Saudi Arabia need not fear Biden
The kingdom may be apprehensive about the incoming US president’s attitude towards Iran, but it could ultimately profit from the regime change
US president-elect Joe Biden faces unprecedented foreign policy challenges and opportunities amid a chaotic presidential transition, a fragile oil supply truce with fellow energy powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Russia, and a creeping wave of new pandemic lockdowns around the globe ahead of any game-changing vaccination programmes. His victory was hardly welcomed by many in the Mid-East Gulf, who are wary of Iran and all but openly supported the re-election bid of outgoing president Donald Trump. Yet there are silver linings that Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) officials are likely to see in Biden’s ascent to power, including an anticipated pivot to green energy as well as his political
Also in this section
29 April 2026
The UAE’s exit from the alliance marks a decisive step towards a world in which oil markets are shaped less by collective management and more by national strategy
29 April 2026
Trafigura’s $1b prepayment agreement confirms African resource holders’ renewed interest in oil-backed financing deals as they look to capitalise on high oil prices
29 April 2026
The UAE’s departure from the oil producers’ group was a surprise to many, but the move can be traced back to a single point five years ago
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations






