Analysis
View AllGaming in the Gulf
The Esports World Cup’s staging in Paris showcased Saudi Arabia’s global gaming ambitions, and the booming sector is also helping to narrow the regional gender gap in technology and entertainment.
The Gulf’s Shift to Layered Security
Gulf states are combining military modernization, diplomacy, diversified external partnerships, and domestic resilience into a new framework for regional security.
The U.S. Data Center Struggle and the Gulf Offer
Silicon Valley is exploring offshoring some of its compute demand. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are positioning themselves to capture some of it.
A New Frontier for the UAE’s Space Economy
The United Arab Emirates’ space industry is entering a new phase of maturity, as private Emirati firms play an increasingly active role alongside government entities and international partnerships.
Sep 25, 2026
President Pezeshkian at the United Nations
The September 25 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes Iranian responses to a speech by the Iranian president and a meeting between the Iranian foreign minister and U.S. negotiators on the sidelines of the United Nations.
Sep 22, 2026
With Mojtaba in Occultation, Qalibaf and Rezaei Articulate Iran’s Terms
The September 22 edition of the Iran Media Review considers an IRGC-linked newspaper’s suggestion that the supreme leader might remain in hiding and statements by Iranian officials laying out Iran’s terms for negotiations with the United States.
Sep 15, 2026
Despite Tactical Victories, Iran Struggles to Restore Deterrence
The September 15 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian statements on a possible nuclear bomb, Iran’s relationship with the UAE, and developments in Yemen.
Sep 11, 2026
Diminishing Importance of the Straits?
The September 11 edition of the Iran Media Review contrasts hard-liners’ celebration of oil prices rising with a technocratic Iranian newspaper’s warning that the regime’s ability to take the world economy hostage is diminishing.
Jul 31, 2026
Data Confirms a Large Economic Contraction in Saudi Arabia in the Second Quarter
The Saudi economy contracted sharply in the second quarter of 2026. Any recovery will be slowed by the recent renewal of hostilities in the region.
May 6, 2026
Spending Surge Puts Saudi Budget in Large First Quarter Deficit
The Saudi budget recorded a large deficit in the first quarter of 2026 as spending surged, but higher oil revenue during the rest of the year should limit the size of the annual fiscal deficit.
May 5, 2026
Gulf PMIs Raise Specter of Stagflation
Business conditions in the Gulf generally improved in April, but they remained weaker than before the Iran war. There are signs that price pressures are increasing as the conflict impedes trade.
The Iran War and the Saudi Economy
Data shows that the Saudi economy is being negatively affected by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, and the impact will likely continue for the next few months at least.
A New Generation Is Putting Bahraini Cuisine on the Map
Chefs Suman Ali Sayed and Dona Murad are introducing Bahraini cuisine to eateries abroad, attracting international diners increasingly interested in distinct food cultures and histories.
Talli Circle: Traditional Weaving Connects Emirati Women
Talli Circle, a new platform highlighting a traditional Emirati form of weaving, is reconnecting young Emirati women with their culture, heritage, and mothers and grandmothers.
Al-Falaj Connects Researchers to the Scattered Archives of Arabia
Saudi author and anthropologist Ghada AlMuhanna Abalkhail launched al-Falaj, an open access digital directory, to help users explore the Arabian Peninsula's visual and documentary heritage.
Hind Al Mulla Is Taking Home Bakery Global
After building highly successful restaurants in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Emirati pastry chef Hind Al Mulla plans to take the Home Bakery group global while providing a platform for other Emirati entrepreneurs.
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
Gaming in the Gulf
The Esports World Cup’s staging in Paris showcased Saudi Arabia’s global gaming ambitions, and the booming sector is also helping to narrow the regional gender gap in technology and entertainment.
The Gulf’s Shift to Layered Security
Gulf states are combining military modernization, diplomacy, diversified external partnerships, and domestic resilience into a new framework for regional security.
The U.S. Data Center Struggle and the Gulf Offer
Silicon Valley is exploring offshoring some of its compute demand. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are positioning themselves to capture some of it.
A New Frontier for the UAE’s Space Economy
The United Arab Emirates’ space industry is entering a new phase of maturity, as private Emirati firms play an increasingly active role alongside government entities and international partnerships.
Saudi Economic Recovery Delayed by New Threats
Attacks on the East-West oil pipeline and other targets in Saudi Arabia will result in a larger-than-expected economic contraction in the kingdom this year.
UAE-Iran Relations: Pulling Geoeconomic Levers
The UAE’s decision to halt trade and commercial ties with Iran reflects an exercise in applying carefully calibrated geoeconomic pressure amid an uncertain and evolving geopolitical context.
