"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe

By subscribing you agree to our Privacy Policy

Subscription Settings

Analysis

View All

Yemen’s Mokha Under Fire: The Houthis Target Saudi Interests

The Houthi escalation against the port city of Mokha is rooted in intra-Yemeni power balances but, at the same time, it has broader implications for Saudi and regional security, testing new defensive coalitions and alliances.

Eleonora Ardemagni

11 min read

Damage in the aftermath of Houthi strikes on the Red Sea port city of Mocha, Yemen, August 10, 2026 in this screengrab taken from a handout video. (Al Joumhouriya TV/Handout via REUTERS)

What Is at Stake if Syria Joins the Mecca Agreement?

Joining the Mecca agreement could offer strategic benefits to both Damascus and its existing members while also introducing political and security complications that could test the agreement’s credibility.

Said Bakr

11 min read

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, left, shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar before their meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, August 20. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)

Oman’s Quiet Return to the Region’s Center

Oman’s divergence from the other Gulf Arab states could help shape the postwar regional order and determine the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

Clemens Chay

11 min read

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shakes hands with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said in Muscat, Oman, June 23. (Oman News Agency/Handout via REUTERS)

Charting a Path to a Durable End State in Iran

A coordinated strategy with allies, alongside sustained military and economic pressure, can help the United States end the conflict with Iran in a way that stabilizes the region, restores freedom of navigation, and prevents Tehran from becoming a nuclear power.

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F/A-18E Super Hornet preparing to take off from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on February 28. (U.S. Navy via AP)

Iran Signals Interest in Reviving Hormuz Deal While Warning of Psychological Warfare

The August 28 edition of the Iran Media Review examines statements by Iranian officials suggesting openness to restarting negotiation with the United States and concern about domestic discontent.

Ali Alfoneh

6 min read

Iran Signals Interest in Reviving Hormuz Deal While Warning of Psychological Warfare

Iran’s Central Bank Governor Seeks to Reassure Public of Economic Resilience

The August 25 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iran’s central bank governor’s response to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s “economic D-Day” warning against Iran.

Ali Alfoneh

3 min read

Iran’s Central Bank Governor Seeks to Reassure Public of Economic Resilience

Qalibaf and Pezeshkian at Odds With the IRGC?

The August 21 edition of the Iran Media Review examines arguments from Iranian leaders for ending the war with the United States through negotiations rather than escalating.

Ali Alfoneh

5 min read

Qalibaf and Pezeshkian at Odds With the IRGC?

Qalibaf: The Strait of Hormuz Will Not Reopen

The August 18 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights a speech by Iran’s parliamentary speaker pledging not to reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfills the conditions of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.

Ali Alfoneh

3 min read

Qalibaf: The Strait of Hormuz Will Not Reopen

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.

Tim Callen

2 min read

Data Confirms a Large Economic Contraction in Saudi Arabia in the Second Quarter

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.

Tim Callen

4 min read

Spending Surge Puts Saudi Budget in Large First Quarter Deficit

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.

Tim Callen

4 min read

Gulf PMIs Raise Specter of Stagflation

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.

Tim Callen

5 min read

The Iran War and the Saudi Economy

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.

talli Circle community event at Jumeirah Beach Park. (Courtesy of Talli Circle)

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.

Sharifah Alhinai

11 min read

This photograph was taken inside Jabal Al Qarah, situated between the villages of Al Tuwaythir and Al Qarah in Al Ahsa governorate on May 31, 1924. (Swiss geologist Arnold Heim via ETH Zurich)

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.

Abdulla Almarzooqi

14 min read

Home Bakery’s flagship branch in Al Wasl, Dubai. (Courtesy of Hind Almulla)

Ballad: Moza Almatrooshi’s Homage to the Landscape

Moza Almatrooshi, an Emirati artist and chef, reflects on the inaugural season of ballad, her community culinary initiative.

Nada Ammagui

10 min read

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.

President Donald J. Trump is welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 13. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

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.

'Cop28 UAE' logo is displayed on the screen during the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week under the theme of 'United on Climate Action Toward COP28,' in Abu Dhabi, UAE, January 16. (REUTERS/Rula Rouhana)

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.

Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris take part in a presidential debate hosted by ABC in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024 in a combination of file photographs. REUTERS/Brian Snyder - RC22Y9AP0PX3

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.

A worker collects dates from a palm tree during Unaizah Season for Dates, capital of Al-Qassim region, Saudi Arabia August 15, 2020. (REUTERS /Ahmed Yosri)

All Analysis

CLEAR ALL

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.

talli Circle community event at Jumeirah Beach Park. (Courtesy of Talli Circle)

Yemen’s Mokha Under Fire: The Houthis Target Saudi Interests

The Houthi escalation against the port city of Mokha is rooted in intra-Yemeni power balances but, at the same time, it has broader implications for Saudi and regional security, testing new defensive coalitions and alliances.

Eleonora Ardemagni

11 min read

Damage in the aftermath of Houthi strikes on the Red Sea port city of Mocha, Yemen, August 10, 2026 in this screengrab taken from a handout video. (Al Joumhouriya TV/Handout via REUTERS)

What Is at Stake if Syria Joins the Mecca Agreement?

Joining the Mecca agreement could offer strategic benefits to both Damascus and its existing members while also introducing political and security complications that could test the agreement’s credibility.

Said Bakr

11 min read

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, left, shakes hands with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar before their meeting in Islamabad, Pakistan, August 20. (Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs via AP)

Oman’s Quiet Return to the Region’s Center

Oman’s divergence from the other Gulf Arab states could help shape the postwar regional order and determine the future of the Strait of Hormuz.

Clemens Chay

11 min read

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi shakes hands with Sultan of Oman Haitham bin Tariq al-Said in Muscat, Oman, June 23. (Oman News Agency/Handout via REUTERS)

Charting a Path to a Durable End State in Iran

A coordinated strategy with allies, alongside sustained military and economic pressure, can help the United States end the conflict with Iran in a way that stabilizes the region, restores freedom of navigation, and prevents Tehran from becoming a nuclear power.

This image provided by U.S. Central Command shows a F/A-18E Super Hornet preparing to take off from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in support of Operation Epic Fury, on February 28. (U.S. Navy via AP)

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.

Sharifah Alhinai

11 min read

This photograph was taken inside Jabal Al Qarah, situated between the villages of Al Tuwaythir and Al Qarah in Al Ahsa governorate on May 31, 1924. (Swiss geologist Arnold Heim via ETH Zurich)