Gulf Nashra Weekly Digest
Gulf Authors Discuss AI; Iranian President in Oman for US-Iran Talks; ARAMCO Plans More Borrowing; New Book Explores Gulf Monarchies.
Geopolitics
“Gulf states, China take center stage at summit of Southeast Asian nations” Al Jazzera, May 28, 2025.
“Chief among that cooperation will be the promotion of free trade, the signatories said, adding they looked “forward to the early completion of the GCC-China Free Trade Agreement negotiations” and the upgrading of the ASEAN-China free trade area.”
Go Deeper: “Developing Cooperation between the GCC and ASEAN.” Gulf Research Center, December 12, 2023.
“UAE summons Israeli ambassador over Jerusalem rally ‘violations’.” Alarabiya English, May 26, 2025.
“The annual “Flag March” drew tens of thousands of people, who chanted, danced and waved Israeli flags after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint of Israeli-Palestinian tensions.”
Go Deeper: “MoFA Summons Israeli Ambassador and Condemns in Strongest Terms the Offensive and Deplorable Violations in Occupied Jerusalem.” UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, May 28, 2025.
“Iran president in Oman as US nuclear talks progress.” Alarabiya English, May 27, 2025.
“Oman, Iran’s neighbor across a narrow strip of sea, has since April facilitated five rounds of talks between Tehran and Washington, which do not have diplomatic relations.”
Go Deeper: Al Zubair, Mohra “Oman, Iran, and the United States: An Analysis of Omani Foreign Policy and Its Role as an Intermediary.” Harvard Library, October 20, 2017.
Energy & Trade
“Most Gulf markets rise in early trade tracking firmer oil prices” Reuters, May 29, 2025.
“Most Gulf stock markets rose in early trade on Thursday, tracking stronger oil prices, after a U.S. trade court blocked most of President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs from going into effect.
Go Deeper: “Oil Prices Jump After Court Blocks Trump’s Tariffs.” Oil Price, May 29, 2025.
“Saudi Aramco to Keep Tapping Debt Market After $5-Billion Bond Sale.” Oil Price, May 29, 2025.
“Lower oil prices have reduced Aramco’s cash flows in the first quarter of the year, and the second quarter will likely show even larger declines in cash flow and profits as prices slumped.”
Go Deeper: “Saudi Aramco Plans Regular Debt Issues.” Oil Price, November 21, 2024.
“Chinese robotaxi makers head to a welcoming Gulf as overseas ambitions grow.” Gulf Daily News, May 29, 2025.
“If you're a Chinese robotaxi company, the Gulf has become the place to be, attractive for a regulatory environment that is embracing the technology and robust demand for ride-hailing services.”
Go Deeper: “Elon Musk’s political antics are pushing the Gulf’s EV boom into China’s hands.” Arabian Business, March 18, 2025.
“Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Announce New Oil Discovery.” Oil Price, May 26, 2025.
“Now the Wara reservoir in the North Wafra (Wara-Burgan-1) well flowed at a rate exceeding 500 barrels per day of crude oil with an API gravity of 26 to 27 degrees, the Saudi agency reported. “
Go Deeper: “Kuwait Petroleum Corporation’s Strategy 2040.” Kuwait Petroleum Corporation.
Domestic
“Saudi ministers announce full Hajj readiness with 1.07 million pilgrims already in the Kingdom.” Arab News, May 27, 2025.
“Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah said that more than 1.4 million Nusuk smart cards had been issued and more than 30 new digital services launched via the Nusuk app this year. The digital platform supports the entire pilgrim journey, from arrival to departure, including permits, mobility, guidance and real-time updates.”
Go Deeper: “Why Pilgrims Are Dying on the Hajj.” New Lines Magazine, July 8, 2024.
“Saudi Arabia: Amendments to “Housing Support Regulation” Expand Beneficiaries.” Asharq Al-Awsat, May 27, 2025.
“The amendments included lowering the eligibility age for housing support for heads of households from 25 to 20 years old, and removing the requirement that wives or divorced mothers must be dependents. This change aims to provide equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of gender. Additionally, the new regulations allow the competent authority to review the eligibility period for divorced women in coordination with relevant entities.”
Go Deeper: “Housing Statistics Bulletin 2024.” Saudi Arabia General Authority for Statistics, 2024. [PDF].
