Arab Gulf States Institute
U.S. Takes Concrete Steps to Lift Sanctions on Syria
As the U.S. government begins lifting sanctions on Syria, the key questions will focus on the speed and scope of reconstruction and whether the Syrian government can meet accelerating expectations.

Baghdad Summits Expose Cracks in Iraq’s Regional Ambitions
By hosting two regional summits, Prime Minister Sudani's government sought to strategically position Iraq's reentry into central Arab regional politics. However, internal divisions, regional mistrust, and shifting geopolitics exposed the limits of Baghdad’s ambitions.

Trump Decision on Syria Sanctions: Rough Road Ahead for Syria’s Oil Production
The lifting of U.S. sanctions could pave the way for the eventual return of oil and gas revenue for Syria, but the road to recovery will be long.

Turkish-Saudi Convergence in the New Middle East
The emerging Turkish-Saudi entente, forged around shared interests and a common strategic vision, could shift the balance of power in the Middle East.

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.

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.

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.

May 15, 2025
Will Trump’s Visit Mark a New Chapter in U.S.-Saudi Relations?
On May 15, AGSI hosted a discussion on Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

May 13, 2025
U.S.-UAE Relations: A Conversation With H.E. Dr. Anwar Gargash
On May 13, AGSI and MEI co-hosted a private discussion with H.E. Anwar Gargash.

May 8, 2025
From Petrodollar Partners to Geo-Economic Rivals? Washington and the Arab Gulf States
On May 8, AGSIW hosted a discussion on how U.S. geoeconomic policy is reshaping ties with Gulf states.

Apr 29, 2025
AGSI x Culture Summit: A New World History: Nonhuman Perspectives in Gulf Art
On April 29, AGSI will convene a session on alternative histories in art at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

Apr 29, 2025
The Real Deal? Are Washington and Tehran Closer to a Compromise?
On April 29, AGSI hosted a discussion on the U.S.-Iranian nuclear negotiations.

Apr 22, 2025
A Conversation With Ambassador Michael Ratney
On April 22, AGSI hosted a conversation with Michael Ratney, the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Exploring Oman’s History, Culture, and Cuisine: A Conversation With Chef Dina Macki
In her latest book, Bahari, meaning “ocean” in Swahili, chef Dina Macki embarks on a culinary exploration of the rich flavors and history of Omani cuisine, a food culture shaped by boundless coastlines and complex maritime history, with origins and influences spanning Pakistan, Iran, India, the Swahili coast, and Portugal. An Omani Zanzibari chef who...

Mar 18, 2025
The Opportunities and Risks of Industrial Policy in the Gulf
On March 18, AGSI hosted a discussion on industrialization in the Gulf.

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

AGSI x Culture Summit: A New World History: Nonhuman Perspectives in Gulf Art
On April 29, AGSI will convene a session on alternative histories in art at Culture Summit Abu Dhabi.

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.

Kristin Smith Diwan
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI

Tim Callen
Visiting Fellow, AGSI

Ambassador William Roebuck
Executive Vice President, AGSI

Kate Dourian
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI; Contributing Editor, MEES; Fellow, Energy Institute

Ambassador Douglas A. Silliman
President, AGSI

Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba
President Emerita and Distinguished Fellow, AGSI

Anna L. Jacobs
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI

Gregory D. Johnsen
Non-Resident Fellow, AGSI

Hussein Ibish
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI

Robert Mogielnicki
Senior Resident Scholar, AGSI
