With its vast energy resources and economic power, as well as its comprehensive influence in geopolitics, religion, military, economic diversification, and cultural diplomacy, Saudi Arabia occupies a pivotal position in the Middle East region and on the global stage.
Why is Saudi Arabia so important in the Middle East?
1. Petroleum resources
Saudi Arabia is one of the world's largest oil exporters, and its vast oil resources have brought great economic wealth to the country.
Saudi Arabia is the big brother of the oil organization OPEC and has a great say in the organization. Through its energy policy, Saudi Arabia not only has a direct impact on the global oil price, but also plays a decisive role in the economic stability of the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia led the oil countries to launch oil wars, which greatly impacted the few countries that relied on cheap oil such as the United States, leading to the biggest economic crisis after World War II.
2. Economic diversification
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has not only focused on the development of oil resources, but also played a leading role in regional economic diversification. Through Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has sought to reduce its dependence on oil revenues, making it the leading economic power in the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia has strengthened cooperation with China and other major countries to promote the development of many fields, including tourism, science and technology, renewable energy, financial services and manufacturing.
3. Soft power and foreign policy
In addition to hard power, Saudi Arabia has also made remarkable achievements in soft power. As the largest Arab country in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia promotes its culture and values globally through cultural diplomacy and international cooperation.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has increased its international influence by hosting various international conferences (such as the World Expo), cultural festivals, and sporting events (such as the Formula 1 Grand Prix, boxing matches, etc.).
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has played an active role in mediating regional conflicts and promoting the Middle East peace process. In 2023, peace talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis made some progress. Saudi Arabia, along with Oman, is mediating the parties to the conflict in hopes of negotiating a permanent ceasefire and pushing for a political settlement in Yemen.
4. Geographical location and political influence
Saudi Arabia is strategically important because of its central location in the Middle East. It is located at the transport hub connecting Asia and Africa by land and sea, and is an important node on one of the busiest shipping routes in the world. This geographical position makes Saudi Arabia play an important role in international politics and economy.
As a leading member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Saudi Arabia plays a leading role in multilateral political institutions in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia has close ties with other Arab countries and enjoys a high degree of political and economic influence in the Arab world.
5. Religious and cultural influences
The birthplace of Islam
Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's holiest sites, including Mecca and Medina, two holy cities important to Muslims around the world. Every year, millions of Muslims travel to Mecca to perform the Hajj. The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, gives the kingdom unrivalled authority in religious affairs.
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
audi Arabia is a founding member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the world's largest alliance of Muslim countries. Using its dominant position in the OIC, Saudi Arabia plays an important role as a mediator and arbiter among Islamic countries. Through the organization, Saudi Arabia will not only have a voice in global Muslim affairs, but also a leading role in regional conflicts and religious affairs.
Global religious diplomacy
Saudi influence in religious matters is not limited to the Middle East. By providing funding and support to Islamic institutions and communities around the world, Saudi Arabia has extended its religious influence to places such as Africa, Southeast Asia and Europe. Saudi Arabia is building mosques, madrassas, and Islamic centers around the world, and this religious leadership gives the kingdom a significant voice in global Muslim affairs.
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