In an exclusive interview with Al-Amin News, journalist Ghaliyah Al-Harbi stated: "The 'New Saudi Arabia' is an active international power, not merely a 'fuel station for the world,' but a financial, cultural, and logistical hub with an independent sovereign vision under Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Riyadh categorically rejects any dilution of Islamic identity or acceptance of proposals that negate the unique character of Islam or compromise the status of the Two Holy Mosques. There will be no normalization with Israel without concessions."

 

In an exclusive interview with Al-Amin News, journalist Ghaliyah Al-Harbi stated:

#The "New Saudi Arabia" is an active international power, not merely a "fuel station for the world," but a financial, cultural, and logistical hub with a sovereign and independent vision under Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

#Riyadh categorically rejects any dilution of Islamic identity or acceptance of proposals that negate the distinctiveness of Islam or compromise the status of the Two Holy Mosques. There will be no normalization with Israel without concessions.

#Saudi Arabia is keen to prevent its territory from becoming a major launching pad for Western attacks, to avoid a protracted and direct war of attrition with Tehran.

#Alternative Saudi pipelines, such as the East-West pipeline extending to the Red Sea, are a critical artery for the global economy.

#The current war has revealed to the Kingdom the limits of its absolute dependence on its traditional American ally, especially given the sudden shifts in US policy.

#Coordinating common positions with the Gulf states and #Egypt prevents the imposition of a new regional reality in the region.

#Saudi Arabia continues to strengthen its relations with other international powers, such as China and Russia, to ensure the presence of a strong mediator capable of exerting pressure on Tehran.

#Pakistan acts as a backchannel mediator between Riyadh and Tehran. With volatile borders with India, fears of an internal Shiite conflict, and strategic deterrence:

#The integration of Egypt's diplomatic and military weight with the strategic capabilities of Saudi Arabia and the rest of the Arab axis represents today the last and only bulwark capable of imposing a just peace and international law.

#The Egyptian-Saudi initiative has succeeded in creating real deterrents that have prevented a full-scale slide into a devastating regional war that would have crippled global development and economic efforts.

The esteemed Saudi journalist and media personality, Ghaliyah Al-Harbi, met with Al-Amin News and discussed in an important interview the future of Saudi Arabia in light of the US-Iran conflict and its alliances with Pakistan and Egypt. She also addressed the growing Saudi-Chinese-Russian rapprochement and its impact on the world, discussed Saudi Arabia's stance towards the Gulf states, and reviewed the Kingdom's firm position rejecting normalization with Israel without concessions. She also addressed American pressure within the Abrahamic community and the erosion of Islamic identity, and revealed her vision for the future of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "New Saudi Arabia" project.

Here are excerpts from the interview:

**Al-Amin News Editor: We would like your analysis of the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in light of the US-Iran conflict?

*Journalist Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: My analysis of the future of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in light of the direct military confrontation between the United States and Iran (which began in February 2016 and is currently experiencing a fragile truce and complex negotiations) requires examining the delicate balances that Riyadh is trying to maintain.

The Kingdom finds itself at the heart of this conflict, both geographically and economically, and its strategy is based on several key pillars that shape its future:

First: Strategic Balance and Preventive Diplomacy

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting vital facilities within the region (including the Ras Tanura facility and attacks on oil installations and military bases), Riyadh has adopted a clear strategic approach based on preventive diplomacy.

Low-Escalation: The Kingdom has led intensive efforts to urge the US administration (under Donald Trump) to "give diplomacy a chance," which was reflected in Riyadh's welcoming of the recent negotiations in May 2016 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and find a peaceful solution.

Avoiding a full-blown war: Despite Saudi air defenses intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, and the air force carrying out targeted strikes against launch sites and militias that threatened its security (according to intelligence reports), Saudi Arabia is keen to prevent its territory from becoming a major launching pad for Western attacks, in order to avoid a protracted and direct war of attrition with Tehran.

**Editor: How is the Saudi economy affected by the crisis?

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: The economy and Vision 2030 (between threat and opportunity)

The current conflict poses a direct challenge to the Kingdom’s mega-development projects, but it also grants it added strategic weight:

Energy security: Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the imposition of fees or restrictions on navigation have made alternative Saudi pipelines (such as the East-West pipeline extending to the Red Sea) a critical artery for the global economy.

Internal Stability: Protecting economic facilities and Vision 2030 projects (such as NEOM and Qiddiya) from drone and ballistic missile attacks remains a top priority for Saudi national security.

Any future stability for the Kingdom hinges on the success of its air defense systems and international support in neutralizing these threats.

