The now-iconic Washington Post photograph of Ahmed al-Sharaa calmly contemplating a chessboard during his visit to Washington reflects the strategy that has defined his rise: a blend of calculation, patience, and a willingness to play a long game with pieces others assumed were unwinnable.
Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington signalled that U.S.-Saudi relations are entering a more structured and future-oriented phase. The partnership is increasingly anchored in shared tech priorities, deeper defence integration and large-scale capital alignment with U.S. strategic industries.
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.
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.
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.
American power and security guarantees helped build the modern Gulf, but shifting trends both globally and regionally are forcing gulf leaders into difficult decisions
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.
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.
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.
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.
