Gulf Nashra Weekly Digest
Gulf Authors Debate Their Region's Relations with the U.S.; Qatar Has the Gulf's Highest GDP Per Capita; and Bahrain Cancels Direct Cash Payments to Low-Income Families.
Media Coverage
“Investor caution sends most Gulf markets lower.” Reuters, March 23, 2025.
“Most Gulf stock markets were subdued on Sunday as escalating geopolitical concerns and worries over U.S. tariffs and their potential impact on the global economy led investors to exercise caution and retreat from riskier investments. Saudi Arabia's benchmark index (.TASI) fell 0.6%, with Al Rajhi Bank (1120.SE) and the country's biggest lender, Saudi National Bank (1180.SE), each losing 1.6%.”
Go Deeper: “US policy uncertainty drives fears of a recession.” QNB, March 23, 2025. [PDF].
“US VP asked to minimize risk to Saudi oil facilities ahead of Houthi strikes.” Al Arabiya, March 26, 2025.
“Let’s just make sure our messaging is tight here. And if there are things we can do upfront to minimize risk to Saudi oil facilities we should do it,” Vance said in one of his messages on the thread.”
Go Deeper: “Insight: The Geopolitical Consequences of the Gaza War for the Gulf States.” The Gulf Nashra, February 20, 2025.
“US commerce secretary’s remarks on Kuwait trade policies spark backlash.” Kuwait Times, March 23, 2025.
“These statements [US commerce Secretary’s] have been widely criticized by politicians and media figures in Kuwait, who have described them as containing several inaccuracies and false claims. Many have called for the comments to be treated seriously but also viewed within a broader context. In this regard, former MP Saleh Al-Mulla stressed that the information cited by the US Secretary of Commerce is, at best, false. He indicated via his X account that it is important to read such messages carefully and attentively.”
Go Deeper: “Turning Challenges into Opportunities: Revitalizing the U.S.-Kuwait Partnership.” Gulf International Forum, March 25, 2025.
Gulf: “Chamber: GDP Expected to Grow by 3.16%... Per Capita Income to Reach $29,000 in 2025." Al Watan, March 25, 2025.
“Qatar tops the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in projected 2025 per capita GDP, estimated at $83,382. The United Arab Emirates ranked second with $55,781 per capita, followed by Saudi Arabia in third place with $34,295. Kuwait ranked fourth, with a projected per capita GDP of $31,680, while Bahrain came fifth at $29,337, and Oman ranked sixth with $20,660.”
Go Deeper: “Trade Relations Between the Kingdom of Bahrain and GCC Countries.” Bahrain Chamber, 2025. English [PDF].
“Saudi Arabia Banks Set to Sell Bad Loans Ahead of Boom in Giga Projects.” Bloomberg, March 24, 2025.
“The country’s banks, led by Saudi National Bank, are considering shedding non-performing loans from their books through securitization deals, according to people familiar with the matter. They said the first major sale could come this year, freeing up room for further lending for ambitious development initiatives known as giga projects.”
Go Deeper: “Banks may sell bad loans to finance gigaprojects -Bloomberg.” Enterprise, March 25, 2025.
“31 Million Hotel Guests in the UAE During 2024, Marking 10% Growth.” Aletihad, March 26, 2025.
“Tourism data from the Ministry of Economy indicated that the number of hotel nights in the UAE reached 104.4 million nights in 2024, up from 97 million nights in 2023, reflecting a 7.6% growth. The average hotel occupancy rate in the country rose to 77.9% in 2024, compared to 75% in 2023, marking a 4% increase. Notably, the average occupancy rate has climbed from 62% in 2014 to 77.9% in 2024.”
Go Deeper: “The UAE Tourism Strategy 2031” Roland Berger. [PDF].
Kuwait: “Decree-Law on financing, liquidity allocates 30 billion dinars over 50 years.” Kuwait Times, March 26, 2025.
“The importance of the law in the global and local economic context, as Al-Muzaini stated that this decree-law comes at a time when global financial markets are witnessing rapid changes, and the ability to access financing flexibly has become a key factor in ensuring economic stability.”
Go Deeper: “Kuwait: Balancing Revenue Growth With Stability.” Global Finance, March 05, 2025.
Bahrain: “Parliament Approves the General Budget… Public Debt Raised to 22.5 Billion Dinars.” Al Watan, March 26, 2025.
