Khartoum, Sudan – Saudi Arabia is moving to secure a significant foothold in Sudan’s lucrative gold market, a development that signals a potential realignment of economic power in the region and a shift away from the United Arab Emirates’ long-held dominance. The move, confirmed by multiple sources, comes amid growing tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and as Sudan’s military-backed government seeks new economic partners.
According to reports emerging , Saudi Arabia plans to directly purchase gold from Sudan, bypassing traditional trade routes that previously favored the UAE. This strategy is viewed as a deliberate attempt to expand Saudi economic influence in the region and potentially reduce the UAE’s share of Sudan’s gold exports, which previously amounted to $1.97 billion in 2023.
The shift in Sudan’s gold trade is directly linked to strained relations between Khartoum and Abu Dhabi. Sudanese authorities are reportedly exploring alternative buyers following disagreements over alleged UAE involvement in regional conflicts. The precise nature of these disputes remains undisclosed, but the move towards Saudi Arabia represents a clear indication of Sudan’s desire to diversify its economic partnerships.
“Saudi Arabia’s interest in Sudanese gold highlights its strategy to expand economic influence in the region,” stated an analysis published by the Khaleej Telegraph. The kingdom aims to secure a stable supply of gold, a commodity of increasing strategic importance, amidst growing regional competition. Negotiations between Saudi and Sudanese authorities are expected to focus on streamlining transactions and ensuring transparency in the gold trade.
The implications of this development extend beyond a simple change in trade partners. Analysts suggest that Saudi Arabia’s entry into the Sudanese gold market could significantly alter regional trade patterns and affect gold pricing. The situation underscores the geopolitical importance of Sudan’s mineral wealth, particularly gold, which remains a highly lucrative sector despite ongoing internal conflict within the country.
Riyadh’s move aligns with its broader Vision 2030 economic diversification plan, seeking to bolster its position as a key player in the African gold market. Sudan, for its part, hopes that refining its gold through Saudi facilities will channel revenue more effectively and contribute to economic stability. This represents particularly crucial given the ongoing political and economic challenges facing the nation.
The potential for increased investment flows across the Middle East is also being closely watched by regional investors. The dispute between Gulf nations is demonstrably impacting commodity flows, and Saudi Arabia’s engagement in the Sudanese gold trade is seen as a strategic maneuver to strengthen its market position while navigating complex regional relationships.
The development comes after a deal between Sudan and a UAE-led consortium for the Abu Amama port and an associated economic zone, a deal that now appears to be under review given the shifting geopolitical landscape. Further complicating the situation is the ongoing conflict within Sudan, described by some as a struggle “between two wings of a comprador parasitic capitalist class,” highlighting the internal power dynamics at play.
Recent initiatives to map and explore Sudan’s mineral resources, including gold, using remote sensing technologies, suggest a broader effort to unlock the country’s potential wealth. This renewed focus on mineral exploration is likely to further attract international interest and investment, potentially intensifying competition for access to Sudan’s resources.
While the specifics of the Saudi-Sudanese agreement remain undisclosed, the move is widely interpreted as a significant geopolitical shift. The long-term consequences of this realignment are yet to be seen, but the battle for control of Sudan’s gold market has become a new front in the ongoing rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The situation will be closely monitored by regional and international stakeholders as it unfolds, with potential ramifications for trade, investment, and political stability in the region.
The Sudanese government’s decision to diversify its gold buyers is also seen as a risk mitigation strategy, aimed at maintaining revenue streams amidst ongoing conflict and political uncertainty. By reducing its reliance on a single buyer, Sudan hopes to insulate itself from external pressures and ensure the continued flow of vital economic resources.
The situation also raises questions about the role of external actors in Sudan’s internal affairs and the potential for economic leverage to be used as a tool of political influence. As Saudi Arabia and the UAE compete for access to Sudan’s gold, the country’s future economic trajectory will likely be shaped by these external forces.
