Gulf Nashra Weekly Digest
Trump in the Gulf; Iran Readies for Oman Talks with U.S.; Saudis Discuss MBS’s Reaction to Syria Sanctions Relief; New Book Charts U.S.-Iran-Saudi Relations
Media Coverage
Trump’s Visit to the Gulf
“Trump meets Syrian President al-Sharaa in Riyadh.” Al Arabiya, May 14,2025.
“Trump said on Tuesday he would order the lifting of all sanctions on Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a huge boost for al-Sharaa as he seeks to stabilize a country shattered by war.”
Go Deeper: “Syria Becomes a Front Line in Protecting Saudi Security.” Carnegie, March 26, 2025.
“Donald Trump signs a $142bn defence sales agreement with Saudi Arabia during visit.” Middle East Eye, May 13, 2025.
“The new arms deal, which includes exports of GE gas turbines and energy solutions totaling $14.2bn and Boeing 737-8 passenger aircraft totaling $4.8bn, goes some way towards fulfilling that aim.”
Go Deeper: “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $600 Billion Investment Commitment in Saudi Arabia.” The White House, May 13, 2025.
“U.S., UAE agree on path for Emirates to buy top American AI chips, Trump says.” CNBC, May 16 2025.
“The “very big contract” in question could be in reference to a reported preliminary agreement with the UAE that would permit it to import 500,000 of Nvidia’s H100 chips per year — the most advanced chips that the American company produces. This would accelerate the desert sheikhdom’s ability to build data centers needed to power its AI models.”
Go Deeper: “The United Arab Emirates’ AI Ambitions.” Center for Strategic and International Studies, January 24, 2025
“US, Qatar deals to generate $1.2 trillion in 'economic exchange', White House says.” Reuters, May 14, 2025.
“The agreements include a $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways to buy up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X airplanes with GE Aerospace engines, the fact sheet said. They also include a statement of intent that could lead to $38 billion in investments at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base and other air defense and maritime security capabilities, it said.”
Go Deeper: “Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures Historic $1.2 Trillion Economic Commitment in Qatar.” The White House, May 14, 2025.
“Trump gives tech stocks their first Gulf-driven rally.” Middle East Eye, May 14, 2025.
“Usually, when US presidents visit the oil-rich region, shares of traditional defence contractors rally as investors bet they will bag deals to sell Arab monarchs missiles and jet fighters.”
Go Deeper: “Towards a Tech Exporting Gulf: How the AI Revolution Is Reshaping Defence and Politics in the GCC States.” Italian Institute for International Political Studies, May 2, 2025.
Geopolitics
“Iran’s FM visits Saudi Arabia, Qatar before nuclear talks with US in Oman.” Al Jazeera, May 10, 2025.
“Araqhchi’s Gulf tour on Saturday came after Tehran confirmed the latest round Friday: “The negotiations are moving forward, and naturally, the further we go, the more consultations and reviews are needed,” Araghchi said in remarks carried by Iranian state media.”
Go Deeper: “Beyond Iran: a new nuclear doctrine for the Persian Gulf.” Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, May 13, 2025.
“Global oil demand growth to slow for rest of 2025 as supply jumps, IEA says.” Reuters, May 15, 2025.
“Global oil demand will rise more slowly for the remainder of 2025 due to economic headwinds combined with record sales of electric vehicles, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Thursday, as rising supply from planned OPEC+ output hikes keeps the market in surplus.”
Go Deeper: “Oil Market Report - May 2025” IEA, May 2025.
“Syria's president visits Bahrain and discusses regional affairs with the king.” The Washington Post, May 10, 2025.
“Since taking office, al-Sharaa has visited Arab and regional countries including Saudi Arabia , United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Turkey. Earlier this week, he made his first trip to Europe where he met French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and announced that his country is having indirect talks with Israel.”
Go Deeper: “What role will the Gulf states play in shaping the new Syria?” Atlantic Council, December 24, 2024.
“Sudan's shadow war: Drone strikes reveal escalating tensions between UAE and Turkey.” Middle East Eye. May 15, 2025.
