Gulf Nashra Weekly Digest
Gulf authors discuss Hajj; Bahrain and Qatar negotiate a causeway; MBZ meets Egypt's Sisi; Analysis of Saudi podcasts; and a book on Gulf–Horn of Africa relations.
Media Coverage
Geopolitics
“The Gulf Ministerial Council calls on the UN Security Council to issue a resolution to halt the genocide of Palestinians.” Asharq Al-Awsat, June 2, 2025.
“The Council affirmed that Israel bears full responsibility for its continuous violations and assaults on the Gaza Strip, which have resulted in the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, most of them women and children.”
Go Deeper: “Israel’s Dangerous Escalation in Gaza.” The Washington Institute, June 3, 2025.
“Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement.” Kuwait Times, June 1, 2025.
“The official visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and his accompanying delegation to Kuwait Sunday carries special significance in the context of Kuwaiti-Syrian relations.”
Go Deeper: “The Gulf’s Approach to a New Syria: Proceed with Caution and Care.” The Oxford Middle East Review, June 5, 2025.
“Bahrain elected to UN Security Council for 2026–2027 term, vows to be ‘a voice for peace.’” Arab News, June 3, 2025.
“Bahrain’s election was said to reflect the Gulf state’s expanding diplomatic profile and signal its readiness to contribute to efforts to address global and regional security challenges.”
Go Deeper: “The Growing Autonomy for GCC States’ Foreign Policy and Structural Changes in the Balance of Power in the Region.” Asian Journal of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies April 10, 2025.
“UAE president meets Egypt’s Sisi in Abu Dhabi.” Arab News, June 4, 2025.
“UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed met his counterpart Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday..”
“El-Sisi, who is on a visit to the UAE, arrived at the presidential airport and was received by the UAE leader along with a number of senior officials.”
Go Deeper: “Tensions in Egypt-Gulf relations will recede.” Oxford Analytica, February 16, 2023.
Gulf
“GCC Financial Markets Reach $4.2 Trillion Capitalisation.” Finance World, June 2, 2025.
“The total value of financial markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reached $4.2 trillion by the end of 2024, according to new data from the GCC Statistical Centre (GCC-Stat). Despite a 4.4% drop from the previous year, the region’s financial index recorded a modest 0.7% growth, showing continued investor confidence.”
Go Deeper: “GCC Debt Capital Market Growing in EMs; Fragmented and Facing Volatility.” Fitch, Apr 29, 2025.
“Bahrain and Qatar revive plans for a landmark 40-kilometre causeway and sea link.” Bahrain News, June 5, 2025.
“The 40-kilometre causeway between Bahrain and Qatar, along with a proposed sea route, featured prominently in talks between Bahrain… and Qatar”
Go Deeper: “Qatar-Bahrain Relations: Prioritizing Progress Despite Complicated History.” Gulf International Forum, April 25, 2023.
Domestic
“Qatar has achieved 100% self-sufficiency in fresh dairy and poultry products.” Al Raya, June 4, 2025.
“[The head of livestock department at the Ministry of Municiplaity] stated: ‘The annual local production has reached approximately 202,000 tons of dairy products, 25,000 tons of fresh poultry meat, 16,000 tons of table eggs, and 9,000 tons of red meat.’”
Go Deeper: “Qatar's Food Security during the GCC Diplomatic Crisis” Journal of Student Research, 2021. [PDF].
“IMF experts commend Oman’s continued economic growth.” Times of Oman, June 3, 2025.
“At the conclusion of the visit, the IMF commended Oman’s continued economic expansion, with real GDP growth reaching 1.7% in 2024, up from 1.2% in 2023, primarily driven by strong performance in non-hydrocarbon sectors, notably manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and renewable energy.”
Go Deeper: “IMF Staff Concludes Staff Visit to Oman.” International Monetary Fund, June 2, 2025.
“EDGE Group pens massive $2.4 billion deal with Kuwait for Falaj 3-class OPVs.” Naval Today, June 5, 2025.
“As disclosed, the agreement involves the supply of Falaj 3-class 62-metre missile boats, marking the largest naval shipbuilding export in the Middle East and positioning the deal among the highest-value naval exports globally.”
Go Deeper: “UAE Transitions From Arms Importer to Competitor With the West.” Stimson Center, February 26, 2025.
