Summary: the war-induced scramble for hydrocarbons and calls from the majors for more investment in oil and gas output should not distract from an ongoing seismic shift to renewables which may advance ‘peak oil’ to as early as 2025, a scenario that will give pause for thought and serious consideration in Gulf energy states.
Summary: Italy and Europe look to Algeria to reduce their dependence on Russian gas, but the North African country’s lack of strategic economic thinking has reinforced the perception that it is an unstable partner.
Summary: the dominant narrative in Western media is that Vladimir Putin is losing his war in Ukraine but MENA expert Christopher Davidson, looking at the war through a Gulf lens, offers an alternative and thought-provoking take.
Summary: Arab states are reluctant to pick sides in the Ukraine/Russia war because they have military and economic ties to both countries.
Summary: the UAE and Saudi Arabia are best placed globally to manage the journey to zero emissions so is it time to stop the blame game and instead monitor and support their efforts?
Summary: both the UAE and Saudi Arabia have made significant commitments to net zero, for the Emiratis it’s 2050 and the Saudis 2060, but getting there will be a challenge for both Gulf states.
Summary: MENA hydrocarbons producers and most particularly Saudi Arabia play a strong hand and a waiting game as Europe fumbles its energy strategy.
Summary: a court case in Pennsylvania puts the spotlight on the detained former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef and reveals new information about Saudi connections to organised crime in the West.
Summary: the Saudi crown prince had a brace of wins on 7 October with the purchase of NUFC and the ditching of a UNHRC investigation into war crimes in Yemen.
Summary: as the seismic shock of the Taliban victory continues to reverberate in Western capitals, Doha and Ankara are well positioned to seek to influence the new regime and ameliorate the stark and threatening reality now facing the West.