“Minister of Finance and National Economy…confirmed the cancellation of the fifth provision, which stipulated direct cash support to low-income citizens in the event of adjustments to subsidized goods prices during the budget cycle.
Go Deeper: “Bahrain Market Analysis” Fitch Solutions, February 27, 2025.
Oman: “Minister of Heritage and Tourism to Shura Council: Sector to Contribute 3.5% to GDP by 2030.” Al-Watan, March 24, 2025.
“Minister of Heritage and Tourism, affirmed in the ministry’s statement before the Shura Council that several indicators point to tourism contributing 3.5% to the GDP by 2030, supported by strategic investments nearing 3 billion Omani rials currently being implemented, in addition to upcoming targeted investments across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman.”
Go Deeper: “Tourism Indicators Report: January 2025.” National Centre for Statistics and Information, January 2025. English [PDF].
“Tesla to launch in Saudi Arabia as Musk and the kingdom mend relations.” Reuters, March 26, 2025.
“Tesla sells in other Middle Eastern countries, but not in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region's largest market, where EVs only account for 1% of total car sales. The brand has had considerable success in neighbouring United Arab Emirates, where most ride-hailing apps offer electric vehicles.”
Gulf Opinions
This week, Gulf commentators reflected on their countries’ relationships with the United States and their broader foreign policy strategies in a world marked by regional and global tensions. From the United Arab Emirates, Faisal Alshamsi highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence and the adoption of modern technologies across vital sectors. He emphasized their role in improving “productivity, quality of life,” and supporting “sustainable” development in line with global best practices. Alshamsi praised the growing cooperation between the UAE and the U.S. in this field. In contrast, some Kuwaiti commentators expressed criticism of the U.S.–Kuwait relationship, particularly following comments made by the U.S. Commerce Secretary about Kuwait’s trade policies. Jza Bandr Alhajri described the remarks as an “assault” and questioned whether continuing to rely on the U.S. as a strategic ally is still the best option. He argued that the global landscape has “changed,” and there are now “alternative partners” who show greater respect for “sovereignty” and offer more genuine partnerships. However, Khalid Alsaleh defended the U.S. position, attributing the remarks to President Trump’s economic vision. He asserted that Kuwait’s “interests” remain aligned with maintaining strong ties with Washington. According to Alsaleh, the political relationship between Kuwait and the U.S. is grounded in solid “agreements and treaties” that are not easily shaken by individual comments. From Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Alhasani emphasized the Kingdom’s influential role in international affairs, particularly highlighting its recent cooperation with the U.S. in efforts to resolve the Russia–Ukraine war. He noted that the U.S. thanking Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his mediation reflects the international community’s deep respect for Saudi Arabia’s leadership and global standing. Similarly, Abdullah Al Alami, from Bahrain, voiced support for the current U.S.-led international system. He applauded Bahrain’s official candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2026–2027 term, seeing it as a move to further solidify the country’s role as a partner in promoting “peace and global stability.” From Qatar, Jassim Aljezza offered a more introspective critique, calling on Arabs to “reshape their mindset” if they wish to elevate their influence in global affairs. He argued that what’s needed is “a true intellectual revolution,” one that moves beyond a "victim mentality" and embraces proactive change. Finally, from Oman, Hatim Al Tai delivered a sharp critique of U.S. foreign policy, warning that what he described as “capitalist brutality” will only fuel further crises, conflicts, and wars across the globe.
More Gulf Opinions
On Gulf-US Relations
“Through this alliance, Saudi Arabia and the United States have contributed to enhancing global security and stability, supporting the international economy, advancing technology, and influencing regional policies. Despite the challenges facing this partnership, it remains one of the most influential alliances in the world.”
Sultan Alqahtani, Okaz, (Saudi Arabia), March 27, 2025.
“They remind us of the costs they bore to liberate Kuwait from the grip of the Iraqi invasion, as if anyone would have come to our aid had we been producing radishes instead of oil. While we are indeed grateful to the United States, which played the leading role—after God—in that liberation, it was not without a price. In fact, the price paid was far greater than the actual cost of the operation.”
Talal Alarab, Aljarida, (Kuwait), March 25, 2025.
“Drawing on over five decades of active membership in the United Nations—and its current presidency of the Arab League Council—Bahrain reaffirms its commitment to advancing the visionary initiatives of His Majesty the King. These include the call for an international peace conference on the Middle East and efforts to secure full recognition of the State of Palestine and guarantee its membership in the United Nations.”
Tawfiq Alsibai, Alwatan, (Bahrain), March 27, 2025.
“The political landscape in the region and the world is dark and complex, calling for serious reassessments by the international community and human rights organizations. These reviews must confront the actions of the Zionist entity and the damaging U.S. policies that harm global economic interests while unjustly supporting the Zionist regime against the Palestinian people and their just cause.”
Awad bin Saeed, Oman Daily, (Oman), March 25, 2025.
Other Topics
“They were never just numbers in reports or names etched on gravestones ,they were souls overflowing with life.”
Abdul Karim Al Faleh, Okaz, (Saudi Arabia), March 25, 2025.
“Now that the Houthis—structurally, militarily, and in terms of their missile capabilities and drone factories—have become a thing of the past, the same applying to Hamas and Hezbollah, it is essential for states that have engaged with such militias to fully disengage and sever ties, especially with the remaining factions in Iraq.”
Fahad Alshoqiran, Asharq Al-Awsat, (Saudi Arabia), March 27, 2025.
“The escalation of Houthi operations is not merely a reaction on the ground—it is part of Iran’s broader attempt to test the limits of the U.S. response amid rapidly shifting regional dynamics. The Houthis serve as a strategic pressure tool used by Tehran to bargain on major issues, particularly its nuclear program and the economic sanctions it faces.”
Ahdia Ahmed, Alwatan, (Bahrain), March 26, 2025.
“Qatar has played a key role in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people and continued its support even after the fall of the regime. Amid ongoing challenges in Syria, Qatar’s role remains a model of humanitarian effort and Arab solidarity, ensuring that its name is consistently associated with aid and support.”
Faleh Alhajeri, Alarab, (Qatar), March 19, 2025.
“To balance artificial intelligence between the forces of war and peace, there is a need for a global ethical framework that binds nations to rules that prevent catastrophe without hindering technological progress.”
Saif Alzeabi, Aletihad, (UAE), March 24, 2025.
“‘It seems that MbS has succeeded in transforming Saudi Arabia into the capital of diplomacy in the Middle East, with Riyadh becoming a pivotal point in resolving conflicts and forming new alliances’ Wall Street Journal”
Dawood Alshirian, X, (Saudi Arabia), March 28, 2025.
“His Highness the Crown Prince and His Excellency President ‘Abdel Fattah al-Burhan’ during their prayer on the night of 29 Ramadan at the Grand Mosque in Mecca .”
Salman bin Hithlain, X, (Saudi Arabia), March 28, 2025.
“Even at breakfast and occasions side by side, the Kingdom's ambassador and the UAE ambassador in America #YouWillOnlySeeUsTogether”
Abo Muneer, X, (UAE), March 28, 2025.
Gulf Nashra Picks
Book: Yates Athol, “Western Military Expatriates in the Armed Forces of the UAE.” University of Exeter Press, 13 January 2026.
Analysis: “How Russia's Middle East Strategy Threatens Gulf Security.” Jean-Loup Samaan, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, March 25, 2025.
Research Paper: “Does climate policy uncertainty shape the response of stock markets to oil price changes? Evidence from GCC stock markets.” Arouri Mohamed, Gomes Mathieu, Pijourlet Guillaume, Journal of Environmental Management, February 2025.
Analysis: “Trump’s Impulse-Driven Middle East Policy Creates Dangers and Opportunities.” Daniel Brumberg, Arab Center in Washington, March 27, 2025.
Analysis: “The Reach of the GCC’s Booming Renewables Sector Exceeds Grasp.” Robin Mills, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, March 25, 2025.
Podcast: “EU Ambassador [Christophe Farnaud] to Saudi Arabia.” Mo Show, March 25, 2025.
Analysis: “Syria Becomes a Front Line in Protecting Saudi Security.” Hesham Alghannam, Carnegie, March 26, 2025.
Analysis: “Oil Prices and Gulf Economic Policymaking.” Robert Mogielnicki, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, March 20, 2025.
Analysis: “A Decade after the Saudi Military Intervention in Yemen: An Assessment.” Arab Center in Washington, March 25, 2025.
Webinar: “Digitalization, Growth, and Diversification in the Gulf.” Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, March 11, 2025.