Analysis
View AllCulture in the Saudi National Zeitgeist
Saudi Arabia’s first Cultural Investment Conference sought to convince domestic and global investors that arts and culture in the kingdom are a value proposition and to entice them to share in this project.
U.S.-Brokered Deal Turns On Iraq-Turkey Pipeline Spigots
The flow of Kurdish oil via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to the international market after more than two years demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained U.S. diplomacy.
The UAE Adapts to Changes in the Global Trading System
Participation in new country groupings offers the UAE additional avenues to navigate reconfigurations in global trade and reinforce economic partnerships.
Oman’s Hydrogen Horizon: Linking Local Industry to Global Decarbonization
By linking domestic renewable energy capacity with industrial-scale production and export corridors, Oman is building a framework to transform its hydrogen ambitions into a sustainable and globally relevant industry.
Oct 24, 2025
Iranian “Businessman” Reports Record-High Oil Exports Despite Sanctions
The October 24 edition of the Iran Media Review examines a report by an Iranian “businessman” claiming that Iran’s oil exports are at a record high and rising.
Oct 21, 2025
Khamenei Rules Out “Deal” Involving Iran’s Missile Program
The October 21 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights comments by Ayatollah Khamenei rejecting a deal with the United States that would limit Iran’s missile program.
Oct 17, 2025
Iranian Media Discuss the Merits of the Gaza War
The October 17 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian media analysis of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal.
Oct 14, 2025
Fearing War and Doubting Prospects for Energy Exports, Iranians Buy Gold
The October 14 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes Iranian reactions to a new economic report forecasting a rise in inflation despite increasing oil exports.
Jul 1, 2025
The IMF Comments on the Saudi Economy and Policy Framework
The International Monetary Fund continues to endorse the direction of economic reform in Saudi Arabia but notes that risks from oil price uncertainty and strong credit growth will need to be carefully managed to keep the economy on a strong growth trajectory.
Apr 23, 2025
Saudi Current Account in Deficit in 2024 Despite High Oil Prices
The Saudi current account moved into a small deficit in 2024 despite oil prices of $80 per barrel. A return to a surplus is unlikely unless oil revenue moves sharply higher.
Apr 9, 2025
What Do Lower Oil Prices Mean for the Saudi Budget?
The sharp drop in oil prices over the past week will result in a larger budget deficit and more government borrowing.
Mar 28, 2025
Positive Momentum Continues in the Saudi Labor Market
Robust growth in the non-oil economy and ongoing reforms are driving increased employment and labor force participation rates and lower unemployment among Saudi nationals.
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
Culture in the Saudi National Zeitgeist
Saudi Arabia’s first Cultural Investment Conference sought to convince domestic and global investors that arts and culture in the kingdom are a value proposition and to entice them to share in this project.
U.S.-Brokered Deal Turns On Iraq-Turkey Pipeline Spigots
The flow of Kurdish oil via the Iraq-Turkey pipeline to the international market after more than two years demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained U.S. diplomacy.
The UAE Adapts to Changes in the Global Trading System
Participation in new country groupings offers the UAE additional avenues to navigate reconfigurations in global trade and reinforce economic partnerships.
Oman’s Hydrogen Horizon: Linking Local Industry to Global Decarbonization
By linking domestic renewable energy capacity with industrial-scale production and export corridors, Oman is building a framework to transform its hydrogen ambitions into a sustainable and globally relevant industry.
Qatar’s Economic Trajectory Left Unchanged by Recent Attacks
Israeli and Iranian attacks on targets in Qatar are worrying developments for the small Gulf state, but they are unlikely to disrupt an expected acceleration of economic growth over the short and medium terms.
Iran’s Naval Exercises and Dual Messaging
Iran’s first naval exercise since the June conflict with Israel was meant to project strength and ability to threaten the regional interests of Gulf states while avoiding military confrontation with the United States and Israel.
