United Arab Emirates
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Hamas-Israel conflict
What happens after Gaza?
Following Hamas's terrorist attack on 7 October, the world affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself. But political leaders on the front lines – and the international community more broadly – must start thinking about how to put the region on a path towards lasting peace and stability. By Carl Bildt
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Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi
Religious tolerance in UAE serves national interest
In March 2023, a synagogue was consecrated in Abu Dhabi – the first Jewish house of prayer to be built in the region for a hundred years. It is situated in an interfaith complex called Abrahamic Family House, which aims to present the Emirates as a tolerant, open country. Claudia Mende visited the centre
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Hamas-Israel conflict
Hamas violently forces detour from Saudi-Israel momentum
With its surprise attack against Israel, Hamas has violently shifted the world's eyes back to the Palestinians and dealt a severe blow to momentum to secure a landmark U.S.-brokered deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia
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Connecting the Gulf with Turkey
Iraq's Transport Corridors – no place for Kurdistan?
Excluding Kurdistan from a new infrastructure project in Iraq, designed to connect the Gulf with Turkey via road and rail, is purely political – despite the economic unfeasibility argument. Commentary by Sardar Aziz
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Algeria – wasteland for Arabic literature
Big Brother is watching you
In May 2023, Algerian author Said Khatibi won the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Award in the young author category for his historical crime novel "Nihayat al-Sahra'" – in English, 'the End of the Sahara'. Claudia Mende caught up with Khatibi in Abu Dhabi for Qantara.de
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Turkey's realpolitik in the Gulf
Dropping long-held convictions to seek deeper ties
Recep Tayyip Erdogan's visit to the Gulf states in July was his most productive so far, signing defence cooperation and other deals worth billions of dollars. But is a strategic partnership really possible while Turkey and the UAE continue to back conflicting sides in various regional crises? By Leyla Egeli
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Transnational repression
Why a friendlier Middle East is more dangerous for activists
Authoritarian governments often harass and hinder their critics, even if those people are outside the country. As former enemies become friends in the Middle East, will they cooperate to shut down opposition voices? By Cathrin Schaer
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Arab states in crisis
In search of a miracle cure
Given the political, economic and social challenges in Arab countries, fragmented individual measures are no longer enough. What is needed is comprehensive, far-reaching reform. Essay by Marwan Muasher
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Climate change in MENA
Is the Middle East prepared for extreme heatwaves?
Experts say that as intense heat becomes more frequent, the Middle East will see a rise in heat-related deaths. Despite gaps in public health planning, this region could teach the world a lot about extreme heat. By Cathrin Schaer
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Fusion food in UAE
Glitzy Dubai hungry for culinary fame
French chef Renaud Dutel never thought his career would take him to the United Arab Emirates' glam hub of Dubai, but has found there a culinary capital in the making
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Growing Arab dissatisfaction with the West
The Arab world tilts eastwards
Arab public opinion is shifting on the topic of great power competition in the Middle East, with implications for the future of the region. By Walid Al-Sheikh
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MbS and Vision 2030
Saudi Arabiaˈs great transformation
With Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is attempting to move away from economic dependence on hydrocarbons. Given the vast resources that the kingdom is deploying, the enthusiasm shown by young Saudis and the speed at which reforms are moving forward, the strategy could ultimately benefit the entire Middle East. By Rabah Arezki and Tarik M. Yousef