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The issue leads with a focus on Israel and Iran and the increasing threat that a wider conflict could engulf the region. The barrage of up to 200 ballistic missiles Tehran fired at Israel on 1 October was the latest in a series of escalatory steps taken by Israel and Iran, as a conflict that began in Gaza a year ago threatens to spread across the region. Arab Gulf states have largely been bystanders to the events, but could yet fulfil important roles – by providing mediation, influencing allies and helping to stabilise energy markets. GSN examines UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MBZ)’s visit to the White House on 23 September, the first by a sitting UAE head of state. Against a backdrop of rising violence in Gaza, Lebanon and Sudan, the main breakthroughs were promises of greater co-operation in defence and artificial intelligence (AI). The issue also reports on Saudi Arabia's efforts to strengthen its position in the AI sector and close the gap to regional leader the UAE, by building up its data centres, developing large language models and investing in local AI companies. Several thorny issues still need to be addressed, though, including ideas around ‘digital sovereignty’ and the huge power requirements of the sector. Defence and security coverage includes a look at the UAE state-owned defence group Edge's move to set up a local manufacturing plant to produce crowd-control products. Energy and industry coverage leads with Saudi Arabia, where there are signs of a shift in oil policy to raise output and target market share. The mooted change of approach comes as officials have slashed their growth forecasts for the economy this year, amid higher spending. The GSN View focuses on the UAE's involvement in Sudan's brutal civil war, where it is widely identified as a key backer of the Rapid Support Forces militia. Four UAE servicemen were killed while transporting ammunition on 24 September, with speculation pointing to the incident happening in Nyala, South Darfur. Six days later, the UAE ambassador’s residence in Khartoum was attacked, with Abu Dhabi blaming the Sudanese Armed Forces.

The issue leads with Iran, where President Masoud Pezeshkian and foreign affairs minister Abbas Araghchi have been holding talks with their international counterparts, in early efforts to try and reset Iran’s relations with regional and global powers. However, tensions with Israel could yet lead to further regional instability and undermine hopes of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, while domestic issues also hold the potential to create further difficulties for the new administration. Defence and security coverage leads with Saudi Arabia, where King Salman has issued a series of royal orders to replace several of the most senior military figures in the country. Finance and business coverage takes a closer a look at the UAE's anti-money laundering strategy. The UAE succeeded in being removed from money laundering watchdog FATF’s ‘grey list’ in February, but some doubts remain over its commitment to clamping down on money laundering and terrorist financing. Recent actions against gold refineries, bankers and others suggest a renewed effort by the UAE authorities to address the ongoing challenges to its reputation as a commercial hub. GSN also looks at Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF's shift in focus as overseas investments fade in importance. PIF's international assets have fallen from 29% of its overall portfolio in 2021 to around 20% in 2023, with a commensurate rise in investments in the Saudi economy. The Risk Management Report is on Yemen. The GSN View focuses on Doha's defence deal with Turkey. Qatar has set up a joint squadron with the Turkish Air Force, with at least six Turkish F-16 jets sent to the Gulf in late July. This cements an already close relationship with Ankara, which was vital in 2017 when Doha faced a stand-off with three neighbours. The latest developments have prompted speculation that Doha may now be trying to bolster its defences in case Donald Trump wins the US presidential election in November.

The issue leads with a focus on the UAE's trade deals. The UAE has seen distinctly mixed results from the six Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements that it has brought into force over the past two years. Trade with India has been growing at a slower pace than trade with the rest of the world and other deals have also been underperforming, as the easing of tariffs and other trade restrictions rubs up against broader geopolitical and macroeconomic issues. GSN also examines the situation in Yemen, following a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv and an Israeli strike on Yemen’s Hodeidah port in July, as well as renewed fighting on a number of frontlines. UN special envoy Hans Grunberg has warned that the country is close to a tipping point and there is a risk of a return to full-scale war. GSN looks at comments by finance minister Anwar Al-Mudhaf, which suggest Kuwait may consider some bold economic steps while the National Assembly (parliament) is sidelined. Politics coverage includes a look at the tumultuous start to  Masoud Pezeshkian' term as president of Iran, following the assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Economy and business coverage leads with Saudi Arabia, which has outlined the details of its bid to host the 2034 football World Cup, in bid documents that were formally submitted to the sport’s governing body Fifa in late July. The risk management report is on UAE, where the authorities claim to have identified a group of terrorist exiles. The GSN View focuses on Oman, which has taken a significant step closer to becoming the first in the Gulf Co-operation Council to start taxing its citizens’ income.