Kuwait: “Permission granted for travel of those whose citizenships were revoked under Article 8.” Al Anba, May 30, 2025.
“The Ministry of Interior announced on Thursday that Kuwaiti passport holders in the category of foreign wives of Kuwaiti citizens, whose citizenships were revoked under Article 8, will be allowed to travel from June 1 until September 30..”
“In a statement to KUNA, the Ministry explained that this measure is part of efforts to assist in regularizing their status, emphasizing the need for full compliance with the instructions and procedures outlined below.”
Go Deeper: “Stateless overnight: Kuwait strips tens of thousands of citizenships.” The Economic Times, May 25, 2025.
Gulf Opinions
This week, Gulf commentators focused on the region’s unprecedented openness to the world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its intricate connection to human relationships, international politics, and the evolving dynamic between humans and machines. From the UAE, Dalal Alshamsi highlighted the country’s initiative to integrate AI education across all school levels, aiming to enhance both student learning and teacher development. According to Alshamsi, this strategic move is intended to support advanced scientific research in fields such as nanotechnology and sustainability, while also emphasizing ethical AI use to maximize benefits and minimize potential risks. Similarly, Najat Ali from Qatar affirmed that AI has not only become embedded in daily life but has also expanded human capabilities in “problem-solving, data analysis, and decision-making” across various sectors, including science. However, the question remains whether AI can truly replicate or surpass human cognition. Addressing this, Saudi thinker Tawfiq Alsaif asserted that AI cannot replace human intelligence and capacity, as human intelligence possesses “imagination,” the very quality that enabled the invention of AI itself. Mishary Dhayidi, also from Saudi Arabia, concurred, noting that although humans have benefited from AI in numerous fields—particularly in medicine—this reliance has also fostered increased “dependency,” which in turn may diminish human capability in daily life. Expanding on the social implications, Saudi commentator Jawhara Alzamil argued that despite the benefits of AI, the “family's role and values” have “declined” as AI has contributed to a generational gap. Older generations, she contends, are less inclined to embrace AI, unlike younger ones. Beyond human interaction, AI’s impacts on global as well as domestic politics have also become evident. From Oman, Jasim Araba examined how the overwhelming presence of AI-generated content and the constant stream of information on social media have led to “information overload” and “desensitization,” reducing “emotional engagement” with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He argued that this saturation—fueled by graphic imagery and conflicting narratives—has normalized atrocities, diminished public outrage, and weakened global solidarity with the victims. Finally, Bahraini commentator Zuhair Tawfiqi echoed these concerns, addressing the growing misuse of AI technologies, particularly “deepfake videos,” in spreading “misinformation” and manipulating “public opinion.” He cited a recent incident involving a fabricated video of a woman dancing in the Grand Mosque to underscore the urgency of enforcing stricter regulations and promoting public awareness. As he warned, such misleading content has the power to reshape perceptions and construct a false “public opinion.”
More Gulf Opinions
On Artificial Intelligence
“Artificial intelligence is a conscious partnership, not a silent competition. It is neither an enemy nor a blind friend, but rather a powerful tool in human hands, like any tool, its impact depends on how it is used. If we guide it well, it becomes a partner in the advancement of humanity; but if we neglect to regulate it, it may turn into a competitor we are unable to keep up with.”
Tariq Mohammed, Aljazirah, (Saudi Arabia), May 28, 2025.
“This complex presents a new model for managing artificial intelligence based on an advanced energy system that utilizes a mix of nuclear, solar, and wind energy. This contributes to reducing thermal emissions, preserving the environment, and protecting the planet. This pioneering and unprecedented initiative will further solidify the UAE’s position as one of the leading producers of artificial intelligence.”
Nidal Al Tunaiji, Aletihad, (UAE), May 30, 2025.
Other Topics
“The issue of Khor Abdullah is one of the sensitive sovereign matters that reflects the depth of geographical, historical, and political complexities between Kuwait and Iraq. Despite clear and binding agreements signed between the two countries within an international framework, the issue resurfaced after the Iraqi Parliament’s decision in August 2023 to revoke the ratification of the 2012 agreement concerning the regulation of maritime navigation, an action that raised many questions and legitimate concerns within Kuwait.”
Dhari Almeer, Aljarida, (Kuwait), May 30, 2025.
