In this article, we look at the 5 most powerful countries in the Middle East heading into 2024. You can read about the power dynamics in this region by heading over to our article, the 12 Most Powerful Countries in the Middle East Heading into 2024, where we have also shed light on how oil-money is helping several Middle Eastern countries finance their military ambitions.
5. Egypt
Economic Strength Rank: 5
Military Strength Rank: 5
Political Soft Power Rank: 7
Cultural Influence Rank: 2
Weighted Score: 5.05
Egypt has one of the strongest militaries in the Middle East. The armed forces have unprecedented control of various aspects of governance in the country. Egypt is a key ally of the United States as well in its fight against terrorism, especially in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Economically, Egypt has struggled in recent times, with the Egyptian pound losing nearly 50% of its value against the US Dollar since 2022. The country is culturally influential with its rich ancient history and traditions that lure tourists from around the world to see Egyptian culture and heritage.
4. United Arab Emirates
Economic Strength Rank: 4
Military Strength Rank: 7
Political Soft Power Rank: 1
Cultural Influence Rank: 1
Weighted Score: 3.70
The United Arab Emirates ranked 10th on Brand Finance’s Global Soft Power Index 2023, which makes it the most politically influential country in the Middle East. The UAE also ranks highly when it comes to cultural influence. The rise of Dubai as a financial and tourism hub has had a significant contribution in UAE’s growing soft power in world politics.
The UAE produces about 3.2 million barrels of oil every day from its vast reserves which are mainly around Abu Dhabi. The Emirati government has leveraged its economic strength to raise a strong military over the past decade. Much of its military equipment is procured from the United States and EU countries.
3. Israel
Economic Strength Rank: 3
Military Strength Rank: 2
Political Soft Power Rank: 5
Cultural Influence Rank: 4
Weighted Score: 3.35
Israel is the most technologically advanced country in the Middle East, and that is what makes it such a powerful force both economically and militarily. Moreover, its close ties with the United States and the western world have earned the country sufficient political clout in the region. So much so that in 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain announced normalization of ties with Israel.
Saudi Arabia was also close to reaching a historic peace deal with the country, but talks have been put on hold for now amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine war.
2. Saudi Arabia
Economic Strength Rank: 1
Military Strength Rank: 3
Political Soft Power Rank: 2
Cultural Influence Rank: 5
Weighted Score: 2.45
Saudi Arabia is the largest producer of oil in the Middle East and has used its wealth from oil to finance its military ambitions as well. In 2022, the kingdom spent $75 billion in military expenditure, making it the fifth highest spender on defense. It has not shied away from flexing its muscle in the region either; its military operations in Yemen against the Houthis and diplomatic row with Qatar in 2017 are testament to that.
The country is also home to some of Islam’s holiest places and enjoys immense influence over much of the Muslim world.
1. Turkey
Economic Strength Rank: 2
Military Strength Rank: 1
Political Soft Power Rank: 3
Cultural Influence Rank: 3
Weighted Score: 2.1
Turkey is the most powerful country in the Middle East. Its geostrategic location at the intersection of Asia and Europe has earned it sufficient geopolitical clout. It is also a member of NATO and the EU. Economically, despite the crash of the local currency, the Turkish economy is close to touching the one trillion dollar mark in terms of nominal GDP.
Ankara has used its economic power to strengthen its military as well with a focus on becoming self-sufficient in the defense sector and reducing dependency on foreign countries for defense equipment. Today, there are more than 700 projects worth $70 billion that are under development in Turkey’s defense industry. The Turkish military is the strongest amongst all countries in the Middle East.
Turkey is also actively advancing its cultural and political influences through production of state-backed TV drama serials, that are also dubbed in various international languages. One such example is that of ‘Ertugrul’.
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