All Articles with the tag #Gulf

Courtney Freer, a scholar of Gulf politics and Islamism, smiling while seated in an office setting during an academic interview.

Beyond Oil: Courtney Freer on Islamism, Nationalism, and Saudi Arabia

Islamism, nationalism, and the shifting politics of the Gulf are often treated as disconnected themes. Yet Dr. Courtney Freer, a political scientist at Emory University, argues that these forces intersect more deeply than outsiders assume. In her conversation with Saudi Times, she explains how the Muslim Brotherhood, state-led nationalism, and new forms of Gulf identity continue to shape the region — far beyond the familiar narratives of oil and security.

Dec 2, 2025

View of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s white geometric buildings set over turquoise water, with the museum’s dome behind them, seen on a clear Gulf morning.

Museums and Memory: Why the Gulf’s Cultural Turn Matters for Saudis

The Gulf is rethinking culture. In his ICOM Dubai address, Zaki Nusseibeh — Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAE University — captured a growing regional conviction: museums are no longer quiet repositories of memory but active forces shaping identity, belonging, and the pace of change. For Saudi Arabia, that shift could not be more timely.

Nov 21, 2025

Minimalist illustration of Kuwait City and Riyadh skylines connected by a golden arrow over desert dunes, symbolizing parallel progress and transformation across the Gulf.

From Perception to Reality: Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s Parallel Paths

Kuwait and Saudi Arabia share more than a border; they share a rhythm of reform. Once seen as cultural opposites, the two Gulf states now move along parallel paths of renewal — modernising economies, reshaping societies, and closing the gap between perception and reality.

Oct 30, 2025

Illustration of a stylized Gulf map with Oman highlighted in red-orange, surrounded by VAT receipts and a large income tax document — symbolizing Oman’s 2028 income tax policy and its ripple effect across the region.

A Gulf First: Oman Embraces Income Tax

For decades, the idea of personal income tax in the Gulf felt distant — a concept reserved for foreign travel or dual citizenship obligations. Now, with Oman set to introduce the region’s first such tax in 2028, the conversation is no longer hypothetical. What seemed taboo is becoming a new regional reality, with broader implications for how Gulf citizens view spending, subsidies, and their role in sustaining national budgets.

Jul 18, 2025

The Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, showcasing Qatar’s use of art in cultural diplomacy.

Influence by Design: Art’s Rising Role in the Gulf

Once seen as the domain of elites, contemporary art is now emerging as a powerful force in the Gulf—engaging the public, shaping minds, and becoming a central part of civic and cultural discourse. In this essay, Dr. Khawla Almarri traces how Qatar is leading this quiet revolution and why it matters for the region.

Jul 5, 2025

The Gulf states: A region defined by shared history, economic ambition, and evolving cooperation amid global challenges. (Source: Shutterstock)

The Gulf’s Story Gets an AI Rewrite

As social media and AI reshape public discourse, journalist Aya Batrawy calls for more nuanced reporting to reflect the Gulf’s rich diversity, emphasizing that the region is far more than a singular narrative. Her insights shed light on how each Gulf state follows a unique path, shaped by distinct ambitions and challenges.

Nov 27, 2024