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In a world where geopolitical fault lines are shifting rapidly, Saudi Arabia is playing a delicate role between two rival blocs. Solicited by the BRICS, but still closely linked Adding countries to the BRICS bloc will matter economically if Saudi Arabia is one of them but otherwise it’s hard to see the point, said Jim O’Neill, a prominent economist Jim O’Neill stated in a 2025 article that “beyond creating the BRICS Bank, it is difficult to see what the group has done other than meet annually.” The poor success of the According to O'Neill, the reluctance of Saudi Arabia to join the alliance, despite being invited and initially expressing openness to the offer, signals why the BRICS will Saudi Arabia joining would be a “pretty big deal,” he told Bloomberg Television on Monday, noting that the nation’s traditionally close links with the US and its role Saudi Arabia has held off formally joining the BRICS bloc of nations despite attending a meeting in Brazil last week, two sources said, finessing an issue that could upset

Jim O'Neill: Saudi Arabia's BRICS Entry Would Be a 'Big Deal'

The potential inclusion of Saudi Arabia in the BRICS alliance is generating significant discussion, particularly highlighted by economist Jim O'Neill, the man who coined the BRICS acronym. O'Neill stated that Saudi Arabia joining would be a “pretty big deal,” he told Bloomberg Television on Monday, noting that the nation’s traditionally close links with the US and its role on the world stage would significantly impact the bloc.

In a world where geopolitical fault lines are shifting rapidly, Saudi Arabia is playing a delicate role between two rival blocs. Solicited by the BRICS, but still closely linked to the West, the Kingdom's decision carries considerable weight. According to O'Neill, the reluctance of Saudi Arabia to join the alliance, despite being invited and initially expressing openness to the offer, signals why the BRICS will face challenges in achieving its goals.

Why Saudi Arabia Matters to BRICS, According to O'Neill

Adding countries to the BRICS bloc will matter economically if Saudi Arabia is one of them but otherwise it’s hard to see the point, said Jim O’Neill, a prominent economist. O'Neill's perspective underscores the economic significance Saudi Arabia brings to the table, primarily due to its substantial oil reserves and influence in the global energy market.

However, Saudi Arabia has held off formally joining the BRICS bloc of nations despite attending a meeting in Brazil last week, two sources said, finessing an issue that could upset existing geopolitical dynamics. This hesitation raises questions about the Kingdom's long-term commitment and the BRICS alliance's overall attractiveness to other potential members.

O'Neill's Critique of BRICS' Past Performance

Jim O’Neill stated in a 2025 article that “beyond creating the BRICS Bank, it is difficult to see what the group has done other than meet annually.” The poor success of the alliance in achieving broader economic and political objectives is a key concern for O'Neill, suggesting that substantial reforms and a clear strategic vision are necessary for the BRICS to remain relevant in the future.

While the BRICS Bank represents a tangible achievement, O'Neill emphasizes the need for the bloc to demonstrate more concrete results and exert greater influence on global affairs. The potential addition of Saudi Arabia could be a catalyst for change, but only if the alliance can overcome its past shortcomings and embrace a more ambitious agenda.

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