For the OPEC+ Oil Producers, a Year of Caution Paid Off
As 2024 comes to a close, oil markets remain under a cloud of uncertainty shaped by geopolitical risks, weaker-than-expected Chinese demand, and an evolving energy transition landscape.
Regional Affairs
Trump 2.0: Oil Market Implications for the Gulf States
As Trump seeks to maximize U.S. oil and gas output and choke off Iran’s oil exports, he will have no qualms about leaning into oil market issues.
Economic Prospects and Policy Challenges for the GCC Countries Amid Regional Turbulence
On December 19, AGSIW hosted a discussion on the GCC countries' economic outlook for 2025.
Bahrain
The Bahraini Economy Might Benefit From Trump’s Tariffs
Bahrain’s free trade agreement with the United States might give Manama a golden opportunity to attract foreign capital and produce a diverse range of merchandise exports.
“Gentle Porosities:” Mashael Alsaie’s First Solo Show Urges a Tenderness Toward the Land
In Hunna Art’s new space, Bahraini multimedia artist Mashael Alsaie takes visitors on a journey through a metaphorical whirlpool, hoping to inspire a gentleness toward the environment.
A Conversation With H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
On October 1, AGSIW hosted a private roundtable with H.E. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, the undersecretary for political affairs of Bahrain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kuwait
Briefing for Kuwaiti Diplomats
On November 22, AGSIW hosted a briefing for a delegation of Kuwaiti diplomats.
Kuwait’s Big New Offshore Oil Find
Can the offshore Al-Nokhatha discovery help Kuwait’s oil and gas investments sail ahead?
With New Crown Prince Kuwait Bucks Gulf Succession Trends
The emir’s naming of Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah – a noncontroversial politician and an experienced diplomat – as crown prince may help traverse Kuwait’s fissures, but there is still a long road ahead.
Oman
Hand Into the Past: Omani Artist Kawthar Al Harthi’s Contemplative Creative Practice
Collagist and installation artist Kawthar Al Harthi uses mixed media to excavate material histories and personal memories.
Oman Cultural Complex Highlights Shift in Arab Cultural Production
Through the Oman Cultural Complex, Oman joins its neighbors in a collective Gulf vision of the future while maintaining its lauded commitment to Omani cultural heritage.
Oman Capitalizes on Domestic, Regional Economic Momentum
Following progress addressing economic vulnerabilities, Oman is poised to enter a new phase of economic policymaking, armed with new policy tools and development initiatives.
Qatar
The End of Hamas in Doha?
Where Hamas operates from matters less than the broader absence of any coherent vision – from Israel, the Palestinians, or the international community – for future Arab leadership in Gaza.
No Low-Hanging Fruit to Help Qatar With Its Food Security Challenges
Qatar is working to boost local food production while coping with daunting obstacles, including falling aquifer levels, a paucity of arable land, and broader climate-change issues.
Leaving a Legacy: How Qatar Is Leveraging the Success of the 2022 World Cup to Build a More Diversified Economy
On March 14, AGSIW hosted a discussion on economic diversification in Qatar.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia on Global Stage for 2034 World Cup
Hosting the World Cup will be a huge opportunity for Saudi Arabia, supporting Vision 2030 reforms. While preparations for the tournament will be costly, they will boost economic growth and could spur further social change.
Aramco’s Diversification Strategy: Fueling Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030
Aramco’s journey reflects not just the shift in Saudi energy policy but a broader reimagining of what national oil companies can achieve on the global stage.
For Saudi Arabia, There’s a Dealmaking Opportunity With Trump
Trump’s unrealized quest to craft a major international agreement presents significant potential opportunities for Riyadh.
United Arab Emirates
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial Boosts Arts Accessibility
The increasing investment into public art shows a commitment by Abu Dhabi to expand access to the city’s cultural offerings.
Book Talk: The Development of An Art History in the UAE
On December 3, AGSIW hosted a discussion on contemporary art in the United Arab Emirates.
UAE-India Green Deals Present Multilateral Opportunities
Recent agreements between the UAE and India are not only significant steps toward strengthening the bilateral partnership but also reducing the countries’ carbon footprint in the energy sector.
Iran
Tougher Sanctions on Iran May Help Other OPEC+ Producers
The global oil market will be challenging for OPEC+ members in 2025, although the likelihood of tougher sanctions on Iranian oil exports under the Trump administration may create space for production increases by other OPEC+ members.
Iran Meets Elon
While any U.S.-Iran rapprochement could potentially ease sanctions on Iran, such a shift is poised to generate sharply divergent responses among U.S. allies.
Uncertain: Iran Policies of U.S. Presidential Candidates
Regardless of who prevails in November's presidential election, the next U.S. administration may contend with either a nuclear-armed or fragmented Iran.
Iraq
China's Rise in Iraq's Energy Sector: From Newcomer to Dominant Player
While Iraqi leaders consistently emphasize the importance of Western investment in their energy sector, their actions instead are increasing Iraq’s dependence on Chinese markets and oil firms.
The Kurdish View on the U.S. Election
Iraq’s Kurdish population may benefit more from a consistent U.S. foreign policy under Harris than the unpredictability of another Trump term.
Chinese Firms Snag Iraqi Oil and Gas Blocks
Chinese investors are less risk averse than their Western counterparts, hence their strong showing in the latest upstream opportunities offered by Baghdad.
Yemen
Great Power Competition in the Red Sea
For the United States, the Houthi threat in the Red Sea should be treated as part of strategic competition instead of merely a local or regional challenge.
Day One Problems: Yemen
No matter who wins the presidency in November, the United States will need a strategy that allows it to protect free and open trade in the Red Sea without becoming bogged down in an open-ended conflict in Yemen.
A Conversation With H.E. Mohammed A. Al-Hadhrami and Timothy A. Lenderking
On September 18, AGSIW hosted a discussion on Yemen.
Support Us
Through its careful examination of the forces shaping the evolution of Gulf societies and the new generation of emerging leaders, AGSIW facilitates a richer understanding of the role the countries in this key geostrategic region can be expected to play in the 21st century.
Learn More