Gulf Nashra Weekly Digest
Gulf Authors Debate Trump-Zelensky Clash; Arab Summit for Palestine; Sudan Accuses UAE; and a New Book on the Global Gulf.
Media Coverage
“Arab leaders approve $53bn alternative to Trump's Gaza plan.” BBC, March 04, 2025.
“Wealthy Gulf states appear willing to foot some of the colossal bill. But no one is ready to invest unless they are absolutely convinced buildings won't come crashing down in another war.”
Go Deeper: “The Cairo statement issued by the extraordinary Arab summit 'Palestine Summit'.” [Here]. Arabic.
“Ukraine, US to hold talks on Russia-Ukraine war in Saudi Arabia next week.” AlJazeera, March 07, 2025.
“Zelenskyy said on Thursday he would travel to Saudi Arabia on Monday for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before bilateral talks with US officials.”
Go Deeper: “Saudi Arabia’s Diplomacy and the Changing World Order.” Abdulaziz Sager, Gulf Research Center, March 06, 2025.
“Sudan launches case against United Arab Emirates at World Court.” Reuters, March 06, 2025.
“The charges are in connection with intense ethnic-based attacks by the RSF and allied Arab militias against the non-Arab Masalit tribe in 2023 in West Darfur, documented in detail by Reuters. Those attacks were determined to be genocide by the United States in January.”
Go Deeper: “The Great Game of the UAE and Saudi Arabia in Sudan.” Project on Middle East Political Science. June 2020.
“UAE, Iran hold 1st round of political consultations.” Middle East Monitor, March 01, 2025.
“The UAE Foreign Ministry said political consultations took place in Abu Dhabi and were chaired by UAE Assistant Minister for Political Affairs Lana Nusseibeh and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi.”
Al-Taie to China's People's Daily: Oman will play a constructive role in the Belt and Road Initiative. Alroya, March 06, 2025.
“Al-Taie, in an interview with People's Daily—China’s largest daily newspaper and the leading trade partner of Oman—highlighted that the People's Republic of China is the top importer of Omani crude oil. He noted that in recent years, trade exchange between Oman and China has exceeded $40 billion, while Chinese investments in the Sultanate have surpassed $6.6 billion. The energy and petrochemical sector accounts for 76% of these investments.”
Go Deeper: “China-Oman relations and the Indian Ocean security dilemma.” Matteo Legrenzi &Fred H. Lawson, Peace, Security & Global Change, 2019.
"464 fraudsters and dual citizens stripped of nationality. DNA... brings down hundreds of fraudsters." Al Rai, March 06, 2025.
“Investigations into an old case of a person who added children who were not his own to his file opened the door to following up on related files and verifying the legitimacy of the other children. This led to the discovery of many more added fraudsters, based on investigations and DNA tests."
Go Deeper: “Fahad Al-Yousef, guest of 'Theater of Life'... Information and answers about all files.” Al Rai, Febuary 09, 2025.
“Most Gulf markets in red on tariff war worries.” Reuters, March 06, 2025.
“Market anxiety persisted with escalating trade tensions spark fears of slowing economic growth, following U.S. imposition of 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, along with additional duties on Chinese goods.”
Go Deeper: “How can US trade Tariffs impact Middle Eastern countries.” Salaam Getway, February, 26,2025.
Oman: “By the end of the third quarter of 2024, foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows increased by 17.6% to 26.6 billion riyals.” Alroya, March 02, 2025.
“Statistics from the National Center for Statistics and Information indicate that the United Kingdom ranked first among the investing countries in the Sultanate of Oman until the third quarter of 2024, with investments totaling 13.66 billion Omani riyals, followed by the United States with 5.25 billion Omani riyals, and the United Arab Emirates with 836.5 million Omani riyals.”
Go Deeper: “Sultanate of Oman Government Development Bonds” Central Bank of Oman, February 13, 2025. [PDF].
“Aramco signals sharply lower dividends as special payout shrinks.” Reuters, March 06, 2025.
