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.
Turkish President Erdoฤanโs 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 todayโs fractured geopolitical landscape, they represent more than resources: they are leverage.
The recognition of a Palestinian state by a slew of Western countries does little to change things on the ground, but opens up the real possibility of Israeli backlash. Here European states will need to take a stand, and buy time as possible change in the U.S. brews.
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 IndiaโMiddle EastโEurope Corridor (IMEC), with the potential to reshape global trade routes while diversifying its economies. This analysis explores EUโGCC integration and the geopolitical stakes driving IMECโs future.
While the regional landscape remains volatile, this report outlines several pragmatic recommendations that could help Iran navigate its way out of the current quagmire through diplomatic recalibration, strategic restraint, and internal realignment.
A ten-day episode of fighting erupted across Suwayda, in southern Syria, on July 12. What began as a local clash between Druze militias and Sunni Bedouin tribal armed groups quickly spiraled into a full-scale tribal war on a national level.
Europeโs current Iran policy is confused, reactive and counterproductive. This special report outlines the shortcomings of current policy, identifies opportunities for realignment and recommends specific steps ahead of the July 25 Istanbul meeting to restore Europeโs credibility and influence.
