Saudi Arabia

The recent thaw in relations seems to be a positive step for these former regional adversaries toward deepening ties, but unresolved political conflicts may continue to fester.

This report is based on the discussions held during a workshop co-hosted with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung on Shia communities in Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

Houthi missile attacks on the UAE and U.S. military facilities expose a fragile Middle East calm.

The public decency law aims to regulate social behavior in a way that reflects positively on Saudi Arabia’s image, the anti-harassment law is meant to regulate public behavior among individuals in society.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund continues to enjoy steady growth aided by technology-focused investments, but the sovereign wealth fund’s 2030 growth target remains distant.

As the kingdom faces mounting insecurity, it has alienated most of its security guarantors and weapons suppliers in the West.

Over the year, there were some small steps forward on Yemen. But as diplomatic efforts continue in 2022, there will still be no quick fix to end the war.

France has sought to calm recent tensions, but the increasing influence of Hezbollah and the shifting focus of Saudi and UAE economic policies elsewhere raises questions of where Lebanon will be able to turn for support.