Without a common foreign policy goal, the Gulf states have engaged in trivial rivalries that have carried serious security and human costs for the region. It's time to rethink that approach.
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 Gulfโs digital standards and who becomes its technological gatekeeper. Abu Dhabi's position is already well established, but Saudi Arabiaโs Vision 2030 ambitions are fast catching up, setting the stage for a Gulf-wide AI rivalry.
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 todayโs fractured geopolitical landscape, they represent more than resources: they are leverage.
A quiet realignment in the Middle East sees Tehran, Arab states, and Washington converge on de-escalation amid shared interests. As Iran's threat perception shifts, Arab diplomacy grows crucial, while the Trump administration's pragmatic approach offers a path for regional stability and cooperation.
Recent shifts in the Levant signal a transformative geopolitical landscape, marked by Bashar Assad's fall and Gulf states normalizing ties with Syria and Lebanon. As Iran retreats, regional powers must seize this moment to foster stability and collaboration, avoiding past mistakes.