**Editor: Is Saudi Arabia engaging in a reshaping of strategic alliances in the region?

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: The current war has revealed to the Kingdom the limits of its absolute reliance on its traditional American ally, especially given the sudden shifts in US policy and Trump's persistent demands to expand the Abraham Accords and link security support to specific political and economic issues.

Diversifying Partners

* I also foresee that Saudi Arabia will continue to strengthen its relations with other international powers, such as China and Russia, to ensure a strong mediator capable of exerting pressure on Tehran.

**Editor: How does the war affect Saudi-Gulf relations?

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: The Arab and regional depth, with its coordination of common positions with the Gulf states (such as the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain) and Egypt, represents a unified front to prevent the imposition of a new regional reality in which Iran controls vital waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab (through the Houthis).

Saudi Arabia at the Heart of the Conflict

* Saudi Arabia's future in light of this conflict does not point toward automatic involvement in a ground war or a full-scale confrontation, but rather toward strengthening its military sovereignty and flexible diplomacy. The Kingdom seeks to be the "balance of stability" in the region; it protects its national security with deterrence and air defense capabilities, and pushes with all its political weight toward negotiated solutions that guarantee freedom of international navigation and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, because the continuation of the war threatens its major economic ambitions, while its exit from it as a powerful mediator enhances its position as an indispensable regional leader.

**Editor: What about the future of the Saudi-Pakistani alliance?**

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: Saudi-Pakistani relations represent a unique model of what can be called an organic military and security alliance, an alliance that is acquiring more critical and sensitive dimensions in light of the current US-Iranian confrontation.

For Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is not merely an ally, but rather a "parallel defense doctrine" and the strategic military depth that Riyadh needs during major crises.

**Editor: Where is the future of this cooperation headed?**

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: The future of this alliance and its role in the current conflict can be summarized in the following points:

1. The Nuclear Umbrella and Strategic Deterrence

This is the most sensitive aspect of the relationship between the two countries:

The Nuclear Safety Valve

* There are unwritten historical understandings (but they are strongly present in strategic calculations) indicating that Pakistan, as a nuclear state, represents a deterrent umbrella for the Kingdom.

If Iran crosses the red lines towards acquiring nuclear weapons or directly threatens the Saudi existence, Pakistan is seen as a partner capable of providing Riyadh with the necessary nuclear technology or support to restore the balance of power.

**Editor: What about traditional military cooperation?

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: Thousands of Pakistani soldiers and experts currently serve in Saudi Arabia in the fields of training and technical support. This human and technical cooperation provides strong support to the Saudi army in enhancing its defense capabilities.

And your question touches on the Pakistani dilemma: balancing between Riyadh and Tehran.

Despite the depth of its alliance with Saudi Arabia, Islamabad finds itself in a very complex diplomatic and military position due to geography:

The shared border and the Pakistani interior: Pakistan shares a long and volatile land border with Iran (Taftan/Balochistan province), and Pakistan also has the second largest Shia population in the world after Iran.

Therefore, Islamabad is deeply concerned that its full involvement in an alliance against Iran could ignite an internal sectarian conflict or ignite its western border, at a time when it is already preoccupied with its traditional front with India.

The Role of the Quiet Mediator

* In the future, Pakistan prefers to play the role of "facilitator" or backchannel mediator between Riyadh and Tehran to reduce the likelihood of a full-blown conflict. It consistently reassures Saudi Arabia of its commitment to the security of the Two Holy Mosques and Saudi territory, while simultaneously refusing to allow its territory to be used for US attacks against Iran.

** Editor: Is Pakistan suffering economically because of this war?

* Ghaliyah Al-Harbi: Yes, "oil for security" and the economic equation.

Pakistan's chronic economic crisis makes Saudi financial support a cornerstone of its stability.

Saudi Arabia continues to provide financial support packages (billions of dollars in deposits in the Pakistani central bank and deferred payment facilities for oil purchases) in exchange for Pakistan's continued military commitment to Gulf security.

Furthermore, the expatriate workforce and remittances from millions of Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia represent a lifeline for the Pakistani economy, making the preservation of Saudi Arabia's security and stability a vital and direct interest of Pakistani national security.

** Editor: The conclusion regarding the Saudi-Pakistani alliance?

Ghaliyah al-Harbi: Saudi Arabia will not ask Pakistan to send troops to wage an offensive war against Iran, and Pakistan will not do so. However, the alliance will take a defensive and intensive intelligence-sharing form.

