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
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 – 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
Archive
1 To Watch
Turkey’s earthquakes raise questions over dam safety and its transboundary implications
February’s disaster has renewed international scrutiny of the safety of Turkey’s dams and the risks they pose to downstream states.
March 29, 2023
1 To Watch
Israeli regional soft power expansion through water trade
The Abraham Accords have rapidly increased opportunities for collaboration between signatory states and Israel – a global leader in water management and technology – on improving water and food security.
March 2, 2023
Opinion
Why we need to address the politicisation of aid in Syria now more than ever
February’s catastrophic earthquake is an opportunity for donor governments and aid agencies to correct countless past failures and rethink how to move forward with aid and development.
February 24, 2023
Commentary
Egypt’s food security challenges set to grow in 2023
Cairo must develop a more diverse and secure supply chain of wheat imports and invest in domestic agriculture if the country is to weather the global food shortage and avoid social unrest.
December 12, 2022
1 To Watch
Energy Markets: Volatility is the new normal
Fresh EU sanctions and a G7-led price cap on Russian crude have sought to safeguard global oil supplies and prices, but energy markets will struggle to absorb their impact.
December 6, 2022
Opinion
Can Egypt fix its finances?
As the country sinks further into debt, observers are questioning whether its government can secure the funds it needs to restore stability to the economy
November 19, 2022
Commentary
UAE and KSA: Growth and influence along Red Sea
Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are ramping up investment in military bases and ports as part of efforts to insulate their economies and shore up their security in anticipation of the US’s withdrawal from the region
November 2, 2022
Commentary
US and China on collision course over sea trade routes
Differing security approaches amid tumultuous world events increases the risk of escalation and further disruption to trade around maritime chokepoints
October 18, 2022
Op-ed
UK upgrades ties with Israel
The move will serve the UK’s wider interests in the Gulf and Middle East
September 5, 2022