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
Climate Change and Economic Diversification in Saudi Arabia: Integrity, Challenges, and Opportunities
While Saudi Arabia’s long involvement in global climate change negotiations has attracted mounting attention, little is known about the kingdom’s climate change governance at the domestic level or its progress in terms of addressing climate change in line with economic diversification.
ADNOC Repositions Itself to Challenge International Oil Majors
ADNOC CEO Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber is overseeing an aggressive policy of partial privatization and has brought in new strategic partners to better serve the company’s international operations and export markets.
Gulf States Help Defuse South Asia Tensions, Protect Economic Interests
Three processes of interregional engagement – labor dynamics, energy cooperation, and strategic investments – are crucial for understanding how Gulf Arab states will exercise economic power in South Asia over the coming years.
Energy
IEA Outlook: U.S. Oil Exports Will Approach Saudi Levels by 2024
The International Energy Agency’s Oil 2019 medium-term outlook sees strong growth in U.S., Iraqi, and Emirati oil production, while Saudi Arabia focuses on maintaining current capacity.
Burning the Midnight Oil to Keep the Lights On
The Gulf is extremely vulnerable to climate change and the clock is ticking to keep the lights and air conditioners on without causing harm to their already fragile environment.
BP Flags the Role of New Energy Kids on the Block
The energy system is undergoing a radical shift away from fossil fuels in a world where oil is no longer king. However, to meet demand growth, oil and gas will remain key components of the energy mix for decades to come.
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
New Congress Sounds Alarms for U.S.-Gulf Arab Partnership
Yemen, Khashoggi, detainees, and nuclear technology are driving a deep-seated congressional backlash against Riyadh.
Looking to Elections, Supreme Leader Places Allies in Key Positions
Khamenei’s moves to consolidate his power have led to growing speculation in Iran that the position of its president – current or future – will be far less significant in how the country is led.
As U.S. Sanctions Bite, Iran Flexes Diplomatic Muscles in Iraq and Syria
Rouhani's trip to Iraq and Assad's to Iran show that Tehran and its allies are determined to maintain alliances.
Security
UAE and Russia Find Common Ground on Syria
The UAE is poised to emerge as Russia’s most important Gulf Arab partner on Syria.
IDEX 2019 Highlights Gulf States' Move to Develop Domestic Defense Industries
IDEX 2019 demonstrated that both the Emiratis and Saudis are serious about developing domestic defense industries and enlisting global defense firms as partners in this effort.
The Aftershocks of Aleppo's Fall Continue to Shake the Region
From the establishment of the Turkey-Russia-Iran triumvirate to the ongoing Arab efforts to re-engage with Syria, everything can be traced back to the events of December 2016.
Society
Podcast Production in the Gulf Arab States: Expanding Beyond the Region
Despite the challenges still facing podcast production, the enthusiasm of khaleejis to spread podcasting culture is encouraging collaboration and the passionate embrace of podcasting across the Arab region.
Podcast Production in the Gulf Arab States: The Surge of Saudi Podcasting
With Saudi Arabia’s prolific work in online content creation and social media consumption, it is no surprise that Saudis are following the global trend in podcast creation.
Podcast Production in the Gulf Arab States: Build It, and They Will Come
Podcasting culture is rapidly spreading across the Gulf. Though it still has a long way to go before catching on with the masses, it offers opportunities for growth and lucrative business prospects.
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