ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on alternative economic and political developments that could reshape the future of Saudi Arabia. It presents a brief summary of the historical, political and economic background followed by a description of two scenarios for the Saudi economy. The chapter outlines a future based upon the continuance of the current policies for another decade; this is the baseline. It explores possible effects from policy reforms in taxation and privatization. The chapter also explores possible effects from changing oil policies. It discusses what these domestic scenarios might imply for the relations between Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. The chapter examines Saudi Arabia in a wider context and explores its relationship to the “Arab nation”. Saudi Arabia is a major supplier of crude oil to the world oil market with a market share of more than ten per cent.