“Saudi oil giant Aramco signalled on Tuesday it will slash its dividend payouts by nearly a third this year, meaning fewer funds for the kingdom as it races to complete several mammoth projects and possibly faces a wider budget deficit.”
Go Deeper: Saudi Aramco Annual Report 2024. [PDF].
“UAE economy grows by 3.8% in first nine months of 2024.” The National, March 06, 2025.
“Real gross domestic product of the Emirates for the nine-month period to the end of September rose to Dh1.32 trillion ($359.4 billion). The non-oil economy grew by 4.5 per cent annually to Dh987 billion, accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the country's economic activity, while the oil sector made up the rest, state news agency Wam reported.”
Go Deeper: UAE: “Federal General Budget Annual Report.” UAE’s Ministry of Finance, 2025. [PDF].
“Qatar-US LNG export project back on track.” AGBI, March 06, 2025.
“The delayed project has now gained approval by the new US administration to ramp up development and start production on November 30, 2029, Bloomberg reported.”
Go Deeper: “LNG Giant and Solar Dreams: Qatar’s Next Energy Chapter.” Middle East Council on Global Affairs, January 2025.
“Gulf companies win slice of $32bn Morocco hydrogen projects.” AGBI, March 07, 2025.
“The Moroccan government has selected companies from the UAE and Saudi Arabia to help develop hydrogen projects worth MAD319 billion ($32 billion) in the country’s southern province, the prime minister’s office has announced.”
Go Deeper: “Acwa Power targets green hydrogen link to Europe.” AGBI, January 27, 2025.
“Exclusive: Saudi Arabia-backed sports fund weighs investing in World Athletics, sources say.” Reuters, March 05, 2025.
“The sport's governing body has been considering establishing a new company to manage rights and bring in cash from a new investor, the people said.”
Go Deeper: “It’s Not Sportswashing, It’s Just Sports.” Amnah Mosly, Gulf Research Center, September, 09,2023.
Gulf Opinions
The Trump-Zelensky clash dominated discussion among Gulf commentators this week. Former Emirati Air Force General Abdullah Al Hashimi argued that Trump's "America First" policy is reshaping global dynamics by reducing military interventions and limiting unconditional support for allies, thereby allowing China and Russia to expand their influence in regions historically dominated by the United States. He further asserted that the Trump-Zelensky meeting was more than a diplomatic engagement; it signified a shift in the global order. Saudi commentator Abdullah Bin Bijad Al Otaibi placed responsibility on the Democrats and the left, arguing that their policies have made Ukraine overly dependent on U.S. support. He described the situation as challenging for Zelensky and insisted that the world must reevaluate its approach in dealing with “the most powerful empire in history.” Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Al-Jarallah characterized Trump's handling of Zelensky as “naked diplomacy”, emphasizing a core diplomatic strategy, exposing and disrupting an opponent’s plans to prevent them from achieving their objectives. He maintained that Trump deserved recognition for his transparent dialogue with Zelensky, whom he accused of attempting to orchestrate a global conflict. Conversely, Omani commentator Badar Al Shidi drew historical parallels, recalling Muammar Gaddafi's past confrontations with Arab leaders. He argued that Trump deliberately places his guests in uncomfortable positions to strengthen his domestic appeal, fuel “populism,” and project American dominance on the world stage. From a conspiratorial perspective, Bahraini analyst Abdull Al Moneim Ibrahim suggested that Washington is manipulating the Ukrainian crisis as part of a broader agenda. He contended that the current global system is designed to perpetuate “instability,” with no real intention of promoting “peace or equality.”
More Gulf Opinions
On Trump-Zelensky Meeting
“The economic path will not be smooth or easy for America in a world of international trade and economic cooperation. The economy always teaches us that options are available and never completely disappear, even if they become difficult. No country stands alone economically without partnerships and international cooperation.”
Rashid Al Fozan, Al Riyadh, (Saudi Arabia), March 4, 2025.
“In reality, everyone is a loser—Zelensky, Trump, and Europe—while the main winner is Russian President Vladimir Putin, with a lesser victory for Vice President J.D. Vance.”