The issue leads with a focus on Qatar, where  Emir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad has a tight grip on power, having strengthened his position during the 2017-21 regional boycott and with the success of the 2022 World Cup. GSN’s new series of profiles of key decision-makers in Qatar includes a look at Tamim's siblings and an examination of influential family members in the political scene, where Tamim has tended to emphasise technocratic ability over family ties. The profiles are brought together in a revised Al-Thani influence chart. Politics coverage includes a look at the UAE's latest government reshuffle, which saw Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed become only the second defence minister in the history of the country, taking over from his father, Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid. Saudi Arabia is the focus of a risk management report, which examines the government's decision to increase the retirement age by up to five years to 65. This is just one indication of how the Saudi government is having to make tough decisions to keep its fiscal position under control. Riyadh is also putting pressure on others to help fund its programme of megaprojects, with the Kuwait Investment Authority agreeing to open an office in the kingdom at a time when most international investors are staying away. Saudi Arabia is also the focus of energy stories looking at the Kingdom's efforts to expand gas output and boost solar power. The GSN View focuses on Iran, where president-elect Masoud Pezeshkian is due to be sworn into office in late July, after winning a run-off vote against the hardline Saeed Jalili. While Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei remains the ultimate decision-maker, there are reasons to believe Pezeshkian – the only moderate allowed to run in the election – could set Iran on a more sensible path domestically and a less confrontational one internationally. Meanwhile, the newly-elected United Kingdom government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated it may draw up a new definition of state-sponsored terrorism in order to target Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The issue leads with Iran, where an election campaign is under way whose outcome is likely to hinge on how many apathetic voters can be persuaded to turn out and how many conservative contenders decide to pull out before polling day on 28 June. GSN examines concerns about Saudi Arabia's King Salman health, which were given added momentum when Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman (MBS) stayed away from the G7 summit in Italy. Politics coverage includes a focus on Kuwait, where former prime minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah has been named crown prince, becoming the first member of the ruling Al- Sabah family’s Hamad branch to hold the position. Defence and security coverage examines news of a US Air Force Office of Special Investigations inquiry into a planned support services contract at an Iraqi airbase, following allegations over kickbacks and claims of links between a local subcontractor and Iran-backed militias. Wealth watch focuses on Riyadh's latest moves to raises funds for PIF via debt issuance and an Aramco share sale. Energy and industry news includes a look at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s decision to buy a 10% stake in Mozambique’s offshore Area 4 concession from Portugal’s Galp. GSN’s latest Qatar Risk management report examines how, since the end of the football World Cup, which shaped economic strategy between 2010 and 2022, the government has turned back to natural gas, while making efforts to promote Doha as a global hub and diplomatic player. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim and prime minister and foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman are the first in a new series of GSN profiles of senior members of Qatar’s ruling Al-Thani family. The GSN View focuses on the clear gulf opening up between Saudi Arabia and the UAE on their approach to artificial intelligence (AI), in light of the intense competition between the United States and China over the development and use of the potentially transformative technology.  

