AGSI
For SME Growth, Gulf Countries Need Supportive Ecosystems
Small and medium enterprises are central to Gulf diversification efforts, but strong, well-integrated support systems, including national small business administrations and public credit guarantee schemes, are needed to help them thrive.
14 min read
The Islamic Republic Returns to Offense
After U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, Iran’s collective leadership has concluded that the best defense is a good offense.
Pension Reform Joins the Gulf’s Talent Retention Toolkit
The Gulf states want to reduce their dependence on expatriates without losing the professionals they still need for economic diversification. Pension reform is becoming part of that bargain.
The Future of U.S. Bases in the Gulf
The war between the United States and Iran revealed the vulnerability of static U.S. bases, while also showcasing Gulf Arab states’ capacity – bolstered with U.S. hardware and training – to intercept most Iranian strikes on their own, raising new questions about U.S.-Gulf security partnerships.
Aug 11, 2026
Beyond the Strait: The Future of Global Energy Security
On August 11, AGSI hosted a discussion on global energy markets.
Speakers
Jul 14, 2026
Beyond the U.S.-Iran MoU: The Future of the U.S. Security Commitment to the Gulf and the Emerging Regional Security Order
On July 14, an AGSI delegation participated in a joint roundtable hosted by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Jun 25, 2026
Investing in Syria: From Policy Intention to Operational Execution
The Arab Gulf States Institute, Middle East Institute Switzerland, and Università Ca' Foscari co-hosted a roundtable on U.S. investment in Syria.
Book Talk: Iran and the Bomb: The United States, Iran and the Nuclear Question
On June 16, AGSI hosted a discussion on the evolution of Iran's nuclear program.
Speakers
Jun 10, 2026
Kingdom of Football: Saudi Arabia and the World Cup
On June 10, AGSI hosted a discussion on Saudi Arabia's growing engagement in the global soccer community.
Speakers
Petro Diplomacy 2026: Energy in Crisis: Markets and Geopolitics of Supply
On June 8, AGSI convened its Petro Diplomacy conference for the 12th consecutive year.
Jun 4, 2026
Screening of Iraqi Film “The President’s Cake”
On June 4, AGSI and the National Museum of Asian Art co-hosted a screening of “The President’s Cake.”
Speakers
Jun 4, 2026
Will a U.S.-Iran Deal Bring a New Order for the Gulf?
On June 4, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implications of a potential U.S.-Iranian agreement for Gulf security.
Speakers
May 20, 2026
Toxic Spillover: Conflict and Environmental Risk in the Gulf
On May 20, AGSI hosted a discussion on the environmental impacts of the Iran conflict.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
Book Talk: Realizing Saudi Vision 2030: Governance, Institutions and Human Capital Development
On May 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on the implementation of Vision 2030.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
Iraq in a New Middle East: Government Formation and Regional Challenges
On May 12, AGSI hosted a discussion on the new government in Iraq.
Speakers
Hind Al Mulla Is Taking Home Bakery Global
After building highly successful restaurants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Emirati pastry chef Hind Al Mulla plans to take the Home Bakery group global while providing a platform for other Emirati entrepreneurs.
Qatar’s Art Scene Reflects Resilience
Following the high of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar, and the low of the ongoing Iran war, Qatar is doubling down on global and regional cultural diplomacy.
Ballad: Moza Almatrooshi’s Homage to the Landscape
Moza Almatrooshi, an Emirati artist and chef, reflects on the inaugural season of ballad, her community culinary initiative.
Robert Mogielnicki
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI
Abbas Kadhim
Senior Resident Scholar and Director, Iraq Program, AGSI
Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI
Aug 4, 2026
Bloomberg: In an interview, Amb. William Roebuck discussed the prospects for negotiations after President Trump’s latest decision to call off a massive strike on Iran.
Jul 29, 2026
CNBC: In an interview, Amb. William Roebuck examined Iran’s strategic calculus, analyzing its outreach to key Gulf neighbors, muted response to a U.S. proposal for renewed negotiations, attack on a U.S. military installation following a pause in the fighting, and the unlikelihood that Tehran would negotiate away control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI
Kristin Smith Diwan
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
