Analysis
MENA Strategic Bulletin
Trump wants a deal with Iran. Amid several stalled or deteriorating foreign policy tracks, the Muscat talks present a timely opportunity for diplomatic progress. The core challenge remains distrust.
April 17, 2025
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
Personality Profile
Decision Makers: A personality profile of Abdul-Malik al-Houthi
An excerpt from our leadership assessment of Houthi leader Abdul-Malik’s key personality traits and how these shape his decision-making.
April 16, 2025
1 To Watch
Trump’s nuclear opportunity in the Middle East
Donald Trump has an historic opportunity to negotiate a much tougher nuclear deal with Iran – will he seize it?
April 3, 2025
Archive
3 To Watch
UAE mulls changes to improve market access
Proposals to scrap monopolies on the sale of imported goods will increase the UAE’s competitiveness
January 4, 2022
3 To Watch
UAE walks away from F35
The decision is likely a bargaining tactic.
December 21, 2021
3 To Watch
Crunch time in Vienna
The nuclear negotiations underway in Vienna will be decisive on the question of whether the JCPOA can be revived
December 14, 2021
3 To Watch
KSA’s crown prince launches comeback
MbS will grow his international presence in 2022 in preparation for succession.
December 7, 2021
3 To Watch
UAE-Turkey expand economic cooperation
Abu Dhabi and Ankara ink economic agreements in cautious indication of thaw in relations
November 30, 2021
3 To Watch
KSA policies deepen economic woes in Yemen
Saudi policies extend beyond airstrikes to fuel Yemen’s spiral into economic decline.
November 23, 2021
3 To Watch
Libyan plans to attract IOCs at risk
The head of Libya’s High Council of State has threatened all-out war if Haftar wins the elections.
November 9, 2021
3 To Watch
KSA maps out net zero pathway
By deploying renewables, KSA seeks to free up more crude for export.
November 2, 2021
3 To Watch
UAE debut bonds raise $4bn
Increased attention on federal financing initiatives is a sign of a strategy to strengthen the ‘united’ element in UAE.
October 19, 2021