The Gulf Runs Fast but Needs Deep Roots

Clock Icon Jun 1, 2025
Illustration of six cartoon boys wearing traditional Gulf Arab attire, representing the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They stand holding hands beneath a large blank sign outdoors on green grass with a blue sky background.

Cartoon children representing the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, symbolizing unity and shared culture. (Source: Shuttertsock)

Bahraini Scholar Omar Al-Ubaydli offers an intriguing look at how the Gulf’s pursuit of economic progress hinges on something less often discussed: the preservation of Its own identity.

Across the Gulf, young people are confidently stepping into the future — learning Chinese, diving into AI, mastering the tools of tomorrow. It’s a remarkable sight, like watching a sprinter launch off the blocks, determined to win the race. But even the fastest sprinter needs a solid track beneath their feet — without it, they risk stumbling.

As the region races ahead, there’s a quieter, equally vital challenge: ensuring young people stay connected to where they come from. Without that grounding in history, culture, and identity, success can start to feel hollow — like building a glittering skyscraper on shaky ground. It may shine brilliantly for a time, but without deep foundations, it’s vulnerable when the winds shift.

The Gulf’s most resilient future won’t just come from producing global experts; it will come from producing global citizens who carry a confident, rooted sense of belonging. It’s not about rejecting modernity — it’s about weaving it carefully into the fabric of tradition. Think of it as blending old threads with new ones: you don’t tear the old cloth apart; you reinforce it with stronger, more colorful strands.

After all, the West will not see the Gulf solely through the lens of their investments, oil deals, or AI breakthroughs. What truly captivates and earns respect is a region that grows not just to meet global demands but as a place confidently shaped by who it is. Take Japan: admired not only for its cutting-edge tech but also for how seamlessly it holds onto tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and cherry blossom festivals.

Because ultimately, the strongest future is one that stands firmly on the shoulders of its past — and tells its own story with pride.

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