Gulf Cooperation Council - The Geopolitical Desk

The race for AI leadership in the Gulf

The race between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will define who sets the Gulf’s digital standards and who becomes its technological gatekeeper. Abu Dhabi's position is already well established, but Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions are fast catching up, setting the stage for a Gulf-wide AI rivalry.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 14 Nov 2025

Understanding Turkey's evolving agenda in the Gulf

Turkish President Erdoğan’s latest economic and security outreach to the Gulf could easily benefit both sides, but Turkey's ambition and the Gulf's wariness of Ankara's influence could limit their cooperation.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 1 Nov 2025

Understanding Turkey's evolving agenda in the Gulf

Gulf states and the critical minerals race

Critical minerals, from lithium and cobalt to rare earth elements, have become the backbone of modern industries, powering everything from defense systems to electric vehicle batteries. In today’s fractured geopolitical landscape, they represent more than resources: they are leverage.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 11 Oct 2025

Gulf states and the critical minerals race

Moscow prepares to host Russia-Arab Summit

With the middle east undergoing major changes, Russia is looking to reestablish its relations with Arab nations.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 8 Oct 2025

Moscow prepares to host Russia-Arab Summit

Can Gulf states survive in a new hard power world?

American power and security guarantees helped build the modern Gulf, but shifting trends both globally and regionally are forcing gulf leaders into difficult decisions

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 20 Sep 2025

Can Gulf states survive in a new hard power world?

Can a unified visa reshape regional tourism in the Gulf?

In July, the GCC Supreme Council announced the approval of a unified tourist visa allowing foreigners to access all six countries within the bloc using a single permit. With plans to pilot this by the end of 2025, the relaxation of rules encourages multi-destination trips across the Gulf region.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 31 Aug 2025

Can a unified visa reshape regional tourism in the Gulf?

Why the Gulf holds the keys to the India–Middle East–Europe Corridor

The Gulf is positioned as a pivotal hub in the emerging India–Middle East–Europe Corridor (IMEC), with the potential to reshape global trade routes while diversifying its economies. This analysis explores EU–GCC integration and the geopolitical stakes driving IMEC’s future.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 8 Aug 2025

The Gulf’s strategic pivot after the Israel-Iran war

Since the Israel-Iran ceasefire came into effect on June 24, the atmosphere has shifted in the Gulf region as key states including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE work to secure their economies and recalibrate their geopolitical positioning.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 30 Jul 2025

The Gulf’s strategic pivot after the Israel-Iran war

Navigating Gulf markets through the eyes of a veteran investor

In this interview, investor and advisor Munder Shuhumi breaks down the opportunities and risks facing foreign investors in the GCC. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to navigating local partnerships and due diligence, Shuhumi shares essential insights on doing business in the Gulf.

By The Geopolitical Desk

/ 11 Jul 2025

Navigating Gulf markets through the eyes of a veteran investor