“Saudi Arabia’s NEOM port receives first automated cranes, trains female operators.” Al Arabiya, June 4, 2025.
“The project includes an intensive two-year training program for Production Specialists, with ten participants from the Tabuk region learning to operate the remote-controlled equipment. The initiative represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to increase women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated industries..”
Go Deeper: “Progress Update on Neom: Saudi Arabia's Futuristic City.” Airbus Defence and Space, June 22, 2024.
Gulf Opinions
As Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, Gulf commentators have turned their focus to the successful organization of the Hajj season under the leadership of the Saudi government. From Saudi Arabia, Dr. Safran bin Safar al-Muqati emphasized the social and cultural dimensions of Hajj, noting that although all pilgrims are Muslims, the pilgrimage has historically served as a vibrant platform for “cultural exchange.” Dr. al-Muqati also underscored that Hajj continues to reinforce genuine Islamic unity by bringing together Muslims from diverse cultural, political, and geographic backgrounds. From a technical and organizational perspective, Bahraini commentator Rajab Qasim highlighted the challenges associated with “irregular Hajj” and the resulting “security risks,” commending Saudi Arabia’s advancements in addressing these issues. Thus, Mohamed Abdulla, from the Kingdom, stressed the importance of the mandatory “Hajj permit,” describing it as a critical measure for safeguarding pilgrims and ensuring a successful Hajj season. Saudi commentator Talat Hafiz praised the State Security Presidency’s slogan for this season: "The pilgrim is in our eyes and whoever disobeys is in our grip," noting that it conveys a dual message: deep respect for the guests of God and a firm commitment to maintaining security during Hajj. In a related development, Manal Alhusayni discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence in enhancing the Hajj experience. She noted the deployment of the second version of the "Manarat Al-Haramain" robot, which “provides instant” religious consultations and guidance in “eleven different languages,” thereby “enabling pilgrims of various nationalities to communicate easily and obtain accurate answers to their inquiries.”
Gulf Quotes
On Hajj Season
“A total of 177 accommodation halls were prepared, with a capacity to host more than 15,300 pilgrims, along with the provision of laboratories to ensure food safety and the deployment of over 22,000 specialists in supervision, sanitation, and health. Despite challenges, the Kingdom continues to perform steadfastly, countering campaigns of skepticism about its achievements and efforts.”
Rashid Khalifa, Albilad, (Bahrain), June 4, 2025.
“Islam is founded on the testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger, this testimony embodies the true meaning of ‘Labbayka Allahumma Labbayk.’ Yet today, millions of Muslims have deviated from this profound foundational truth.
Khalid Alsaleh, Alrai, (Kuwait), June 4, 2025.
“The health of the pilgrims is a top priority for the leadership of this blessed country [Saudi Arabia], which has provided them with all necessary medications and medical care. Numerous initiatives have been launched to facilitate Hajj services and enhance the experience of pilgrims and the Guests of God, such as the ‘Makkah Route’ initiative, which offers the highest levels of service and comfort throughout their journey.”
Fahd Al Otaibi, Al Riyadh, (Saudi Arabia), June 5, 2025.
“Regarding the use of religion for personal interests, I read a report about the Egyptian Ministry of Endowments disciplining several well-known preachers affiliated with it for defying the ministry's directive requiring official permission before performing Hajj. According to the published report, these preachers and imams had previously performed the pilgrimage, but this time they traveled to promote tourism companies.”
Mishary Dhayidi, Asharq Al-Awsat, (Saudi Arabia), June 6, 2025.
“This year’s Hajj marks the centennial of the first pilgrimage organized by Saudi Arabia. The inaugural Hajj took place on July 2, 1925, at a time when Mecca was under the authority of King Abdulaziz and the war was still ongoing between the Sultanate of Najd and the Kingdom of Hejaz. According to Umm Al-Qura newspaper, that year’s pilgrimage included 100,000 pilgrims from Najd and 7,000 from outside the region.”
Sultan Alamer, X, (Saudi Arabia), June 6, 2025.
Other Topics
“A few days ago, China announced a new unmanned aerial vehicle—not just a typical drone, but a large aircraft described as a “drone carrier.” Reportedly, it can carry guided missiles and launch military attacks that air defenses struggle to counter. It is capable of deploying up to 100 explosive mini-drones. The announcement came amid the uproar over Trump’s tariffs—often referred to as his “trade war”—as if China intended to send a clear message to anyone attempting to challenge it: that it is present and fully capable of confronting any scenario.”
