In this SCMP article by Tom Hussain, I remarked that the UAE’s CEPAs in Southeast Asia “are formulated as a template that extends well beyond the terms of a regular free-trade agreement”, signalling “a wider diplomatic engagement, touching on softer, if not, strategic sectors such as education, digital cooperation, healthcare”. Crucially, the CEPAs reflect the…

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In this article for the Washington Institute, I explain the the latest changes in the decision-making configuration of the United Arab Emirates. Specifically, it deals with the appointment of the Crown Prince of the Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled Mohammed bin Zayed, and his credentials. Another noteworthy addition is a second Vice-President, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed,…

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In this collection of quick responses by the MEI research team, I provide my thoughts on the Saudi-Iran agreements brokered by Beijing. In a nutshell, while the deal is laudable and follows the path of regional de-escalation, there are still questions left unanswered. Link to comments: https://mei.nus.edu.sg/think_in/mei-snapshot-the-impact-of-saudi-iran-agreement/ Published on March 17, 2023

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I shared my thoughts in this SCMP article about Qatar’s sustained drive to maintain its position as a global event destination, and how sport constitutes a pillar of its nation branding strategy. Qatar’s objective primarily lies in sustaining its position as a global event destination, and even more so for sporting events after the success…

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I shared my insights in this SCMP article on China’s relations with the Gulf Arab states, reiterating my views on how the monarchies are not only addressing the perennial issue of economic diversification, but also the diversification of partnerships — pointing to the adoption of a proactive foreign policy. To go further, I would add…

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In this piece for the 9/11 Legacies and the Global War on Terror project helmed by Ameem Lufti (also my former colleague at MEI) and Kevin Schwartz, I reflected upon how the rhetoric on terrorism (as a threat) has changed, but also how the Gulf states should reorganize their own priorities according to what is…

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I was invited to comment, in this China Daily article, on Riyadh’s vision of regional stability and, indeed, prosperity. Despite the perceived rivalry between the kingdom and the UAE (the economic powerhouse of the region), Riyadh has made considerable efforts since the Al Ula summit to (re-)align their respective economic visions so the GCC as…

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In this piece for MEI Perspectives, I discuss how the perceived US disengagement from the Gulf region has strengthened intra-bloc ties, making de-escalation not only compelling, but also enabling a pathway towards engagement with former rivals. In this writing I specifically examine the prospects of Qatar-Iran relations, which are a noteworthy signpost of how far…

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I do not often get the chance to speak about my journey into Gulf affairs; what took me to Kuwait; my first research project; and how I ended up doing what I am doing. So Prof. Simon Mabon’s podcast, sponsored by the SEPAD (the Sectarianism, Proxies and De-Sectarianization) project at Lancaster University, offered me a…

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My latest MEI paper, released earlier today, wraps up the Afghanistan volume of our 𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑠 series. With the Afghanistan debacle as a focal point, I examine US-Gulf relations through geopolitical lenses, notably how sidelining the Gulf states could complicate the Washington’s ability to manage crises with regional/global implications, such as Afghanistan, and now, Ukraine —…

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In this analysis for The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, I observe how there is renewed buoyancy for the Omani economy as rallied oil prices are expected to ease the execution of plans, big and small. Tying the latest 5-year plan in with Oman Vision 2040 spells optimism, but public trust in government policies…

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In this commentary for MEI Perspectives, I delve into the political developments in Qatar, including the Shura Council elections and cabinet changes. Of significance are the motivations behind these decisions, and the lingering questions on the effectiveness of the legislative branch. While media outlets have lauded these internal reforms, these changes should not be mistaken…

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My remarks for an article by Sébastien Castelier in the French webzine Orient XXI: ▪️Au Koweït, « il y a maintenant beaucoup de protestations silencieuses contre l’introduction de taxes » analyse Clemens Chay, directeur de recherche pour les pays du Golfe à l’Université Nationale de Singapour (NUS) et spécialiste de cet émirat. ▪️« Tout au long de l’histoire politique du…

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In this co-authored article for The Italian Institute for International Political Studies, Hamad Albloshi and I follow up on an earlier piece to unveil a worrying assessment of Kuwaiti politics. The situation has reached a deplorable stage, marred not only by bureaucratic infighting between government branches, but also by outbreaks of fisticuffs in the parliament…

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I gave my testimony to The Peninsula Qatar, lauding the initiative by Qatar National Library for partnering with the British Library to digitise an archive — the world’s largest collection of historical reports, letters, manuscripts, maps, photographs and sound recordings on the Gulf, Arabian Peninsula, and neighboring regions. The scanned material is made free to…

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