The defense sectors of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including aviation and aerospace, are undergoing a significant transformation driven by strategic national visions, technological innovation, and increasing regional security demands. Both countries are focused on diversifying their economies, achieving defense self-reliance, and advancing indigenous capabilities through investments in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, cyber security, and space technologies.
The Gulf Research Center is pleased to announce that its Annual Report has now been published. The report highlights the Center’s key activities, research outputs, and engagements over the past year, reflecting its continued commitment to advancing policy-relevant research on Gulf affairs.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with Ms. Heidi Elburgi Johansen, Special Representative of the Section for Peace and Reconciliation at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the GRC office in Riyadh on 15 January 2026. During the meeting, both sides discussed areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on key regional developments.
Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with Ms. Heidi Elburgi Johansen, Special Representative of the Section for Peace and Reconciliation at the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the GRC office in Riyadh on 15 January 2026. During the meeting, both sides discussed areas of mutual interest and exchanged views on key regional developments.
The webinar offered an in-depth analytical reading of the future of the Gulf region in light of evolving regional and international developments.
The discussion examined key strategic issues shaping the year ahead, including shifts in the balance of power, security and economic challenges, energy security, and the opportunities and risks facing Gulf states as they enter 2026.
“The Gulf in 2026: A Strategic Assessment” to present it’s 2026 Strategic Dossier, published on 5 January 2026, and to offer an analytical reading of the future of the Gulf region in light of regional and international developments.
