The new Makkah Joint Defence Agreement

Makkah is no stranger to new deals and agreements being signed. Its significance has meant it has played this role for centuries.

Friday 7 August brought a momentous new agreement that had everyone sitting upright.

In Al-Safa Palace, the King's own residence in Makkah, in a room overlooking Masjid al-Haram, the leaders of three countries came together.

Sat behind three desks, against the backdrop of Islam's holiest site, each signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye signed an agreement which ties the three countries together. The joint statement says that an armed attack on any one country is an attack on all three.

Most are familiar with this NATO-style model from primarily Western alliances — of which, notably, Türkiye is also a member.

Commentators have discussed the significance of these three particular nations coming together: Pakistan as the only Muslim nuclear power, Türkiye with NATO's second-largest army, and KSA with its strong economic and financial position.

No doubt there's an opportunity for increased investment flows in the defence industry across the three nations. Türkiye is the world's 11th largest arms exporter.

Those familiar with recent defence agreements will be aware of the pact signed between KSA and Pakistan in September 2025. This agreement seems to cement that intention and build on it further.

Whilst the details are not entirely clear in terms of what triggers the agreement and the subsequent role of each nation, the direction is clear - solidify defence in a new era for the region.

On the night of the signing, landmarks across the Kingdom lit up with the flags of the three nations. A day of celebration as three nations came together in joint interest.

Time will tell whether additional countries join the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called Egypt a natural partner on 8 August, and said he expected it to be among the signatories at the next stage. Albeit, no commitment has been confirmed as of yet.

As regional developments evolve, this pact will also need to reflect the changing ties across the Middle East.