Mamdouh Al-Muhaini, Asharq Al-Awsat, (Saudi Arabia), March 4, 2025.
“American isolationism has deep cultural, philosophical, and social roots in the United States. The movement led by President Donald Trump is merely a modern manifestation of an old philosophy. The question remains: Will Trump succeed in advancing this agenda, or will these new policies further divide American society and intensify polarization?”
Al Bader Al Shatiri, Albayan, (UAE), March 5, 2025.
“What happened to the Ukrainian president in the White House trap serves as a real-life example confirming a fundamental political principle: a strong state does not rely solely on balances of interest but, above all, on balances of power. This has been proven theoretically and is now demonstrated practically before the world—just as it has always been throughout history.”
Khalid Al Dakhil, X, (Saudi Arabia), March 2, 2025.
Other Topics
“This Arab summit comes amid highly sensitive circumstances and global shifts in all directions. While an international agreement was signed between Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Hamas, and Israel, with the ceasefire taking effect on January 19, Israel has, since that date, killed 111 Palestinians and injured 916 others, according to data from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza, in a clear violation of the ceasefire terms.”
Abdullah Al Sulaiti, Al Rraya, (Qatar), March 4, 2025.
“This step refers to the adoption of Egypt's plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, transforming it into an official Arab initiative presented on behalf of all Arab nations. This plan serves as the strongest Arab response to the declared schemes of displacement and the liquidation of the Palestinian cause.”
Al-Sayed Zahra, Akhbar Alkhaleej, (Bahrain), March 6, 2025.
“The "PropTech Connect 2026" Conference and Exhibition will be a major turning point in the journey of Dubai's real estate sector, enhancing market competitiveness and attracting global players in real estate technology. This will lead to the development of a more advanced, smarter, and more sustainable business environment.”
Ismail Alhammadi, Emarat Alyoum, (UAE), March 4, 2025.
“However, the fundamental goal is to transition from constraints to broader horizons. The visit of President Joseph Aoun, known for his initiative and strategic approach in shaping his political future, reflects a dynamic commitment to development and a move toward joining the path of large-scale progress and growth.”
Fahad Al Shoqiran, Asharq Al-Awsat, (Saudi Arabia), March 6, 2025.
“There is no military value in the attempts by Assad’s remnants to create hotspots of tension here or there, as the international community supports Syria’s stability, and the legitimate government possesses a strong Arab and regional backing.”
Mohammed Al Arab, X, (Saudi Arabia), March 6, 2025.
Gulf Nashra Picks
Book: Ghassan Elkahlout and Sansom Milton “Gulf to Global: The Rise of Qatar in Conflict Mediation” HURST, Forthcoming.
Report: “Diriyah Art Futures Reflects Growing Saudi Investment in Digital Art.” Rebecca Proctor, The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, March 05, 2025.
Analysis: “Saudi Arabia’s Diplomacy and the Changing World Order.” Abdulaziz Sager, Gulf Research Center, March 06, 2025.
Interview: “Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, [Kuwait’s] First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.” Al Rai [Arabic Only].
Report: “The GCC between competition and coordination amid regional instability.” Máté Szalai, Clingeneal, January 31, 2025.
Podcast: “Leading Games, Esports & Innovation in Saudi Arabia” with the| CEO of Savvy Games, Mo Show, March 06, 2025.
Analysis: “Israel’s Campaign against Qatar over Its Support for Gaza and a Ceasefire.” Arab Center in Doha, February 24, 2025. [PDF].
Analysis: “South Asia’s Pivot to the Gulf.” Gopi Bhamidipati, The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, February 27, 2025.
Interview: “Aisha Al-Mana guest on Al-Liwan program with Abdullah Al-Mudaifer” Al-Liwan, March 06, 2025. [Arabic with English Subtitle].
Analysis: “The UAE and Italy: Deepening Strategic Partnership in a Turbulent International Landscape.” Ebtesam AlKetbi, Emirates Policy Center, March 03, 2025.