Look, the headlines were everywhere. One day it’s "Saudi Arabia officially joins," and the next, you’re hearing they are "still considering it." It’s a mess. If you’ve been trying to figure out did Saudi Arabia join BRICS, you’re not alone in your confusion. The reality isn’t a simple yes-or-no checkbox, because international diplomacy involves a lot of "reading between the lines."
Riyadh isn't a fan of rushing into things. Especially not when those things might irritate their long-standing security partners in Washington. Here is the ground truth as of early 2026.
The Short Answer: It’s Complicated (But Mostly Yes)
Technically, Saudi Arabia was invited to join as a full member during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg back in August 2023. They were part of that big "Class of 2024" alongside Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE. While the other four started acting like full members on January 1, 2024, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia played it a bit closer to the vest.
They didn't just jump in headfirst.
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For a long time, the official line from Riyadh—specifically from Minister of Commerce Majid al-Qasabi—was that they were "studying" the invitation. But then, things shifted. By the time the 2024 Kazan Summit rolled around, and certainly moving into 2025 and 2026, Saudi Arabia has been participating in BRICS activities, ministerial meetings, and even joint naval drills.
The official BRICS 2026 government portal, managed under India’s current chairship, lists Saudi Arabia as one of the eleven member countries. So, if you’re looking for a definitive status: they are functionally and officially recognized within the bloc as a member, even if their path to getting there was filled with strategic "maybe" statements.
Why the Kingdom Dragged Its Feet
Saudi Arabia is in the middle of a massive identity shift. You've heard of Vision 2030, right? Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is trying to turn the country into a global investment powerhouse. Joining BRICS is a massive power move, but it comes with baggage.
The Washington Factor
You can't talk about Saudi Arabia without talking about the U.S. dollar. The "Petrodollar" has been the bedrock of their relationship for decades. BRICS, on the other hand, is obsessed with "de-dollarization."
- Russia and China want to break the dollar's grip.
- Saudi Arabia wants to keep everyone happy.
By delaying a "loud" entry, Riyadh managed to signal to the West that they weren't turning their backs on their old allies. They were just... diversifying their portfolio. It’s the ultimate "it’s not you, it’s me" in geopolitical form.
Economic Strategy
It's about oil, but it's also not. China is Saudi’s biggest oil customer. India isn't far behind. Joining a club where your biggest customers are the founding members just makes sense. Honestly, it’s basic math. If the people buying your product are in a specific club, you probably want to be in the VIP lounge with them.
What Does Saudi Membership Actually Change?
When you add the world’s largest oil exporter to a group that already includes Russia and the UAE, you aren’t just building a trade bloc. You’re building an energy titan.
The Numbers are Wild
The expanded BRICS+ now controls nearly 43% of global oil production. Think about that for a second. That is a massive amount of leverage. If they decide to start trading oil in local currencies—like the Yuan or the Rupee—the global financial system is going to feel it.
New Development Bank (NDB)
The "BRICS Bank" is the alternative to the World Bank. With Saudi Arabia’s deep pockets, the NDB suddenly has a lot more firepower to fund infrastructure projects across the Global South.
The "Partner Country" Confusion
Lately, people have been confusing "Full Members" with "Partner Countries." This is a new category introduced at the 16th Summit. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and Nigeria are currently "Partners." They aren't full members yet.
Saudi Arabia is NOT a partner. They are in the inner circle.
The confusion usually stems from the fact that Argentina—who was invited at the same time as Saudi—famously said "no thanks" after Javier Milei took office. People assumed Saudi might do the same. They didn't. They just took the scenic route.
Recent Proof of Membership
Just this month, in January 2026, Saudi Arabia participated in the "Will for Peace" naval exercises alongside China, Russia, and the UAE. While India skipped the drills (calling them "non-institutional"), the fact that Saudi was there under the "BRICS Plus" banner tells you everything you need to know about where their loyalties are currently leaning.
Practical Takeaways for 2026
If you're a business owner or an investor wondering did Saudi Arabia join BRICS for your own strategy, here’s what matters:
- Trade in Local Currencies: Expect more Saudi-China and Saudi-India deals to bypass the dollar. It won't happen overnight, but the "Petroyuan" is no longer a conspiracy theory; it’s a pilot program.
- Investment Shifts: Saudi investment is going to flow more toward the Global South. We’re already seeing this with new mineral memorandums between Brazil and Saudi Arabia signed just days ago.
- Geopolitical Neutrality: Don't expect Saudi to "pick a side." Their membership in BRICS is a tool for leverage, not a declaration of war against the West. They want to be the bridge between the G7 and the BRICS.
The Kingdom is playing a long game. They are officially in the club, but they are keeping their options open. It's a masterclass in modern diplomacy: keep everyone guessing until you've already won.
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Next Steps for You
- Monitor the NDB: Watch for Saudi-funded projects in the New Development Bank; that's where the real money moves.
- Check Currency Trends: Keep an eye on the USD/SAR peg. While it’s still there, any shift in how oil is priced will be your first "red alert" for global market changes.
- Follow the 2026 Summit: Since India is the chair this year, watch how Saudi interacts with Prime Minister Modi’s "Humanity First" agenda. It will tell you how deep their integration really goes.