The Gulf region and how GSN covers it – including recent and archived articles, maps, family trees, and other resources.
Briefings & Reports
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Need an expert briefing to support an investment decision?
GSN’s team of experienced analysts are often called on by governments and their agencies, financial institutions, and energy companies to comment on developments in the Gulf region. Our analysts are available for private briefings (either by telephone or in person) and can produce tailored reports and research on a range of topics and issues. For more information contact Mark Ford. Email:mark@cbi-publishing.com
Politics, succession & risk in Saudi Arabia report
Politics, succession and risk in Saudi Arabia is a GSN special report, published in January 2010. The new report analyses Saudi policy on issues including succession, domestic and regional politics, defence, energy and financial trends, and features extensively researched biographical entries on 1,200 Al-Sauds from the ruling family’s main branch, together with profiles of leading cadet branch businessmen, and a range of maps and graphics.
Read more about the report
Islamic Finance Report
Published in June 2009, this GSN report is an essential reference tool for both newcomers, and well-established bankers and practitioners. Read more
Endorsements
"GSN now really is doing something (and at a quality level) that isn't available anywhere else that I know."
Professor Gerd Nonneman director Institute of Arab & Islamic Studies (IAIS), University of Exeter
"I have been a genuine admirer for many years. I regard GSN as the only one that focuses properly on Arabia and on Saudi Arabia in particular. That alone makes it very special as no country in the region is less understood in the UK than Saudi Arabia."
Stephen Day, consultant and former British ambassador
"GSN is by far the most professional and well-informed report on the region."
Luc Debieuvre, Bank Audi Saradar
"The website is excellent and adds value to an already very valuable publication"
José Silva Pereira general secretary Partex Oil and Gas
"Gulf States Newsletter provides a fund of information and insights for bankers and investors who are serious about doing business in the Gulf."
Francis Beddington, Banker and Economist
Welcome
For over thirty five years, GSN has been breaking news and providing informed analysis on the people, politics and resources of the Gulf region.
Our information is based on independent research and staff expertise. We are not a web-based aggregator that rehashes wire stories and press releases.
Discover why GSN is so valued by its clients and readers by viewing a selection of our articles and content on GSN’s World.
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HEADLINES
From tense Basra and Baghdad to ‘relaxed’ Anbar: Iraq’s security outlook as US withdrawal looms
With the 31 August deadline looming for the withdrawal of US combat forces in Iraq, GSN has visited locations across the country to conduct a wide-ranging assessment of the security situation and the likely impact of withdrawal. We asked what the drawdown would mean on the ground and whether the Iraqi Security Forces will cope more (opens new window)
King Abdullah’s comments and actions prompt speculation
King Abdullah has triggered speculation with a speech that left oil companies asking if Saudi Aramco really was stopping all exploration to save reserves for future generations, and by cancelling a mid-July trip to Paris, where he was due to open an exhibition and hold more talks with President Nicolas Sarkozy, who has been pushing Saudi Arabia to sign a nuclear agreement with France. Senior royals are said to like neither Sarkozy’s direct style nor the French media. But that may not stop the King visiting in September. more (opens new window)
Bahraini politicians gear up for polls
Political societies are mobilising ahead of Bahrain’s autumn election season. The Shia Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society will lead the opposition charge, with liberals and leftists also running and the Islamic Action Society debating its participation. The Salafist Al-Asala and Muslim Brotherhood offshoot Islamic Menbar are working to increase Sunni representation. But unrest continues in poorer Shia areas, pointing to major problems for King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa that elections alone won’t solve. more (opens new window)
Dubaians seek ‘dialogue’ on governance
Dubai remains firmly under Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum’s control; the majority of nationals still prefer to declare themselves apolitical. But quiet criticism is growing over issues ranging from corporate governance to education, according to UAE professionals and business people canvassed by GSN. more (opens new window)
We want your feedback
GSN is always keen to hear from readers. Starting this issue you will find email addresses at the end of major stories and sections. We encourage you to use these to give us your opinion on our articles, ask questions or suggest topics that you would like us to cover. We also have a Facebook page where you can contact our analysts, add wall posts and links and comment on our articles.
GSN page on Facebook
GSN now has a page on Facebook. We have posted a number of article excerpts and links to background material on the ‘discussions’ board. Pay us a visit on Facebook to interact with our writers and analysts, add your thoughts and posts and become a fan of GSN.
Politics, succession and risk in Saudi Arabia
GSN’s new special report Politics, succession and risk in Saudi Arabia was launched to great acclaim at a 15 January seminar in London hosted and co-organised by Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Programme. Senior figures from the banking, insurance and risk sectors joined industry and governmental political risk analysts for a frank roundtable discussion of the issues raised by a report that was recognised by discussants – who included Exeter University Professor Gerd Nonneman, political scientist Neil Partrick, Saudi academic Mai Yamani and Chatham House’s Maha Azzam and Claire Spencer – as a significant piece of research and analysis, which “raised the bar” for those researching the Kingdom.
Politics, succession and risk in Saudi Arabia focuses on how King Abdullah Bin Abdelaziz has sought to reshape the face of Al-Saud rule during his first five years on the throne through initiatives such as creating the Allegiance Council in 2006 and building national consensus on issues critical for the Kingdom’s future.
The new report analyses Saudi policy on issues including succession, domestic and regional politics, defence, energy and financial trends, and features extensively researched biographical entries on 1,200 Al-Sauds from the ruling family’s main branch, together with profiles of leading cadet branch businessmen, and a range of maps and graphics. Read more about the report
Providing rare insights into the structure and workings of the Saudi elite, this report is essential reading for anyone with a serious academic or business interest in Saudi Arabia.
