Analysis
View AllThe Geoeconomics of the UAE’s New Free Zone for Defense
The announcement of a new defense-focused free zone in Abu Dhabi emerges at a moment of acute national security concern but relies on an established economic development playbook.
Can Yemen Help Bypass the Strait of Hormuz?
A Gulf-Yemen energy corridor could reshape the Arabian Peninsula. But it cannot happen without a durable political settlement involving the Houthis and other Yemeni factions.
Beyond Oil: The UAE’s OPEC Exit
The UAE’s move to leave OPEC underscores Abu Dhabi’s effort to widen its room for maneuver beyond Saudi-led frameworks, but the Iran war gives this decision a new meaning.
Syria Escapes Iran War, Can It Benefit From It?
Syria hopes to use the Iran war to deepen its connection to its Gulf Arab partners. Can it compete for inclusion within the regional security order and emerging trade corridors?
May 19, 2026
Hijab Revisionism, Reactions to Trump, and the Continued Rise of Qalibaf
The May 19 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes a regime-backed religious defense of women who don’t wear the hijab, IRGC responses to Trump’s threats, and the empowerment of Iran’s parliamentary speaker.
May 15, 2026
Tehran’s Warning to Arab States May Backfire
The May 15 edition of the Iran Media Review considers how an Iranian news agency’s warning to Gulf Arab states against further involvement in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran may backfire.
May 12, 2026
What Did Iran Offer Trump?
The May 12 edition of the Iran Media Review considers Iranian reporting on the contents of the latest Iranian proposal to end the war with the United States.
May 8, 2026
The World According to an IRGC Strategist
The May 8 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes an interview with an IRGC strategist about the war and Iranian relations with the United States.
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.
Apr 2, 2026
Saudi Equities Outperform Global Markets
Saudi equity prices have risen since the start of the Iran conflict, outperforming many regional and global markets. Whether this continues will depend on how and when the conflict ends.
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.
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
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.
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
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 Geoeconomics of the UAE’s New Free Zone for Defense
The announcement of a new defense-focused free zone in Abu Dhabi emerges at a moment of acute national security concern but relies on an established economic development playbook.
Can Yemen Help Bypass the Strait of Hormuz?
A Gulf-Yemen energy corridor could reshape the Arabian Peninsula. But it cannot happen without a durable political settlement involving the Houthis and other Yemeni factions.
Beyond Oil: The UAE’s OPEC Exit
The UAE’s move to leave OPEC underscores Abu Dhabi’s effort to widen its room for maneuver beyond Saudi-led frameworks, but the Iran war gives this decision a new meaning.
Syria Escapes Iran War, Can It Benefit From It?
Syria hopes to use the Iran war to deepen its connection to its Gulf Arab partners. Can it compete for inclusion within the regional security order and emerging trade corridors?
Gulf States Adjust to a New Normal
Gulf capitals are facing immediate policy choices around how to restore order in a regional setting that is greatly changed – for the worse – as a result of the Iran war.
A New Mediator: Can Pakistan Help the U.S. and Iran Cut a Deal?
After Oman-facilitated negotiations between the United States and Iran ended in a major regional conflict, Pakistan has picked up the mantle of mediator and helped broker a cease-fire, but can the country succeed at mediating a lasting peace deal?
