The Middle East's Shifting Sands: A Coalescence of Old Guard Interests
THE ACTORS: Who is involved in this story? Egypt's Government (President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi): Seeking economic lifelines and regional legitimacy, particularly post-2013. Saudi Arabia's Government (Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman/MBS): Aiming to consolidate regional leadership, diversify its economy, and counter perceived Iranian and Emirati influence. United Arab Emirates (UAE): A key regional
player whose recent divergences from Saudi Arabia create space for this new alignment. Sudan, Yemen, Somaliland: The periphery where these doctrines are applied, reflecting proxy conflicts and geopolitical maneuvering. THE FUNDING: Where does their money come from? Saudi Arabia's Financial Support to Egypt: Historically robust, Riyadh has provided billions in aid, deposits, and investments to
Egypt. For instance, post-2013, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE pledged approximately $12 billion in aid to the el-Sisi government (Council on Foreign Relations, 2013). This relationship is a critical component of Egypt's economic stability, especially given its significant debt burden and challenges with foreign currency reserves. Arms Deals: Both nations are significant purchasers of Western
military hardware. Saudi Arabia's defense budget for 2023 was estimated at $69.2 billion (SIPRI, 2024), making it one of the largest spenders globally. Egypt's military spending has also increased, reflecting its pursuit of regional security roles, often facilitated by Saudi financial backing or aligned strategic interests. THE INCENTIVES: What do they gain from this narrative? Egypt's Incentives: