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Analysis

The Centralization of Economic Policymaking in the Kingdom

Robert Mogielnicki discusses the centralization of economic policymaking and the consolidation of power amid the fast pace of new initiatives in the kingdom since the launch of Vision 2030.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman speaks during a televised interview in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 27, 2021. Picture taken April 27, 2021. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2O4N93MOQN
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman speaks during a televised interview in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 27, 2021. Picture taken April 27, 2021. Bandar Algaloud/Courtesy of Saudi Royal Court/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY - RC2O4N93MOQN

On April 27, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sat down for a televised interview five years after the announcement of Vision 2030. Robert Mogielnicki discusses the centralization of economic policymaking and the consolidation of power amid the fast pace of new projects and initiatives.

The views represented herein are the author's or speaker's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of AGSI, its staff, or its board of directors.

Robert Mogielnicki

Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI

Analysis

All About Those Ports

Ports will be key focus areas of economic infrastructure buildout efforts as the region works to move beyond the Iran conflict.

An oil Tanker at the Port of Fujairah in Fujairah, United Arab Emirates, May 6. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)

Lingering Vulnerabilities: Bahrain’s Political Economy and the Iran War

Despite the massive disruptions caused by the Iran conflict, how Bahraini policymakers address structural vulnerabilities moving forward will be the critical determinant of the country’s longer-term economic outlook.

9 min read

A view of the skyline in downtown Manama, Bahrain, June 22, 2025. (REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed)

The Geoeconomics of the UAE’s New Free Zone for Defense

The announcement of a new defense-focused free zone in Abu Dhabi emerges at a moment of acute national security concern but relies on an established economic development playbook.

A man speaks on the phone at the Make it in the Emirates conference, in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, May 4. (REUTERS/Amr Alfiky)

The PIF’s 2026-30 Strategy Emerges Amid Heightened Regional Tensions, Uncertainty

The PIF’s latest strategy contains some portfolio restructuring but mostly familiar elements – and future adjustments are expected.

Saudi Public Investment Fund Governor Yasir al-Rumayyan listens while President Donald J. Trump delivers remarks at the Future Investment Initiative Institute's summit in Miami Beach, Florida, March 27. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)
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Events

Mar 17, 2026

Investing Through Uncertainty: Capital, Technology, and the Future of Gulf Markets

On March 17, AGSI hosted a discussion on Gulf economic advancement.

Light traffic moves along a main road in downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 7. (AP Photo/ Fatima Shbair)
Light traffic moves along a main road in downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 7. (AP Photo/ Fatima Shbair)

Mar 11, 2026

Shockwaves From Iran: Implications for Energy Markets and the Global Economy

On March 11, AGSI hosted a discussion on global energy and economic market volatility.

Flames rise from an oil storage facility south of Tehran as strikes hit the city, Iran, March 7. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Flames rise from an oil storage facility south of Tehran as strikes hit the city, Iran, March 7. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Oct 21, 2025

Book Launch: A Political Economy of Sovereign Wealth Funds in the Middle East and Asia

On October 21, AGSI hosted a discussion on the strategic economic significance of sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East-Asia investment corridor.

From left to right: U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Martina Strong, President Donald J. Trump, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan and ADIA Managing Director Hamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan participate in a business roundtable at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
From left to right: U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, U.S. Ambassador to the UAE Martina Strong, President Donald J. Trump, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, and ADIA Managing Director Hamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan participate in a business roundtable at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, May 16. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Sep 18, 2025

Book Talk: Building the Belt and Road Initiative in the Arab World: China’s Middle East Math

On September 18, AGSI hosted a discussion on the trajectory of China's presence in the Middle East.

Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei, center, speaks at the opening of the China-Saudi Investment Conference in Beijing, December 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Li Fei, center, speaks at the opening of the China-Saudi Investment Conference in Beijing, December 12, 2023. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
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