Severe sand and dust storms are an underrated risk in the Gulf region, despite mitigation measures
The precise causes of sand and dust storms (SDSs) are not fully known, but they are becoming better understood. Armed with this knowledge, regional actors are beginning to respond in the face of intensifying SDSs.
How will the war in Ukraine affect Gulf oil producers?
Although Western countries have managed to limit Moscow’s capacity to export oil, the Arab Gulf monarchies are unlikely to be able to benefit in the near term. This may change in the long run, however.
Through the vehicle of defense reform, the Biden administration has an opportunity to engage the Saudis on critical national security matters while safeguarding U.S. strategic interests and honoring American values.
Qatar and global LNG: Potential pivot from Asia to Europe?
The global LNG landscape is changing, and while Qatar will continue to be a major LNG exporter, it will briefly drop to third in the global rankings until planned expansion projects come on stream in the middle part of the decade. Strategically, Qatari suppliers may opt to change their market supply profile, which will have a knock-on effect on the global market, both LNG suppliers and buyers.
Balancing the books: A deep dive into fiscal policy and diversification in Oman
This policy brief provides a deep dive into the far-reaching and interrelated policies imposed by the government to reduce the country’s deficits, debts, and reliance on hydrocarbons.
The civil war in Yemen is well into its eighth year with no end in sight. It is imperative that the United Nations, with the United States and other key powers in support, do more to end the suffering and begin the long process of rebuilding and reconstructing Yemen. But that work cannot begin until there is a common understanding of what the obstacles are to achieving a peaceful resolution. In particular, what tools can and should the United States use to pressure the Houthis and overcome their resistance to negotiations?
Thanks to Iran, Israel emerges stronger as the US shifts its focus away from the Middle East
The U.S. is disengaging from the Middle East as it shifts its focus elsewhere, a move widely perceived within the region as a sign of a coming American departure. Many in Israel were concerned that this would strengthen Iran and its influence in the region. Instead, it is Israel that has emerged stronger.
Saudi Arabia’s natural gas aspirations: The domestic outlook
With the recent announcement of the Jafurah Field, a massive unconventional, non-associated gas play, Saudi Arabia is looking to enter the global gas sector. The field’s estimated reserves, while substantial, are insufficient to meet current domestic needs and, in the future, displace dirty heavy fuel oil used in power generation and satisfy international export goals. The kingdom thus faces difficult decisions regarding the allocation of the Jafurah gas — to either domestic or international markets — and both options have significant challenges.
The Arab Gulf states appear to be following a common template in responding to the global transition toward an energy system in which renewables play an increasingly central role. They are publicizing renewable energy targets, decarbonizing upstream and downstream oil and gas operations, commissioning renewable energy projects, and improving energy efficiency, among other strategies. A closer look, however, reveals differences in how they have deployed solar and wind power capacity.
Qatar is no short-term savior, but it may still play a role in strengthening EU energy security
The U.S. request for Qatari assistance in ensuring the EU’s energy security in case of a Russian supply disruption should be perceived as a political gesture of support addressed to Western allies and a warning to Russia. In reality, however, the American request is just one factor in Qatar’s calculations as it considers increasing its energy exports to Europe, and Doha’s final decision will be determined by an intricate combination of long-term economic and political considerations. In this equation political reasons may not be dominant and economic drivers will not always be in the West’s favor.
أمير قطر الشيخ تميم يصبح أول زعيم خليجي يزور البيت الأبيض في عهد بايدن
عندما يزور أمير قطر الشيخ تميم بن حمد آل ثاني الرئيس جو بايدن في 31 يناير/كانون الثاني، وعلى عكس العديد من القادة الآخرين الذين تلقوا دعوات إلى المكتب البيضاوي، هناك جدول أعمال جاد وحافل بالقضايا العالمية المُلحِّة للمناقشة بين الزعيمين. فعلى المدى القريب والعاجل، سيُطلب من الشيخ تميم التزام قطر بمساندة الجهود المبذولة لمعالجة احتمال انقطاع إمدادات الطاقة الروسية إلى أوروبا الغربية، وخاصة ألمانيا، في حالة إذا واصل الرئيس الروسي فلاديمير بوتين التهديدات بمهاجمة أوكرانيا.
For Gulf producers, decarbonization does not mean zero oil production
Gulf oil producers do not envisage a post-2050 world devoid of hydrocarbons, even though two of the region’s biggest producers, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, have committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and 2060, respectively. Reconciling their future environmental commitments with their current reliance on hydrocarbons is going to be an arduous and expensive journey that starts with decarbonizing their oil and gas production to reduce their carbon footprint and increasing their domestic green energy production. With demand for oil and gas forecast to continue post-2050 — albeit at lower levels than now — their net-zero target does not equate to zero oil and gas production. Instead, their transition will differ from that of other countries and will happen at a different pace.