Pakistan will remain "Plan B" and the crucial military depth for protecting Saudi Arabia's strategic depth, and the strongest strategic card that Riyadh can play to ensure that the regional balance of power does not shift completely in Tehran's favor.

**Editor: How do you view Egypt's diplomatic and logistical efforts in managing and containing the current crisis?

*Ghalia Al-Harbi: At a time when the Middle East is experiencing one of its most dangerous historical turning points, particularly following the military clash,

Cairo is working to thwart scenarios of all-out war through several key integrated approaches:

First: The multi-dimensional mediation track and untangling the diplomatic knots

Cairo has been the linchpin in establishing complex back channels of communication that have successfully imposed a temporary military truce and contained the "war of attrition" strategy between Washington and Tehran.

The Egyptian state has emerged as a "safety valve" for the regional structure. Instead of sliding into sharp military polarization, Egyptian diplomacy has successfully formulated an approach based on "intelligent containment and structural mediation," transforming its traditional role from a mere mediator seeking de-escalation to an "architect" of regional stability and global energy security.

A balanced distribution of regional roles: Egypt, in coordination with major regional powers such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Oman, has led a unified diplomatic front to pressure the parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table. The past few days have witnessed high-level coordination to ensure that negotiation channels do not collapse, especially after Iran's complex decisions to halt the exchange of messages through the Pakistani mediator due to the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.

Egyptian-Gulf National Security

* Egypt is concerned about the security of waterways and safeguarding its economic lifeline.

The ongoing Iranian threats to international navigation, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the activation of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait front through the Houthis represent a "direct national security battle" for Egypt, given their vital connection to the Egyptian economy's economic lifeline (the Suez Canal).

Egypt believes that stability in these straits cannot be achieved through the militarization of the seas or direct Western intervention by NATO, but rather by ending the underlying conflict that adversaries use as a pretext for their threats.

To protect its Gulf partners from the repercussions of a "war on the straits," Egypt, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, has established alternative logistical routes (land and sea) connecting Egyptian ports on the Red Sea to the Gulf region. This aims to ensure the smooth flow of goods and trade and to build an economic safety net that can withstand the pressures of war.

Protecting the "Nation-State" and Establishing the Gulf Security Doctrine

Egypt acts based on firmly established strategic principles that affirm the absolute sovereignty of states and reject turning the region into a territory open to exploitation by major powers.

 **Editor: How do you view Egypt's diplomatic and logistical efforts in managing and containing the current crisis?

*Ghalia Al-Harbi: At a time when the Middle East is experiencing one of its most dangerous historical turning points, particularly following the military clash,

Cairo is working to thwart scenarios of all-out war through several key integrated approaches:

First: The multi-dimensional mediation track and untangling the diplomatic knots

Cairo has been the linchpin in establishing complex back channels of communication that have successfully imposed a temporary military truce and contained the "war of attrition" strategy between Washington and Tehran.

The Egyptian state has emerged as a "safety valve" for the regional structure. Instead of sliding into sharp military polarization, Egyptian diplomacy has successfully formulated an approach based on "intelligent containment and structural mediation," transforming its traditional role from a mere mediator seeking de-escalation to an "architect" of regional stability and global energy security.

A balanced distribution of regional roles: Egypt, in coordination with major regional powers such as Pakistan, Turkey, and Oman, has led a unified diplomatic front to pressure the parties to the conflict to return to the negotiating table. The past few days have witnessed high-level coordination to ensure that negotiation channels do not collapse, especially after Iran's complex decisions to halt the exchange of messages through the Pakistani mediator due to the ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza.

Egyptian-Gulf National Security

* Egypt is concerned about the security of waterways and safeguarding its economic lifeline.

The ongoing Iranian threats to international navigation, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the activation of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait front through the Houthis represent a "direct national security battle" for Egypt, given their vital connection to the Egyptian economy's economic lifeline (the Suez Canal).

Egypt believes that stability in these straits cannot be achieved through the militarization of the seas or direct Western intervention by NATO, but rather by ending the underlying conflict that adversaries use as a pretext for their threats.

To protect its Gulf partners from the repercussions of a "war on the straits," Egypt, in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, has established alternative logistical routes (land and sea) connecting Egyptian ports on the Red Sea to the Gulf region. This aims to ensure the smooth flow of goods and trade and to build an economic safety net that can withstand the pressures of war.

Protecting the "Nation-State" and Establishing the Gulf Security Doctrine

Egypt acts based on firmly established strategic principles that affirm the absolute sovereignty of states and reject turning the region into a territory open to exploitation by major powers.