“The attack on Port Sudan, currently the country’s de facto capital and previously one of the safest places in Sudan, and the destruction of military hangars that potentially housed Turkish-made drones, has raised tensions between Turkey and the UAE.”
Go Deeper: “Sudan vs UAE: just trying to get attention?” Justice Info, Mar 21, 2025.
Domestic
Kuwait: “Al-Mukhaizim: Renewable Energy to Reach 50% by 2050.” Al Jarida, May 12, 2025.
“Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy, Dr. Subaih Al-Mukhaizim, affirmed that Kuwait aims to achieve a balanced energy mix by increasing the share of renewable energy to 50% of total electricity production by 2050. This goal will be pursued through well-planned strategies and ambitious projects that align with Kuwait’s international commitments and its vision for a sustainable future.”
Go Deeper: “Kuwait Is Awash in Oil Money. But It Can’t Keep the Power On.” The New York Times, September 8, 2024.
Gulf Opinions
This week, Saudi commentators focused on the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressing his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump following the announcement of lifting sanctions on Syria. The image received widespread attention, not only in the Gulf but across the Arab world. Needless to say, Syrians were among the most celebratory. For instance, the well-known Syrian footballer playing in the Saudi Pro League, Omar Al Somah, posted on his X account: “Syria without sanctions... Syria moving forward with steady steps, God willing... Thank you, Kingdom... Thank you, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, may God protect and guide you.” Saudi commentators expressed immense pride. Khalid Al Jarallah emphasized that the Crown Prince’s “reaction” is best captured by “his warm applause, heartfelt smile, and the gesture of placing his hand over his heart—as if to say, ‘this decision comes from the heart… and you have a place in mine.’” More importantly, Al Jarallah noted that, from a regional perspective, this gesture also reflects the Kingdom's role in “carrying the concerns of the entire nation.” Similarly, Motab Alawwd described this as a “moment [that] became an iconic symbol of love and appreciation,” adding that it reflects the growing influence “the Kingdom has come to represent on the international stage.” Abdullah Al Ghadawi explored the broader implications of the moment, arguing that it signals a significant shift in Middle Eastern geopolitics. According to him, this development is expected to reintegrate Syria into the global economy, attract foreign investments, and restore its strategic role as a vital link between the Gulf, Turkey, and Europe. Ali Maki echoed this view, stressing that such a moment was not unexpected, given the Crown Prince’s active engagement in international affairs. He asserted that this “international decision is a culmination of a wise Saudi stance that went beyond narrow calculations, viewing the region through both a strategic and humanitarian lens.” He further noted that the Crown Prince has “sought for the Kingdom's voice to not only reflect its own interests but also to carry the concerns of the region and support the principles of sovereignty, stability, and Arab unity.” Finally, Malik Alrougui reflected on the broader efforts behind the scene, writing on his X account that “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's presence and clear joy at the lifting of sanctions on Syria encapsulate the great efforts he has led since the liberation of Damascus. He placed his full weight behind President Ahmed Al Sharaa to help Syria regain its standing, directing all Saudi ministers to prioritize the Syrian file during their visits, something we have seen reflected in the actions of the finance and foreign ministries, among others.”
More Gulf Opinions
“Riyadh’s diplomatic practices play a major role in shaping the future of the region. It has contributed to conflict resolution and the lifting of sanctions on Syria, an important shift that helps restore economic oxygen to the country.”
Abdulaziz Al Kandari, Alrai, (Kuwait), May 14, 2025.
“Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria is a positive gesture that paves the way for regional stability and offers Syrian territory a chance to recover, so that the Syrian citizen may live with dignity and security. Any Arab effort in this direction is appreciated, particularly the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ultimate goal in the days to come remains for the Arabs to hold an independent and sovereign voice on the international stage.”
Jasim Aljezza, X, (Kuwait), May 13, 2025.
“We’ve heard of a country intervening on behalf of a person—but Mohammed [MbS] is the first person to intercede on behalf of a country.”
Sultan bin Btlaa, X, (Saudi Arabia), May 13, 2025.
