US-Saudi relations are about to become more consequential for the world

The shift in US-Saudi relations marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Middle East, born of a convergence between the visions of the two countries’ leaderships. At the core is a belief that peace and continuity are bedrocks for investment and prosperity.

Global, regional and domestic dimensions now intersect in this strategic relationship, which was crystallised during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Washington this month. But where is this partnership headed? And who among the regional and global players could gain or lose from it?

A qualitative leap has taken place in the military and security co-operation aspects of the partnership, with the US designating Saudi Arabia a “major non-Nato ally”. This classification grants Riyadh advantages in military and defence collaborations, facilitates the purchase of advanced US weaponry on favourable terms and opens the door to joint weapons production, defence systems development and shared technological projects in the military sector.

This designation also enables joint drills and exercises, intelligence sharing and co-ordinated military operations. A Strategic Defence Agreement was signed, along with a Strategic Partnership on AI, a strategic framework for co-operation on securing critical minerals and uranium supply chains, as well as financial and economic partnership arrangements. MoUs were signed, along with frameworks for continued negotiations on civilian nuclear energy co-operation, Saudi investment facilitation, as well as economic and financial partnerships.

What happened as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the White House? 01:17

Some demands, made by both sides, remain under negotiation. Others collide with longstanding US conditions, particularly those related to the specifications of t