Analysis
View AllOman’s Space Ambitions: A Pragmatic Gulf Model
Oman is positioning itself as a future regional hub for space applications and innovation and a host, regulator, and service provider embedded within the global space economy.
The Gulf’s Green Rush: Financing the Future, or Just Repainting It?
The Gulf is defying global trends and investing in sustainable-labeled projects, and if those labels translate to real guidelines, the region could become a global benchmark for transition finance.
What’s Next for Iran’s Energy Sector?
Iran’s energy industry, mismanaged and hit by sanctions, is still crucial for the government in Tehran and important on the global stage.
Regional States Test the Economic Waters in Syria
New investment deals, mainly from the Gulf states and Turkey, are opening a path for Syrian reconstruction. But the fragile security situation and financial environment remain hurdles for foreign investment.
Feb 10, 2026
Iran’s State-Censored Media Reacts to the Oman Talks
The February 10 edition of the Iran Media Review examines cautiously optimistic Iranian media messaging following a new round of U.S.-Iran negotiations.
Feb 6, 2026
Oman Negotiations Redux
The February 6 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iranian media analysis of renewed U.S.-Iran negotiations in Oman.
Feb 3, 2026
Ayatollah Khamenei Warns Washington of a “Regional War”
The February 3 edition of the Iran Media Review examines a speech by the supreme leader threatening a “regional war” if Iran is attacked by the United States.
Jan 30, 2026
The Specter of War Over Iran
The January 30 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian responses to an expanded U.S. military presence in the Gulf.
Putting the 2026 Saudi Budget Under the Microscope
The Saudi government projects that the budget deficit will narrow during 2026-28, but this will depend on a rebound in oil prices and tight control of spending.
Nov 19, 2025
The Saudi Trade and Investment Commitment to the United States in Perspective
The $1 trillion Saudi trade and investment commitment to the United States will be extremely difficult to achieve given the size of the Saudi economy and its current financial situation.
Jul 1, 2025
The IMF Comments on the Saudi Economy and Policy Framework
The International Monetary Fund continues to endorse the direction of economic reform in Saudi Arabia but notes that risks from oil price uncertainty and strong credit growth will need to be carefully managed to keep the economy on a strong growth trajectory.
Apr 23, 2025
Saudi Current Account in Deficit in 2024 Despite High Oil Prices
The Saudi current account moved into a small deficit in 2024 despite oil prices of $80 per barrel. A return to a surplus is unlikely unless oil revenue moves sharply higher.
Ammar Alsabban: Superman With a Saudi Accent
With passions as diverse as puppetry, podcasting, and superheroes, Ammar Alsabban is redefining the creative limits of Saudi identity.
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
Independent Researchers Are Advancing UAE History on Social Media
Independent researchers and informal collaboratives have been connecting through social media to fill in gaps in popular knowledge of the United Arab Emirates’ pre-state era.
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
A New Gulf Partnership
In May, President Donald J. Trump embarked on a trip to the Gulf that signals a new era in U.S.-Gulf relations. AGSI's A New Gulf Partnership series explores the ways U.S. strategic relations with these countries are evolving and offers policy recommendations for the U.S. administration to maximize political and economic influence.
Nov 13, 2024
Energy and Climate Initiative
AGSIW’s Energy and Climate Initiative explores Gulf energy and climate policies, technological advances, and pressing political, social, and environmental issues ahead of COP28.
Nov 5, 2024
U.S. Presidential Election
AGSIW’s U.S. Presidential Election series explores Gulf perspectives on the 2024 election and considers how the election results may shape the future of U.S. engagement in the Gulf region.
Sep 6, 2024
Trees of the Gulf
This series looks at the vital role certain trees play in the region's collective memory, survival, and plans for the future.
All Analysis
Oman’s Space Ambitions: A Pragmatic Gulf Model
Oman is positioning itself as a future regional hub for space applications and innovation and a host, regulator, and service provider embedded within the global space economy.
The Gulf’s Green Rush: Financing the Future, or Just Repainting It?
The Gulf is defying global trends and investing in sustainable-labeled projects, and if those labels translate to real guidelines, the region could become a global benchmark for transition finance.
What’s Next for Iran’s Energy Sector?
Iran’s energy industry, mismanaged and hit by sanctions, is still crucial for the government in Tehran and important on the global stage.
Regional States Test the Economic Waters in Syria
New investment deals, mainly from the Gulf states and Turkey, are opening a path for Syrian reconstruction. But the fragile security situation and financial environment remain hurdles for foreign investment.
Of Course the UAE Is Not Preparing To Take Over Gaza
When quickly debunked rumors in the Israeli media that the UAE was seeking to manage postconflict Gaza were widely welcomed in Israel, it demonstrated both the trust the UAE has built among Israelis but also their lack of understanding of Emirati policies and interests.
The Saudi-UAE Rift: Taking the Measure of the Gulf That Separates and Unites Them
Disputes in the Gulf tend to be structurally constrained by dense interdependence, established patterns of dispute management, and various shades of elite empathy among leaderships.