“The visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to Qatar comes within the context of these distinguished relations and also amid complex international and regional circumstances. These conditions call for consultation and dialogue to find solutions to the pressing issues that cast a shadow of uncertainty over international peace and security.”
Mohammed Haji, Alwatan, (Qatar), May 14, 2025.
“Oman does not wager on victory, but on virtue. It does not barter with alliances, but leads with trust. It does not raise slogans, but builds bridges. At a moment when the world fears the outbreak of a new war between major powers, Muscat extinguishes the spark before it becomes a flame. It brings Tehran and Washington under one roof, not to impose a viewpoint, but to open a window.”
Ahmed Al Farsi, Oman Daily, (Oman) May 16, 2025.
“From Beijing to Washington, and from Mumbai to Moscow, Riyadh is seen as an effective, balanced, and pragmatic economic partner. In a world seeking pillars of economic stability, Saudi Arabia has succeeded in cementing its position as a 21st-century power in governance, diplomacy, and industrial sovereignty.”
Mohammed Hassan, Aljarida, (Kuwait), May 15, 2025.
“This statement came as an indirect answer to the question that is often raised in the halls of American politics: ‘What does Saudi Arabia want?’ This time, the answer did not come from Riyadh, but from Washington itself, when Trump implicitly said: ‘We respect your uniqueness… you seek respect… and you deserve it.’”
Zaid bin Kami, Asharq Al-Awsat, (Saudi Arabia), May 15, 2025.
Gulf Nashra Picks
Book: Luíza Cerioli “The Persian Gulf triangle: Strategic relations between Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United States” Manchester University Press, December 2024.
Analysis: “Trump’s Pledge to the Middle East: No More ‘Lectures on How to Live’.” Vivian Nereim, The New York Times, May 14, 2025.
Analysis: “Has Kuwait Abandoned What’s Left of Its Democracy?” Sam Kennedy, The Democratic Erosion Consortium, May 13, 2025.
Commentary: “Trump travels to a Middle East in transition.” Middle East Institute, May 12, 2025.
Podcast: “Trump's Gulf Billions: Saudi, Sanctions, and Ceasefires.” The rest is politics, May 14, 2025.
Academic Paper: Javier Bordón ‘They Are All the Same’: Securitising the Muslim Brotherhood in Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Ordering Space and the Regional ‘Common Sense’ The international Spectator, May 12, 2025.
Analysis: “Gulf Leaders Should Be Concerned About Dueling Narratives During Trump’s Visit” Amr Hamzawy, Zaha Hassan, and Andrew Leber, Carnegie, May 14, 2025.
Webinar: “A Golden Age for U.S.-Gulf Relations? Assessing President Trump’s Middle East Tour.” Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, May 19, 2025.
Academic Paper: Manal Nadeem and Neha Vora “New Cartographies of Belonging and Exclusion in the United Arab Emirates.” Social Change, Sage Journals, April 29, 2025.
Analysis: “Ambition, Investment, Collaboration: Trump’s Visit Redefines U.S.-UAE Tech.” John Calabrese, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, May 12, 2025.
Podcast: “'A Golden Age of the Middle East'? Trump visits the Gulf.” Sky News, May 14, 2025.
Analysis: “Why the Gulf States Might Be the Most MAGA US Partners.” Andreas Krieg, Arab Center in Washington, May 13, 2025.
Academic Paper: Lisa Blaydes “Selling” China in the Arab Gulf States: Economic Insecurity and Attitudes Toward Chinese Growth. Studies in Comparative International Development, May 6, 2025.
Podcast: “Trump's Persian Gulf Tour.” What Really Matters, May 15, 2025.
Commentary: “A midstream appraisal of Trump’s historic Middle East trip.” Brian Katulis, Middle East Institute, May 14, 2025.
Analysis: “President Trump Does Business in Saudi Arabia.” Imad K. Harb, Arab Center in Washington, May 13, 2025.
Analysis: “Trump’s Gulf Trip Should Prove a Big Win-Win for All Parties.” Hussein Ibish, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, May 8, 2025.