Arab Gulf States Institute
Saudi-Indian Ties Poised for Cautious Growth
For Riyadh, developing stronger ties with India could yield sought-after economic dividends, but it comes with a mixed bag of regional and international implications.
Baghdad’s Financial Squeezing of Kurdistan Undermines U.S. Interests
Baghdad is weaponizing economic levers to punish the Kurdistan region for signing energy pacts with U.S. firms and for aligning with President Trump’s commercial diplomacy.
Aramco and the Saudi Government Budget
Payments by Aramco are still the key driver of government revenue in Saudi Arabia despite the notable increase in non-oil revenue, particularly from the value-added tax, in recent years.
9 min read
The U.S.-China-Iran Oil Triangle in Flux
The coming weeks will offer clarity about whether President Trump’s claim – “China can now continue to purchase Oil from Iran” – signals an informal recalibration of Washington’s Iran sanctions strategy or a tactical feint without lasting repercussions.
Jun 26, 2025
Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene
On June 26, AGSI opened a photography exhibition showcasing the work of 15 contemporary photographers from across the Gulf.
Jun 24, 2025
Petro Diplomacy 2025: The GCC Energy Sector: Transformation, Diversification, and Global Ambition
On June 24, AGSI convened its Petro Diplomacy conference for the 11th consecutive year.
Jun 23, 2025
U.S. Strike on Iran: Regional and Diplomatic Fallout
On June 23, AGSI hosted a discussion on the United States' attack on Iranian nuclear sites.
Speakers
Assessing Iranian, U.S., and Gulf Reactions and Options Following Israel’s Unprecedented Attack on Iran
On June 16, AGSI hosted a discussion on Israel's attack on Iran.
Speakers
Jun 12, 2025
Yemen at a Crossroads: Navigating Political Shifts and Economic Turmoil
On June 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on developments in Yemen.
Speakers
Jun 3, 2025
A Conversation With Ambassador Claire Le Flécher
On June 3, AGSI hosted a conversation with Ambassador Claire Le Flécher, the former French ambassador to Kuwait.
Speakers
May 27, 2025
Saudi Arabia’s Sports Ambitions: Diversification and Sustainability?
On May 27, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's investment in sports.
Speakers
Assessing the U.S. Military Response to the Houthis: Implications for Yemen and Red Sea Security
On May 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on the United States' policy toward the Houthis.
Speakers
May 19, 2025
A Golden Age for U.S.-Gulf Relations? Assessing President Trump’s Middle East Tour
On May 19, AGSI will host a discussion on Trump's visit to the Gulf.
Speakers
May 15, 2025
Will Trump’s Visit Mark a New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Relations?
On May 15, AGSI hosted a discussion on Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.
Speakers
May 13, 2025
U.S.-UAE Relations: A Conversation With H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash
On May 13, AGSI and MEI co-hosted a private discussion with H.E. Anwar Gargash.
Speakers
Saudi Architecture and the Quest for Identity: An Initiative Transforming the Kingdom
In Saudi Arabia, architecture is not just about shelter – it is about storytelling.
Making Space: Gulf Photographers on the Scene
On June 26, AGSI opened a photography exhibition showcasing the work of 15 contemporary photographers from across the Gulf.
Rahina: A Jeweler’s Ode to Dhofari Heritage
Through Rahina, Fatma al-Najjar is exploring her Dhofari heritage and tapping into ancestral memories, one piece of jewelry at a time.
10 min read
Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI
Jul 7, 2025
CNBC: In an interview on “Access Middle East,” Amb. Douglas A. Silliman discussed the visit of Israeli Prime Minsiter Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington and the topics that he and President Trump are likely to discuss, including Iran, a Gaza ceasefire, and the possibility of Israeli normalization with Saudi Arabia.
Jun 26, 2025
UK Abraham Accords Group: In a webinar, Amb. Douglas A. Silliman discussed President Trump’s policy toward the Gulf Arab states and Iran, including the results of Trump’s May 2025 trip to the Gulf and his decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Kristin Smith Diwan
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI
Bader Al-Saif
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI; Assistant Professor of History, Kuwait University
Robert Mogielnicki
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI
