Arab Gulf States Institute
Bahrain’s “Heatwave” and the Gulf’s Architectural Reckoning
Bahrain’s pavilion at the 2025 Venice Biennale of Architecture is emblematic of how Gulf states are leveraging architecture to address – or at least narrate – pressing environmental and social questions.
The Rise of Gulf Animation
Animation in the Middle East is a quickly growing industry, and Gulf countries are playing a leading role in creating, funding, and distributing animated stories from the region.
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.
A New Phase for the U.S. and Iran
Washington can work with its Gulf partners to tie Tehran to a deal that moves Iran from a militant focus to an economic revival and integration within its neighborhood.
6 min read
The Gulf Countries Need “Good Jobs” in Services
As the Gulf countries transition to a new energy order, creating “good jobs” in high-value export-oriented services that provide citizens with adequate benefits, economic security, and career ladders will help these economies diversify and achieve increased growth.
7 min read
The Enduring Saudi-Iranian Detente
The conflict between Israel and Iran demonstrated the endurance of the Saudi-Iranian detente but also revealed its key vulnerabilities.
AI and the U.S.-Gulf Tech Axis
The convergence of Gulf capital and energy with U.S. technology leadership signals the emergence of a U.S.-Gulf AI axis with global economic and geopolitical implications.
Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI
Aug 7, 2025
BBC World: In an interview, Amb. Douglas A. Silliman discussed the implications of the Israeli Security Cabinet’s meeting to decide whether Israel should take full control of Gaza as well as the statement by Netanyahu that an Arab security force could take control of Gaza from Israel in the future.
Ali Alfoneh
Senior Fellow, AGSI
Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI
Robert Mogielnicki
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI
Jul 31, 2025
Rebuilding Syria: Opportunities and Challenges of Postwar Reconstruction
On July 31, AGSI hosted a discussion on Syria's reconstruction efforts.
Speakers
Jul 22, 2025
Gulf Economic Outlook: The Role of Fiscal Policy in Navigating Gulf Countries Through Global Economic Uncertainty
On July 22, AGSI and the World Bank co-hosted a discussion on the "Gulf Economic Update" report.
Speakers
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
