kingdom’s largest oil customer, is an essential trade partner. Yet, the U.S. remains pivotal for security cooperation and high-tech development. This dual allegiance complicates Riyadh’s position as BRICS continues pushing to reduce global reliance on the U.S. dollar.
Robert Mogielnicki, a scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, noted that Saudi Arabia is maximizing its global leverage: “They’re continuing to engage with both camps. But for now, Riyadh likely believes the immediate benefits from the U.S. outweigh what BRICS can offer.”
Trump recently issued a stark warning, threatening 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if the group adopts a new currency to challenge the dollar. This further complicates Riyadh’s considerations.
Deepening Trade With China
Despite its cautious stance on BRICS, Saudi Arabia continues to grow its economic relationship with China. In February 2025 alone, exports to China totaled 15.2 billion riyals ($4.05 billion), marking a 20% increase from the previous year. According to the China Global Investment Tracker, Chinese investments and construction deals in Saudi Arabia have reached nearly $71 billion since 2005.
Yet, Washington remains central to Riyadh’s long-term goals. Sources say the U.S. is preparing a weapons deal exceeding $100 billion, which may be announced during Trump’s upcoming visit.
An Unclear Future for BRICS
While BRICS aspires to become a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions, it remains fractured in its ability to unify on global issues. At the April 29 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, the bloc’s ministers couldn’t agree on a joint statement — highlighting persistent internal divisions.
Steffen Hertog, a political scientist at the London School of Economics, noted: “BRICS is good for voicing discontent with the U.S., but it’s not yet a unified force offering solutions in security or currency matters.”
Saudi analyst Aziz Alghashian echoed this sentiment, saying the kingdom sees itself as a powerful player with various options: “The U.S. is still the dominant partner, but others can provide value. Saudi Arabia is using that leverage to its advantage.”