AGSI
Resilient by Design: Infrastructure and the Future of UAE Urbanism
Rather than pursuing the next iconic tower or artificial island, the UAE’s urban development model is shifting toward systems that are less visible but more essential.
Downstream Ambitions: Saudi Arabia’s Move Toward Rare Earth Processing
Newly announced joint ventures to build rare earth refineries in Saudi Arabia are part of a larger strategy to capitalize on Western markets’ need for rare earth elements.
Can NATO Repeat Operation Ocean Shield?
NATO’s Operation Ocean Shield helped secure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, but diplomatic fractures and naval constraints mean its success is unlikely to be repeated in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Second Phase of the UAE Space Economy
As the UAE navigates a more volatile regional environment, the next phase of its space effort will hinge on how quickly it can scale its commercial ecosystem and deepen international integration.
May 12, 2026
9:30am - 11:00am
Iraq in a New Middle East: Government Formation and Regional Challenges
On May 12, AGSI will host a discussion on the new government in Iraq.
Speakers
May 12, 2026
10:00am - 11:30am
Book Talk: Realizing Saudi Vision 2030: Governance, Institutions and Human Capital Development
On May 12, AGSI will host a discussion on the implementation of Vision 2030.
Speakers
Apr 30, 2026
Kuwait Reception
On April 30, AGSI hosted a special reception honoring the diplomats and staff recently evacuated from the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait.
Apr 21, 2026
Inside Iran’s Wartime Leadership: Power, Succession, and Regime Stability
On April 21, AGSI hosted a discussion on the evolution of Iran's leadership during the war.
Speakers
Apr 15, 2026
Iran at the Intersection: Conflict, Technology, and Digital Control
On April 15, AGSI hosted a private workshop on understanding how the dynamics of Iran's defense technology, information control, and geopolitical competition connect, led by Visiting Scholar Sara Bazoobandi.
Speakers
Apr 14, 2026
Planning for Postwar Recovery: Economic Outlooks and Policy Responses for the GCC
On April 14, AGSI hosted a discussion on how the Gulf Arab states can transition from crisis management to position themselves for sustainable postconflict growth.
Speakers
Apr 13, 2026
Assessing the U.S.-Iranian Truce and First Round of Negotiations
On April 13, AGSI hosted a discussion on the recently announced U.S.-Iranian two-week cease-fire.
Speakers
Apr 8, 2026
What Do Houthi Attacks on Israel Mean for the Iran War?
On April 8, AGSI hosted a discussion on the Houthis' involvement in the Iran war.
Speakers
Mar 31, 2026
Book Talk: West Asia: A New American Grand Strategy in the Middle East
On March 31, AGSI hosted a discussion on the Middle East's integration with Asia.
Speakers
Mar 25, 2026
UAE Space Ambitions: Building the Space Industrial Base
On March 25, AGSI hosted a discussion on UAE space development.
Mar 24, 2026 - Apr 1, 2026
The Gulf States’ Perspective on the War With Iran, and Where Does Lebanon Fit In?
On March 24 and April 1, AGSI hosted briefings for European diplomats during which AGSI scholars analyzed the Gulf states’ reactions to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and the Iranian response.
Robert Mogielnicki
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI
Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
May 4, 2026
Al Hadath TV: In an interview, Hussein Ibish discussed U.S. efforts to free stranded commercial shipping vessels stuck in the waters of the Gulf, what role European and other states could play in securing freedom of navigation there, and whether Washington might be preparing to resume major bombardment against Tehran.
Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI
Kristin Smith Diwan
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
May 3, 2026
Frontlines and Backrooms: In an interview with Vladimir Bobetic, Kristin Smith Diwan discussed how Israel and the Abraham Accords are impacting Gulf responses to the Iran war, new visions for regional order, the role of nationalism in structuring Gulf state-society cohesion, and the direction of youth activism.
Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI
Ali Alfoneh
Senior Fellow, AGSI
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI
Abbas Kadhim
Senior Resident Scholar and Director, Iraq Program, AGSI
Resilient by Design: Infrastructure and the Future of UAE Urbanism
Rather than pursuing the next iconic tower or artificial island, the UAE’s urban development model is shifting toward systems that are less visible but more essential.
Beyond the Cube: Rethinking Urban Ambition in Riyadh
If the first phase of Vision 2030 was designed to capture imagination and reposition the kingdom globally, the next phase may focus on livability and affordability.
Abu Dhabi’s Big Bid on Culture
Alongside its bid to become a regional and global economic powerhouse, the UAE capital is also rising as a new global capital for culture.
