Analysis
Can Syria provide a viable alternative to blocked regional trade routes?
Amid upheaval caused by the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, Syria is presenting itself as an alternative route for commercial transport.
May 14, 2026
Insights Stay ahead of issues affecting business confidence in MENA.
3 To Watch: tracking trends that matter
This page provides a snapshot of some of our written coverage of financial market and macroeconomic trends, policy issues, and the security, geopolitical and energy landscapes.
Our analysis is forward-looking and directional in focus, pinpointing emerging sector trends and policy issues with the potential to affect decision-making. We are supported by an on-the-ground network and team of international experts.
Subscribe and receive a full breakdown of key developments in succinct reports every seven days – as well as phone/email access to our team.
Latest Insights
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Spending to stand still under Saudi Vision 2030
The impact of the US–Israeli conflict with Iran on Saudi Arabia’s economy is best understood as an intensification of pre-existing constraints.
March 27, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Iran drills, diplomatic deadlines and global energy risk
Despite the timing of recent Iranian naval drills, the drivers of the US-Iran confrontation remain unchanged, with oil being secondary in the dispute.
February 27, 2026
Archive
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Saudi and UAE move towards open rivalry
Competition between the UAE and Saudi Arabia has entered a more overt and confrontational phase.
January 9, 2026
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Gulf hedges in China-GCC and UAE-EU trade talks as Turkiye expands its Somalia footprint
China-GCC and UAE-EU trade talks highlight Gulf hedging strategy and Turkiye expands its economic and security footprint in Somalia.
December 19, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – UAE and Qatar signal new LNG push as EU moves to tighten sustainability regulations
Gulf producers are expanding LNG capacity and stepping up energy diplomacy as the EU tightens sustainability rules.
December 12, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – In Yemen, Hadhramaut heats up
Tensions in Hadhramaut, Yemen’s largest and most economically significant governorate, rose sharply in late November.
December 5, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Saudi to expand alcohol access; US moves towards FTO designation of Muslim Brotherhood
Saudi Arabia plans to expand alcohol access – for some while the US moves towards FTO designation of Muslim Brotherhood
November 28, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – UNSC establishes framework for Palestinian leadership and governance; Saudi moves to close AI gap with UAE
UNSC establishes framework for Palestinian leadership and governance; Saudi moves to close AI gap with UAE
November 21, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – Bahrain’s normalisation stance faces stress test; Sudani’s election victory at risk in Iraq
Upcoming GCC summit presents Bahrain with both a stage and a stress test; Sudani wins Iraqi election but intra-Shia deals to decide next PM
November 14, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – OPEC+ balances supply growth and stability; GCC regulators aligning on real estate
OPEC+ takes a controlled step to unwind voluntary production cuts, while the GCC seeks to strengthen institutional capacity in real estate.
November 7, 2025
News and analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin – The UAE’s Sudan gamble starts to unravel; UAE–US Orion deal deepens critical minerals ties as supply chain risks grow
Developments in Sudan and critical minerals cooperation highlight the UAE’s growing influence across the North and Horn of Africa
October 31, 2025