Saudi Arabia's intelligence and military capabilities remain heavily reliant on the United States.

The Saudi objective is to break free from its "complete dependence" on Washington's shifting policies (especially given the Trump administration's volatility) and to develop alternative arms, economic, and political strategies that will make the Kingdom a formidable player capable of maneuvering among major international powers to protect its national security and the "Vision 2030" projects.

In short: Saudi Arabia is not "relying" on China and Russia to provide a military alternative to protect its borders. Rather, it is leveraging its relationships with them as crucial diplomatic and economic tools to contain Iran and to send a clear message to Washington that Riyadh possesses multiple strategic options in a multipolar world.

**Editor: In your opinion, do "American pressure for normalization" and what is termed the "New Abrahamic Religion" represent a single front in a soft (cultural and political) war aimed at reshaping consciousness and geopolitics in the Middle East? And what is the Kingdom's position?**

** *Ghalia Al-Harbi: Riyadh approaches these two thorny issues with extreme caution and strict pragmatism, separating political and religious considerations.

First: American pressure for normalization (Trump's equation and Riyadh's position)

The issue reignited strongly in May 2026 after the administration of President Donald Trump exerted intense public pressure on countries in the region, linking the progress of de-escalation negotiations with Iran to a "simultaneous collective commitment" to sign the Abraham Accords (normalization with Israel).

Trump's calculations are based on exploiting Saudi Arabia's and the region's need for a security system to counter Iran, to impose normalization as a "fait accompli," believing that a move by Riyadh would drag along major capitals like Islamabad and Dhaka.

Recent diplomatic reports indicate clear Saudi displeasure with the American pressure tactics. The official position, as expressed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, remains firm and unwavering: no normalization without concessions.

Riyadh stipulates a "clear, irreversible, and time-bound path" for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

*Editor: What about the "New Abrahamic Religion" (political manipulation and religious confrontation)?

*Ghalia Al-Harbi: Focusing on commonalities (the figure of the Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him) dilutes Islamic identity and neutralizes religious texts and positions that reject the occupation. This has prompted major institutions such as Al-Azhar and the International Union of Muslim Scholars to issue explicit fatwas warning against this concept, considering it a political manipulation of religion that serves Israel's interests.

**Editor: How does Saudi Arabia deal with this issue?

*Ghalia Al-Harbi: Separating diplomatic dialogue from doctrinal principles: Saudi Arabia adopts the language of "interfaith dialogue and human coexistence" through international platforms (such as the Muslim World League) as a tool to improve its image in the West and combat Islamophobia. However, it categorically rejects any dilution of Islamic identity or acceptance of proposals that negate the distinctiveness of Islam or compromise the status of the Two Holy Mosques.

The Saudi leadership is fully aware that Saudi society, despite all the economic and entertainment liberalizations within "Vision 2030," remains conservative in its religious principles. Any attempt to impose or promote terms that touch upon religious doctrine under the guise of a "new religion" will be met with silent and profound societal rejection, something the state is keen to avoid in order to maintain internal stability.

**Editor: Where is Saudi Arabia's future vision headed?

*Ghalia Al-Harbi: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia finds itself facing a test with Washington and Tel Aviv. Israel (led by the right wing) is betting on overwhelming military force and American pressure to impose political capitulation on the region, while Saudi Arabia is betting on its geo-economic influence, diverse alliances (with China and Russia), and spiritual weight.

In the future, American pressure will continue, but Saudi Arabia will continue to maneuver and stall, exploiting Washington's need for it on oil issues and managing the conflict with Iran. It will not grant Trump or Israel a "normalization agreement" unless the price is substantial enough to convince the Saudi, Arab, and Muslim public—a price the current Israeli government seems completely incapable of paying.

**Editor: Prince Mohammed bin Salman, how do you see his role in the Kingdom's future?

*Ghalia Al-Harbi: Understanding the future of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as the de facto architect of the Kingdom's domestic and foreign policies, requires examining his historic project, "Vision 2030," and what lies beyond. This project aims not only to modernize the economy but also to reshape Saudi Arabia's national and geopolitical identity as a major regional and international power with independent decision-making.

The Kingdom's future under the Crown Prince is being shaped through four major strategic paths:

1. Economic Transformation and the Architecture of a Post-Oil Era

The Crown Prince's ultimate goal is to break the Saudi economy's dependence on the volatility of oil markets.

Mega-Projects: Projects such as NEOM (including The Line), Qiddiya, and the Red Sea Project are not merely tourist or real estate destinations, but rather attempts to localize future technologies, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, transforming the Kingdom into a global logistics hub connecting three continents.