The issue leads with an examination of how Gulf governments have sought to manage potentially negative impacts of the Gaza conflict. Across the region – notably Oman and Kuwait – consumers have latched on to a boycott of US franchises to express their anger over Israel’s actions, highlighting the potential for a dangerous divide to emerge between leaders and their subjects on the emotive Palestinian issue, which most regimes had come largely to ignore until Hamas launched its October attack. The issue also focuses on Kuwait, where Emir Sheikh Mishaal has suspended the National Assembly for up to four years is an effort to break the gridlock between the elected chamber and the appointed government that has stymied change for so many years.  Critics fear a new period of repression – and some are planning to flee Kuwait. Whether Mishaal can ‘correct the path’ or will be forced to back down may depend on internal dynamics within the ruling Al-Sabah family. Politics coverage also looks at Iraq, where Shia leader Moqtada Al-Sadr has indicated he plans to return to public life, while local parliamentary elections in Iraqi Kurdistan have been delayed. Defence and security coverage lead with Iran, where there are hints at a potential change to its policy of not developing nuclear weapons. Wealth watch includes an examination of a bond prospectus that has shed light on the finances of Abu Dhabi wealth fund ADQ. Energy and industry coverage includes a look at the award of two GH2 projects from Oman’s second auction round, launched in mid-2023. GSN also focuses on regional aviation rivalry. Dubai has revived long-standing plans for a huge expansion of Al-Maktoum International Airport, as the competitive threat from Saudi Arabia’s hugely ambitious aviation strategy becomes more apparent. The Risk Management Report is on Oman.  

The issue leads with an in-depth look at UAE national security advisor Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan's $1trn-plus investment empire. Through its lead article and five linked charts, GSN examines the structure of Tahnoun’s business empire and the identities of those individuals who work most closely with him. Politics coverage also leads with the UAE. GSN presents a new series of profiles of the Al-Nahyan family, including the powerful Bani Fatima brothers – UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed and sheikhs Hamdan (ruler’s representative in Al-Dhafra region), Hazza (Abu Dhabi deputy ruler), Tahnoun (national security advisor and Abu Dhabi deputy ruler), Mansour (vice president, deputy prime minister and Presidential Court chairman) and Abdullah (foreign minister). GSN's coverage includes a new Al-Nahyan influence chart that focuses on the family relationships that are central to decision-making in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, alongside a second chart focused on all the sons of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan, including the Bani Fatima brothers. The issue also looks at Kuwait, where elections on 4 April returned a National Assembly that is expected to once again provide resolute opposition to any government. Economy and business coverage focuses on Saudi Arabia, where Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s government is reportedly scaling back some of its vastly expensive megaprojects, such as The Line in Neom, in a sign that Riyadh continues to struggle to attract the foreign direct investment it needs for MBS’ Vision 2030 reform agenda. Energy and industry coverage leads with a look at how wealthy Gulf national oil companies are seeking lower-carbon expansion opportunities across Africa.

The issue leads with an examination of how the Al-Salman gained unparalleled political and economic power in Saudi Arabia. GSN's analysis of key figures in 88-year-old King Salman Bin Abdelaziz’s ruling group shows how power has become concentrated to an unprecedented extent in the monarch’s immediate family and their close aides. GSN's coverage includes a new family tree and influence chart, with linked profiles, which shows an Al-Salman ruling group that could dominate the Saudi polity long after King Salman Bin Abdelaziz’s reign is over. Politics coverage leads with Iran, where  turnout for 1 March parliamentary and Assembly of Experts elections was the lowest since the 1979 revolution. GSN takes a closer look at the power of Iran's clerics and presents new profiles of the key clerics surrounding Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei. GSN also examines the latest developments from Kuwait, where another election is scheduled for 4 April, following Emir Sheikh Mishaal’s mid-February dismissal of parliament. Most outgoing MPs are seeking re-election and there is little reason to think the fourth poll in four years will do much to solve deep political and economic problems. The Risk Management Report is on Iraqi Kurdistan. The GSN View focuses on how the UAE has set its sights on carving out a leading international role in the fast- developing field of AI.  

The issue leads with the impact of the four-month-old Gaza conflict between Hamas and Israel, which is steadily spreading around the region, bringing fresh instability to Iraq where the US and Iran-backed militia are engaging in an escalating series of strikes and counter-strikes. GSN examines the Iranian elite, including power-brokers linked to Rahbar (Supreme Leader) Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp, supported by an initial batch of profiles and an influence chart showing how they are connected. Politics coverage includes a focus on Kuwait, where Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah has presented his government’s legislative programme to parliament and the wait for a much-anticipated crown prince appointment goes on. Critics inside and outside the National Assembly are likely to make political life difficult for the premier in the coming months. The Diplomatic brief section leads with a look at  the European Union's sanctioning of two UAE-based companies over commercial and military ties to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and a UN report that says evidence of UAE arms supplies to the rebel RSF are ‘credible’. The issue also includes a new 'Wealth watch' section, covering developments within sovereign wealth funds and other Gulf-based investment plays. A new expanded version of GSN's Risk management reports series- starts with Iraq. The GSN View examines the art of soft power projection by regional heavy-hitters Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The issue leads with the response to the Houthis’ campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, with Arab states pushing for Israel to end its bombardment of Gaza while trying to ensure the war doesn’t escalate into a regional conflagration. The issue also focuses on Kuwait, where new Emir Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah has set a forthright tone to his rule by criticising the government and members of parliament (MPs), and distancing himself from pardons issued under his late predecessor Sheikh Nawaf Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. GSN also takes a closer look at Sharjah, which is looking to upgrade its infrastructure and increase capacity at its airport with a record budget worth $11bn announced for 2024. The independently-minded emirate has stood out among its UAE peers in its attitude to the Israel-Palestine conflict and much else. GSN's coverage includes a new Al-Qasimi family tree.      

This issue of GSN leads with concerns surrounding succession in Kuwait. As Emir Sheikh Nawaf suffers more medical issues, the leadership is moving to resolve outstanding political tensions with parliamentarians and within the ruling family.  In a special report, GSN examines Oman’s economic recovery and ambitions since Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said took office in 2020. A blend of reforms to tackle a debt bulge, savvy hiring decisions and ambitious green energy plans make for a more positive outlook for the sultanate, even if there remains much more to do.  The first Iraqi provincial elections in a decade take place later this month. GSN examines the politics, including what the vote means for the Shia/Sunni balance of power and how the Kurds are involved — or not – and, it asks, whether the 2019 Tishreen protestors can still be a potent force. Also in Iraq, GSN examines the Federal Supreme Court’s decision to remove Mohammed Al-Halbousi as Council of Representatives speaker. GSN follows up its Gaza coverage by looking at Qatar’s role in diplomatic efforts to reconcile Israel and Hamas – and criticism that Doha may be too close to the Palestinian group.  Ever louder concerns are being expressed in the UK over UAE Vice President Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan’s bid for the influential Telegraph Media Group. GSN analyses another big soft power play coming from Abu Dhabi. Artificial Intelligence is another area where recent Gulf expansion has caused discomfort for western powers as the US Committee on Foreign Investment has forced Saudi Aramco backed Prosperity7 Ventures from investing in AI startup Rain Neuromorphics.  Meanwhile COP28 has begun, with disputes over the UAE leadership apparent scepticism towards global climate reduction targets and a host of investment pledges. GSN's Risk Management Reports cover Yemen – with an accompanying map showing oil and gas infrastructure, as well as areas of military control – and also regional institutions (including the GCC’s annual summit) and Opec and energy markets. 

The issue leads with a focus on the role Qatari diplomacy is playing in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. GSN examines the details of events surrounding an agreed four-day truce in Gaza and the key Qatari figures involved in the diplomatic push. GSN also focuses on Yemen, where Omani officials appear confident that, despite international diplomatic attention having largely switched to the Gaza conflict, a peace settlement can be achieved soon between Saudi Arabia and the warring factions in Yemen. Politics coverage include an examination of the latest development in Kuwait, which may be heading for a change in government and yet another election, amid a series of political challenges facing Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nawaf Al-Sabah. Defence and security coverage includes a closer look at the recent Dubai Airshow where, among the 54 deals signed by the UAE government’s Tawazun Council, was an air defence order with the unknown Black Diamond company, which GSN’s research suggests is an Israeli-linked venture created after Abu Dhabi’s Abraham Accord with Israel was concluded. Finance and business coverage includes a look at a joint venture bid between a US-based investment firm and Abu Dhabi’s International Media Investments (IMI) to acquire the UK's Telegraph Media Group (TMG). The GSN View looks at the growing profile of Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who has been trying to cement his status within the political arena and among local citizens since being named crown prince in March. Two Risk Management Reports focus on the UAE (Federation and individual emirates).

