Saudi Arabia Sings a Nationalist Tune
Turki Al Sheikh, a larger-than-life figure in the crown prince’s close inner circle, is leading a rise of nationalist music in the Saudi mainstream.
Arts and Culture
Culture and the City: The Promise of Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Quarter
Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Quarter, opened at the site of what was long the city's social and cultural heart, is unique in its integration of culture and space, and could serve as a model for urban regeneration.
Abdullah Al-Busais: Fiction Writing in the Gulf
AGSIW spoke with Kuwaiti poet and novelist Abdullah Al-Busais about the growing interest in literature among Gulf youth, publishing and censorship issues, and the recent book fair in Kuwait.
Economy
New Omani Initiatives Reflect Gulf States’ Push to Nationalize Labor Forces
Short-term measures to replace expatriate workers with Omani citizens could have implications for the sultanate’s long-term economic growth and diversification process.
Hadil Al-Moosa: Women Entrepreneurs in Oman
AGSIW spoke with Hadil Al-Moosa about media in Oman, labor laws, women’s entrepreneurship, and the role of government support for entrepreneurs.
Growing Saudi-Egyptian Ties Face Challenges of Economic Reforms
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s November trip to Egypt highlighted the important regional alliance between Riyadh and Cairo, but collaboration over megaprojects may strain Riyadh’s fiscal capacity.
Energy
OPEC and Non-OPEC Oil Producers Try to Narrow the Price Gap
OPEC and its non-OPEC allies are working to drain excess supply and balance oil markets, but much depends on whether the expanded oil producers’ club remains committed to production cuts.
Petro Diplomacy: Back to the Future – Oil and Gas at the Center of New Growth in the GCC
On October 18, 2018, the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington convened its fourth annual Petro Diplomacy conference, “Back to the Future – Oil and Gas at the Center of New Growth in the GCC States.”
Oil Producers Hammer Out Compromise Deal in Vienna; Extent of Cuts Unclear
Looking to boost oil prices, OPEC and its non-OPEC allies have agreed to curtail oil production by 1.2 million barrels per day, but the volume of barrels taken off the market may prove to be much higher.
Environment
Facing the Dual Challenge of Energy Security and Climate Change: The Oman Example
To meet the dual challenge of energy security and climate change, the Gulf Arab states need a holistic understanding of energy systems when planning an advantageous energy mix.
Why Oil- and Gas-Rich Gulf Arab States are Turning to Coal
Burning coal produces almost double the amount of carbon dioxide than other fossil fuels such as diesel or natural gas.
Integrating Climate Change Policies with Economic Diversification Strategies: Challenges and Opportunities in Oman and the UAE
Since the 1930s, the Arab Gulf states have been defined by their hydrocarbon wealth.
Politics and Governance
Saudi Arabia Reassigns Roles within a More Centralized Monarchy
As Saudi Arabia moves toward more centralized authority over national security and intelligence functions, will these measures serve to check or further empower the crown prince?
Gulf Re-engagement with Assad Regime Signals New Phase in the Struggle for Syria
With the war over, Arab countries re-engage with the Assad regime to ensure their interests in the future of Syria.
Dealing with the Syrian Regime is a Sad but Inevitable Reality
The United Arab Emirates will reopen its embassy in Damascus, and Bahrain and Kuwait are following suit.
Security
UAE Security Forum 2018: "Yemen after the War: Addressing the Challenges of Peace and Reconstruction"
This report is based on the presentations and discussions during the UAE Security Forum 2018, “Yemen after the War: Addressing the Challenges of Peace and Reconstruction,” held on December 9, 2018 in Abu Dhabi.
Mattis’ Resignation is Bad News for Gulf Arab Countries
Dealing with an unpredictable, exceptionally political, and nonstrategic administration in Washington poses serious problems for all U.S. allies, including those in the Gulf.
The War in Syria is Transforming the IRGC into an Expeditionary Force
The metamorphosis of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into an expeditionary force as a result of the Syrian war bodes ill for the United States and its allies in the Middle East, who will likely encounter a more confrontational Islamic Republic in the future.
Society
Al-Moatasem al-Mamari: Institutionalizing Omani Youth Movements
AGSIW spoke with al-Moatasem al-Mamari, a physician engaged with youth and media, about the development of youth movements in Oman as well as their cultural impact and government interaction with them.
Gray Area: Advocating for the Noncitizen Children of Kuwaiti Mothers
Nationality and naturalization laws are often ambiguous in Kuwait, specifically for the children of Kuwaiti mothers and foreign or bidun (stateless) fathers.
Social Media Influencers in the Gulf Arab States
Authorities in the Gulf states are wrestling with the rise of social media stars, regulating their use of social platforms while simultaneously trying to capitalize on their fame.
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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.
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