Saudi Arabia

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will begin his first visit to the United States as presumptive heir to the throne; it comes at a crucial time, with Saudi social and political changes and economic reform gaining steam and Trump administration policies toward Iran growing more confrontational.

These remarks were delivered on March 5, 2018 as part of AGSIW Board Member Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm, Jr.’s 2018 Annual Kuwait Chair Lecture at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs. The picture I intend to paint for you tonight is not unique to the Middle East. The United States’ withdrawal from...

When family budgets tighten, dinner out, movies, and other diversions are often the first expenses eliminated. But in Saudi Arabia, austerity is being accompanied by the promotion of activities once forbidden in the conservative kingdom.

AGSIW was pleased to host a conversation with Bernard Haykel, director of the Institute for Transregional Study of the Contemporary Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia at Princeton University and a member of the board of directors of AGSIW. The discussion was moderated by Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba, AGSIW president, and previewed Saudi Crown...

As part of its energy series, AGSIW was pleased to host a private roundtable discussion with Majid Al-Moneef, former secretary general of the Supreme Economic Council of Saudi Arabia and member of the board of directors for Saudi Aramco, examining the energy dimension of Saudi Arabia’s reform programs. Read full remarks

Gulf Arab states already enjoy robust and well-established trade relations with East Asia, especially in the energy sector. These ties are emerging as the basis for expanded cooperation in other areas, including military and intelligence collaboration, arms sales, and technology transfers, in particular with China. For many East Asian countries, dependence on oil and gas imports is a strategic...

In late February, the Saudi General Directorate of Public Security announced it will allow women to serve in the military with the rank of soldier.

Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene is becoming more vibrant by the day. The recent opening of social space as well as increased interest in Saudi artists of both genders has facilitated access and visibility to their work.