A New Power Broker? Saudi Arabia’s Rise in Global Diplomacy
Saudi Arabia refuses to play second to its Gulf rivals. Once trailing behind the UAE and Qatar in tourism, global events, and soft power diplomacy, the kingdom—under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—now takes the lead, rewriting the script on its own terms.
From building the world’s tallest tower to hosting mega sporting events, Riyadh is making fascinating moves. But beyond spectacle and grandeur, it is eyeing something even more influential: global diplomacy. For years, Qatar carved out a niche as the go-to mediator in international conflicts, leveraging its strategic neutrality and deep-pocketed diplomacy. Now, Saudi Arabia wants in.
With its vast wealth, growing influence, and a leadership eager to reshape its global image, Riyadh is positioning itself as a high-stakes negotiator—not just in the Islamic world, but on the world stage. From hosting crucial Russia-Ukraine talks to brokering regional peace efforts, Saudi Arabia is signaling that its ambitions extend far beyond oil and opulence. It aspires to be the power nations turn to in crises—a formidable force in diplomacy, exuding influence and prestige.
Mediator in the Russia-Ukraine War
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, aiming to repair strained ties with the United States and negotiate a favorable resolution to the war with Russia. Following their discussions, Zelensky described the meeting as productive, praising the Saudi leader’s broad grasp of global affairs and support for Ukraine. He emphasized that hearing confidence in Ukraine’s future was particularly meaningful.
The meeting set the stage for high-stakes talks on Tuesday between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in the oil-rich Gulf state—their first in-person negotiations since the tense exchange between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelensky at the White House in late February. Holding these discussions in Saudi Arabia, rather than Europe, underscores the kingdom’s growing role in global diplomacy.
Zelensky and his delegation appeared well received in Riyadh, while bin Salman projected the confidence of a leader eager to shape geopolitical outcomes. His diplomatic finesse, some observers suggest, surpasses Trump’s in navigating complex international negotiations.
The Strategic Neutrality
Despite being a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia has maintained strong ties with Russia and China. While media narratives often highlight the relationship between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), a similar connection can be seen between MBS and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The kingdom has deliberately remained neutral, refraining from aligning with Western criticism and sanctions against Russia while keeping open channels of communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This strategic balancing act allows Saudi Arabia to position itself as both a neutral power and a trusted U.S. partner, making it a preferred venue for high-level diplomatic negotiations. Central to its foreign policy is the ability to engage with all sides, ensuring open channels of communication with parties involved in the conflicts it seeks to mediate.
Beyond its role in facilitating negotiations to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, Riyadh has also emerged as a key venue for Arab League summits addressing the conflict in Sudan and the future of Palestinians in Gaza. In 2024, Riyadh facilitated a landmark prisoner exchange between Russia and the United States. The following month, it hosted U.S.-Russia talks, bringing senior officials from Washington and Moscow together to discuss normalizing relations and seeking an end to the war in Ukraine. Speculation is also mounting that Saudi Arabia will host a face-to-face meeting between Trump and Putin—their first since Trump’s return to office earlier this year.
The Leader of the Muslim World
Saudi Arabia, once withdrawn from global politics and overshadowed by smaller neighbors, has now stepped forward to assert itself as a regional leader. By expanding its diplomatic influence, the kingdom is positioning itself as the dominant power in the Gulf and the broader Muslim world. With Iran weakened, Turkey struggling to find its footing, and Egypt facing economic turmoil, Saudi Arabia stands as the strongest contender for regional dominance.
