Beyond propaganda, the real Saudi Arabia has chosen strategy over sides

Once again, a fresh wave of misinformation has emerged, aiming to distort Saudi Arabia’s image and undermine its global role— part of a recurring pattern of such campaigns. 

This propaganda often overlooks Saudi Arabia’s tangible contributions to global development, opting instead for baseless criticism. Confronting these distortions is not only about defending the truth but about encouraging honest and constructive international dialogue.

Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is anchored in building meaningful economic and diplomatic ties. The Kingdom’s growing relationship with China— marked by over $107 billion in bilateral trade in 2023— includes investments in energy, infrastructure, and technology, all aimed at shared growth and cooperation.

Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia maintains a historic and strategic alliance with the United States. Under President Donald Trump, agreements totaling $600 billion were signed across defense, energy, and technological sectors. These collaborations have often been unfairly misrepresented, as though engagement with global powers signals submission. In reality, trade and diplomacy are essential tools of peace.

In a world increasingly divided between US and China-led blocs, Saudi Arabia has carved a unique path as a diplomatic bridge-builder. 

- Dr. Sameera Aziz

Saudi Arabia is not choosing between the East and the West— it is choosing balance. The Kingdom’s leadership under King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has prioritized stability, leading to historic progress such as the renewal of Saudi-Iran ties and active de-escalation during India-Pakistan tensions. In fact, during heightened tensions between the two nuclear armed states, the Kingdom spearheaded behind-the-scenes diplomacy. 

Its principled stance on Palestine too, is clear: normalization with Israel will only be considered after the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

The fact is that peace is not passive. It requires vision, partnerships and persistent diplomacy. Trade deals are not trophies— they are instruments of coexistence. Saudi Arabia has earned its peace-building reputation through deliberate, strategic engagement.

There are many other cases in point. In Syria, Saudi Arabia played a key role in lifting international sanctions by paying off Syria’s debt, thus paving the way for post-conflict recovery. These efforts are not random acts of charity— they are part of a well-calculated strategy rooted in humanity, sovereignty, and stability.

While critics remain silent on these positive roles, the truth is evident: Saudi Arabia steps in where others hesitate, delivering results through political mediation, humanitarian work, and strategic diplomacy. Today, peace in the Middle East is no longer a distant dream— it’s an emerging reality.

In a world increasingly divided between US and China-led blocs, Saudi Arabia has carved a unique path as a diplomatic bridge-builder. Rather than choosing sides, it has chosen strategy— deepening ties with both superpowers to ensure regional peace and global cooperation.

While many countries are forced into ideological corners, Saudi Arabia collaborates with the US in defense and energy, while expanding its Belt and Road cooperation with China. This dual engagement isn’t confusion— it’s confidence. Its diplomacy designed with purpose. Because Saudi Arabia is not reacting to the global order— it is helping shape it. From leading OIC initiatives to launching megaprojects like NEOM, the Kingdom is redefining leadership in the Arab world and offering a future-focused diplomatic model.

Additionally, from India to Palestine, the Kingdom has consistently extended support to numerous countries through organizations like the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, helping nations affected by conflicts and emergencies worldwide. This is proof that Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian vision transcends politics. These actions aren’t PR— they are policy, rooted in Islamic values and international responsibility.

On the topic of Islamic values, Saudi Arabia does not profit from Hajj and Umrah. Pilgrims pay private-sector service providers— such as those offering accommodation, food, transportation, travel arrangements, and airline services— for logistical support, not for the performance of religious rites. 

As the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, the kingdom invests billions in infrastructure, crowd management, and safety systems to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes a safe, dignified, and spiritually fulfilling journey.

Critics distort moments into toxic narratives, mocking Arab customs and fostering division. Take for example, US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE, where he was welcomed with the traditional Emirati “Al-Ayyala” dance— a UNESCO-recognized symbol of hospitality. Like Sindhi, Kashmiri, Punjabi, and Pashtun folk dances, the Al-Ayyala proudly celebrates cultural heritage. 

Similarly, Trump’s visits to the UAE and Qatar were subjected to disinformation— accusing Gulf states of censorship, submissiveness, bribery and media manipulation.

The deliberate mischaracterization is designed to undermine the Gulf’s diplomatic maturity, especially Saudi Arabia’s peace-building role in South Asia. These attacks reflect insecurity and envy— not constructive criticism.

Saudi Arabia’s progress under Vision 2030 is real, measurable, and inclusive. Despite smear campaigns, the Kingdom remains focused on modernization, peace, and humanitarian leadership. Its foreign policy is neither reactive nor aggressive— it is strategic, inclusive, and forward-looking.

It’s time to replace resentment with reflection— and misinformation with truth.

- Dr. Sameera Aziz is a senior Saudi media person and businesswoman based in Jeddah. She can be reached at [email protected]