Analysis
View AllThe Gulf Economic Infrastructure Buildout
Gulf countries are at the center of an emerging regional economic infrastructure expansion, but the implications will be global in nature.
Kuwait’s Defense Diversification Through Pakistan
The significance of Kuwait’s defense pact with Pakistan lies less in any immediate military transformation than in what it reveals about the evolving security landscape of the Gulf.
Gulf States Divide the Work of Rebuilding Syria
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are each anchoring a different piece in the rebuilding of Syria’s infrastructure, turning investment and reconstruction into an informal division of labor.
The Iran War and the Gulf’s Clean Energy Ambitions
The conflict has turned renewables into security assets at home, and rendered them far more expensive to build out, while Gulf states send clean energy capital abroad.
Sep 4, 2026
Is Iran Planning to Withdraw From the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty?
The September 4 edition of the Iran Media Review considers Iranian messaging about the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty.
Sep 1, 2026
Decoding President Pezeshkian
The September 1 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes an interview with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Aug 28, 2026
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.
Aug 25, 2026
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
The Gulf Economic Infrastructure Buildout
Gulf countries are at the center of an emerging regional economic infrastructure expansion, but the implications will be global in nature.
Kuwait’s Defense Diversification Through Pakistan
The significance of Kuwait’s defense pact with Pakistan lies less in any immediate military transformation than in what it reveals about the evolving security landscape of the Gulf.
Gulf States Divide the Work of Rebuilding Syria
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar are each anchoring a different piece in the rebuilding of Syria’s infrastructure, turning investment and reconstruction into an informal division of labor.
The Iran War and the Gulf’s Clean Energy Ambitions
The conflict has turned renewables into security assets at home, and rendered them far more expensive to build out, while Gulf states send clean energy capital abroad.
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.
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.
