Well, the region would just be scattered nomadic tribes and minor city-states who generally keep to each other. Saba's interests lie more in the world economy, and the connections between Saba and the rest of the region are primarily diplomatic and cultural. There are a lot of resources and there is potential in its markets, but it still remains unorganized and pretty much refuses to comply with the global order at the moment.

It's just Saba's cultural connection and its prosperity that would facilitate its growing influence over the region.