“There is a disagreement between Trump and Netanyahu, but it remains a dispute between allies. Most likely, in the end, Israel’s demands will top the list of requirements for the [US-Iranian] agreement.”
Abdularahman Al Rashed, Asharq Al-Awsat, (Saudi Arabia), May 29, 2025.
“Given the current situation, it is impossible to achieve security and stability for both Israel and the Palestinians, and, by extension, for the region and the world. Therefore, the time has come for a significant shift in the relationship between the U.S. and the West with Israel, one that reverses the dynamics of this relationship so that Israel can no longer leverage these countries to carry out its colonial agenda.”
Khalid Almalik, Aljazirah, (Saudi Arabia), May 28, 2025.
“Kuala Lumpur was not merely a summit, but a call to move from an era of polarity to a realm of rational pluralism. Amid this context, Bahrain presented a civilizational project that prioritizes development over domination and believes that dialogue is born in an atmosphere of trust, not under the shadow of threats.”
Suhair bint Sanad, Alwatan, (Bahrain), May 30, 2025.
“The United Arab Emirates represents an advanced model of a modern defensive strategy, one in which military capabilities are integrated with technological innovation and societal readiness. This reflects a shift from the traditional concept of defense to an intelligent and comprehensive system grounded in knowledge and technology.”
Mohammed Issa, Aletihad, (UAE), May 28, 2025.
“Israel is waging a war of extermination, not a war against Hamas or Islamic Jihad. It is a total war in every sense of the word. This is the longest war Israel has fought since its establishment in 1948, and it is not against a state or a regular army, but against a Palestinian national movement struggling to reclaim its legitimate rights and establish its independent state on its occupied national land.”
Mohamed Al Musfer, Al Sharq, (Qatar), May 27, 2025.
“Congratulations to our brothers in Syria who have suffered greatly from power outages, this vital project is being carried out with Qatari and international investment. There is also news of an upcoming Emirati investment to develop the infrastructure in the new Syria.”
Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, X, (UAE), May 29, 2025.
Gulf Picks
Book: Cinzia Bianco “The Gulf Monarchies After the Arab Spring.” Manchester University Press, January 9, 2024. [Order Here from Bookshop].
Analysis: “Can the U.S. Keep Its Military Edge in Saudi Arabia?” Hana Elshehaby, Middle East Council on Global Affairs, May 27, 2025.
Analysis: “The Gulf is emerging as Washington’s new strategic anchor.” Joze Pelayo, Atlantic Council, May 23, 2025.
Podcast: “Blending Saudi history, fashion, and business with Qormuz founder Abdulrahman Alabed.” The Majlis, May 18, 2025. [English].
Analysis: “Trump’s Gulf Business Diplomacy Can’t Ignore the Iran Problem.” Shukriya Bradost, Gulf International Forum, May 27, 2025.
Analysis: “Saudi Arabia and the U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks: A Strategic Imperative for Engagement.” Layla Ali, Gulf Research Center, May 25, 2025.
Analysis: “Summits highlight ASEAN’s broadening engagement.” Oxford Analytica, May 28, 2025.
Podcast: “Is Sudan politicizing international justice against the UAE?” interview with Habib Al Mulla, Qisas podcast, May 2, 2025. [Arabic Only].
Analysis: “Mickey goes to the Gulf: The UAE’s wish upon a soft power star.” Amit Yarom, Atlantic Council, May 28, 2025.
Analysis: “Could Trump’s Attack on Academia Be a Boon for the Gulf?” Frédéric Schneider, Middle East Council on Global Affairs, May 26, 2025.
Podcast: “Qatar is at the center of a battle for hearts and minds.” Mideastsoccer [Sound Cloud], May 19, 2025.
Analysis: “The New Comprehensive Leadership: How the Gulf is Leading Regional Initiatives and Rewriting Cultural Narratives.” Emirates Policy Center, May 27, 2025.
Issue Brief: “Localizing Renewable Energy Supply Chains in the Gulf: Ambitions, Challenges, and Strategic Pathways."Abdaltah Hamed Ali, Middle East Council on Global Affairs, May 23, 2025.
Analysis: “Strengthening Saudi–Brazil Cooperation.” Hannan Alghamdi, Gulf Research Center, May 25, 2025.