The Public Investment Fund (PIF): The fund has become the primary engine of the local economy and one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, investing billions of dollars in promising sectors both domestically and internationally (from sports and esports to technology and the electric vehicle industry, such as Lucid and Sprint).

2. Social Change and Building a “New National Identity”

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is leading a cultural and social revolution within Saudi society that has reshaped the concept of the “Third Saudi State.”

Empowering Society: Women have been economically and socially empowered to an unprecedented degree, the influence of traditional religious bodies has been reduced, and there has been an opening up to the fields of entertainment, arts, and international tourism to embrace a “moderate and inclusive Islam.”

the world

Saudi Nationalism: There is a revival and formulation of a national identity that unites Saudis around "homeland, achievement, and future," rather than previous ideological frameworks. This ensures that the younger generation (who represent the largest segment of the population) rallys around the leadership's project.

3. Foreign Policy: "Armed Sovereignty" and Rigid Pragmatism

Under the Crown Prince, Saudi diplomacy has moved away from the logic of "quiet diplomacy and aid checks" towards "offensive diplomacy and building leverage."

Equality with Allies and Adversaries: The current Saudi stance towards the Trump administration and American pressure (whether on oil or normalization issues) demonstrates that Riyadh has adopted an equal footing approach.

Riyadh prioritizes its own interests and is prepared to maneuver between Washington, Beijing, and Moscow without becoming completely beholden to any one power.

Zeroing Regional Crises: Despite the Kingdom's decisive military and defensive response to threats (as demonstrated in its handling of the recent US-Iranian conflict and its protection of national security), the Crown Prince is adopting a pragmatic negotiation approach aimed at securing the Kingdom's surroundings to ensure the success of economic projects, based on his assertion that "the Middle East is the new Europe."

4. Future Challenges and Risks

Despite ambitious goals and tangible successes, this future path faces critical challenges:

Regional Geopolitical Tensions: Surrounding wars and conflicts (such as the US-Iranian confrontation, tensions in the Red Sea, and extreme Israeli policies) pose a direct threat to the flow of foreign investment needed for the Vision projects.

Financial Sustainability and Funding: Maintaining the massive spending on mega-projects while simultaneously controlling the budget deficit and attracting direct foreign capital presents an ongoing economic challenge for the Crown Prince's development team.

In conclusion, Prince Mohammed bin Salman is moving towards declaring a "New Saudi Arabia" as an active international power, not merely a "fuel station for the world," but a financial, cultural, and logistical hub with an independent sovereign vision.

The future with him holds a highly ambitious strategic gamble: either complete success in establishing a regional reality led by Riyadh's development, or continued management of complex regional crises that require exceptional defensive and diplomatic flexibility to protect domestic gains.

**Ghalia Al-Harbi** is a prominent Saudi writer and media figure, considered one of the most active figures in the field of electronic journalism and new digital media in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. She has made significant contributions to training and developing young media professionals.

She contributed to qualifying hundreds of Saudi media professionals to obtain professional certifications from the General Authority for Media Regulation and to practice journalism professionally, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

Key milestones and information about journalist Ghaliyah Al-Harbi:

### Positions and Responsibilities

* **Editorial and Administrative Role:** She serves as the General Manager, owner, and Editor-in-Chief of the "Electronic Press Club Network Newspaper" (Saudi Arabia).

* **Academic Training:** She manages the "Eganma" Educational Academy (Electronic Journalism and New Media Academy), a platform that offers specialized training programs.

* **Electronic Newspaper Management:** She is involved in managing and owning several other electronic platforms, such as the "Asdaa Okaz" electronic portal, and is a writer and contributor to various local newspapers.

### Contributions to "New Media"

* Oversees the delivery of the **"New Media Diploma"** through the Eganma Academy (which has reached over 22 cohorts). The diploma focuses on empowering trainees to produce news stories, understand digital media terminology, deal with rumors and leaks, and protect content from cybercrime.

* The academy, under its management, adopts a methodology known as *"Eganma's Ten Elements of News Production"*.

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### Geographic Scope and Social Activity

* Most of its activities and the headquarters of its main newspaper are located in the Makkah region (Al-Zaidi district), and its media network's coverage extends to various regions of the Kingdom.

* It is known for sponsoring and organizing numerous community events, initiatives, and local exhibitions (such as the "Anamel Makkiya" exhibition), and for honoring distinguished media professionals.

#الأمين_الإخباري