Mohamed Youif, Al Bayan, (UAE), June 3, 2025.
“Although the gap remains wide [between Egypt and Iran], a new shared concern may serve as a genuine impetus for renewed interest in rapprochement and could open broader horizons. Specifically, developments in Syria are pushing in this direction, as the emerging Syrian regime, hostile to Iran, also shows little affinity toward Egypt, creating an implicit common ground of mutual unease between Cairo and Tehran. This shared anxiety is further reinforced by the actions of some of Egypt’s regional allies, who have begun engaging with the new Syrian regime without regard for Egypt’s reservations, sending troubling signals to Cairo.”
Masoud Ahmed, Al Roya, (Oman), June 4, 2025.
“Coinciding with the stalled Istanbul negotiations, the recent strike deepens doubts about Russia’s seriousness in pursuing peace. Statements by Medvedev, declaring that negotiations are not for a “peace based on illusory conditions” but for a “swift victory and complete destruction of the Ukrainian regime,” reveal that the Kremlin remains committed to a military resolution, even at the expense of global security and stability.”
Nawaf bin Mubarak Al Thani, Al Raya, (Qatar), June 4, 2025.
“It is not unlikely that the dispute between #Trump and #ElonMusk is merely a performance aimed at benefiting from a drop in stock prices, especially since Trump’s behavior since taking office has often involved influencing stock markets through his statements and decisions.”
Meshal Alnami, X, (Kuwait), June 6, 2025.
“All the simplistic leftist theories about billionaires, particularly Musk, controlling the federal government, and Trump specifically, have evaporated into thin air.”
Sultan Alamer, X, (Saudi Arabia), June 5, 2025.
“Washington has pledged to Israel that it will block any resolution against it in the Security Council, making its use of the veto unsurprising, this time against a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, which was supported by 14 out of the 15 Security Council members. Nonetheless, Arab capitals are expected to condemn this unjust veto.”
Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, X, (UAE), June 6, 2025.
Gulf Nashra Picks
Book: Robert Mason and Simon Mabon “The Gulf States and the Horn of Africa Interests, influences and instability.” Manchester University Press, Jan 2022.
Analysis: UAE Transitions From Arms Importer to Competitor With the West.” Robert Czulda, Stimson Center, February 26, 2025.
Podcast: “Start small, think big.” with Abeer Alessa, CEO of Bold Group, The Majlis, June 1, 2025.
Report: “U.S. Interests and Challenges in the Gulf Cooperation Council amid an Increasingly Multipolar World.” Oliver B. John, Gulf International Forum, May 31, 2025.
Analysis: “How Saudi Podcasts Navigate Political Constraints.” Andrew Leber, Carnegie, June 2, 2025.
Podcast: “Hajj and Umrah: The Art of Managing Hotels in Mecca and Beyond.” with Aziz Awliya, Mahfoof, Jun 2, 2025.
Analysis: “Saudi Arabia’s AI ambition, and what it means for the United States.” Mohammed Soliman, Middle East Institute, June 5, 2025.
Analysis: “The UAE and Qatar Pivot to Unmanned Systems to Bolster Maritime Security.” Gulf International Forum, Leonardo Mazzucco, June 3, 2025.
Analysis: “U.S. Moves Toward New Trump Doctrine for the Gulf.” Douglas A. Silliman, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, Jun 4, 2025.
Analysis: “Import Pressures and Global Tariffs: What’s driving Saudi Arabia’s food inflation?” Meshal Al Khowaiter, Saudi Labor Pulse, Jun 01, 2025, [Substack].
Analysis: “Post-Assad Syria: A Testing Ground for Gulf Ambitions and U.S. Strategy.” John Calabrese, Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, Jun 6, 2025.
Analysis: “A Path to a Stronger United States in the Gulf.” Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, Jun 2, 2025.
Analysis: “The downside oil market risks of a new Iran deal.” Colby Connelly, Middle East Institute, June 3, 2025.
Policy Paper: “Gas, Growth, and Green Ambitions: Qatar’s Climate Blueprint.” Justin Dargin, Middle East Council on Global Affairs, May 30, 2025.
Analysis: “Powering the Future: How Oman Is Building the World’s Green Hydrogen Corridor.” Gulf International Forum, Ziyana Al-Rawahi, June 2, 2025.