Saudi Arabia has joined Brics, the alliance of major developing countries, along with four other nations.
The Saudi membership was due to start on 1 January, but there was a delay before it was confirmed.
The Brics group wants emerging economies to have more influence in international politics.
What does Brics mean and who are the new members?
In 2006, Brazil, Russia, India and China created the "Bric" group. South Africa joined in 2010, making it "Brics".
The group was designed to bring together the world's most important developing countries, to challenge the political and economic power of the wealthier nations of North America and Western Europe.
Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were invited to become members with effect from 1 January 2024.
A Saudi Arabian government minister said in mid January it had not joined.