Saudi Arabia takes the lead in trying to find a regional answer to the Gaza conflict, with two summits due to take place in Riyadh in the coming days in a display of the country’s influence and convening power. GSN explores the impact which the conflict has had on the Gulf region and the foreign policy challenges it has presented.  GSN’s defence and security coverage leads with a new airlift the UAE Air Force has launched to Ethiopia. It is unclear what is being sent, but the development is stoking international interest in light of a similar operation from the UAE to Chad in recent months and the UAE’s involvement in other African conflict zones.  This issue of GSN also contains a special report on Ras Al-Khaimah’s economic strategy and how this often-overlooked emirate is pushing the boundaries to try and attract more international investment. GSN offers a short history of the emirate and its ruling Al-Qasimi family, along with an updated family tree. Western sanctions on Russian diamond exports are due to be stepped up soon, offering a fresh opportunity for the Dubai Diamond Exchange, which has grown rapidly in recent years and already claims to be the world’s largest trading hub for rough diamonds. The GSN View delves into this issue, which is yet another example of how some Gulf states have indirectly benefitted from Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.  This issue’s maps cover oil and gas infrastructure as well as provincial governance and population sizes for Saudi Arabia and Oman.

  Governments across the region are trying to ensure the war between Hamas and Israel doesn't escalate beyond their control, with its expansion onto other fronts a particular fear. Meanwhile they are trying to assuage the anger many citizens feel towards Israel’s actions in Gaza. GSN analyses the latest phase of the conflict, its impact on the Gulf monarchies and popular responses across the region. The potential for Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’ network to destabilise the wider region has been manifest in attacks on bases hosting US troops in Iraq and Syria by IRGC-backed militias. GSN looks into the attacks and analyses the Axis of Resistance’s membership.  Even before the new Middle East war shattered comfortable assumptions about regional security, the global economic climate remained hostile, as shown in analysis of the International Monetary Fund’s new reports on the global outlook and regional economic performance. GSN takes the temperature of oil, growth and other key economic indicators.  China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy has used a routine rotation of its ships based in Djibouti to double its regional presence, just as the US Navy is preparing to deploy its first aircraft carrier strike group to the region for two years. Among articles in Energy and industry, GSN examines QatarEnergy's new long-term agreements with European partners that could complete its order book for gas from North Field expansion projects. There is also a deep dive into Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Juma Al-Maktoum and his Blue Carbon company's deals across Africa. Oman’s economic liberalisation drive has produced a record breaking IPO, covered in one of this issue’s Risk management reports. The other RMR covers Kuwait.

Hamas' 7 October attack on Israel and the potentially unprecedented response places the region at the centre of a new Middle East conflict, upending uncomfortable assumptions about normalisation and the remaking of regional economies. GSN 1,178 analyses the attack and its fallout, and addresses speculation surrounding the involvement of the Iranian regime and how Hamas were able to bypass Israeli defences. Another article analyses the reactions around the GSN region. There is a map showing areas under Israeli control and the Palestinian Authority area, attack sites and the movement of various forces. GSN view focuses on Yemen and the prospects for a sustainable deal between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels. GSN looks into pressure on Saudi Arabia to secure peace on its southern border and how Houthi demands might have changed as a response.  Diplomatic brief includes a report on Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Khaled Bin Mohammed’s visit to Serbia and Albania. This issue’s Defence and security section outlines Iranian intentions to establish a military base in Antarctica among other recent military initiatives. Accusations have been levied towards the UAE for supplying weapons to Hemet’s forces in Sudan under the guise of a Chad field hospital. GSN explores the validity of these claims, taking account of evidenced construction in the area, diplomatic relationships and sounding out a range of sources.  There are Risk management reports looking at recent developments in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.