Gulf states
Gulf tanker incident will bolster Iran’s critics
Two Saudi tankers have allegedly been targeted in a “sabotage attack” off the UAE coast, but no one has been blamed yet
IranMore Gulf bank mergers likely, within national borders
There has been a move towards consolidation in the banking sector with rumours of new mergers on an almost weekly basis
Gulf statesGulf states' offensive cyber tools have regional focus
Every GCC state is investing in building defensive and offensive cybersecurity tools as threats escalate
Gulf statesGulf arms sector localisation may be slow and patchy
Gulf states, notably the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have plans to promote indigenous arms manufacturing
Gulf statesIranian naval exercises will heighten Gulf tensions
Tehran held a large naval exercise near the Straights of Hormuz, claiming to test its first submarine-launched missile
IranMiddle East summit reflects polarising US diplomacy
Many regional and European states failed to send senior officials to a US-sponsored summit to discuss peace and security
Middle EastOil price pressures will drive Gulf consolidations
Kuwait Petroleum Corporation is reportedly considering merging its subsidiaries amid a regional wave of consolidations
Gulf statesReligious tolerance aids the Gulf’s expats and rulers
Several Gulf states are making efforts to improve their reputation over acceptance of other faiths
Gulf states
