Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

While Saudi Arabia attempts to transform its economy and society and diversify away from dependence on oil, it has also embroiled itself in the conflict in Yemen, blockaded its neighbor Qatar, and led a crack down on dissenters such as murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The conservative Kingdom has also been confronted by an increasingly hostile Iran that threatens to pull the entire region into conflict. The challenges and opportunities mean that the US Saudi relationship remains strategically vital for US interests and for the stability of the region.

Featured commentary & analysis

Saudi energy changes: The end of the Rentier State

MENASource Apr 20, 2026

‘They have been exposed’: The Iran war upends Gulf states’ security and business model

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

The Iran war threatens the sense of security, prosperity, and opportunity that the Gulf states have spent years cultivating as they seek to diversify their economies away from oil.
Critical Infrastructure Policy Geopolitics & Energy Security
Saudi energy changes: The end of the Rentier State

MENASource Apr 7, 2026

American AI leadership can open a new chapter for Middle East integration

By Judd Olanoff

Countries will need access to cloud and compute like they need water and power plants. And they are turning to US companies to provide it.
Artificial Intelligence Israel
Saudi energy changes: The end of the Rentier State

Dispatches Mar 2, 2026

The Gulf that emerges from the Iran war will be very different

By Allison Minor

Iran’s decision to target the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and other countries in the Gulf will have far-reaching consequences.
Conflict Iran

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Content

Report

Mar 24, 2016

Saudi energy changes: The end of the Rentier State

By Jean-François Seznec

Saudi Aramco is the largest oil company in the world, and the Saudi dependence upon it has become strained. Dr. Seznec provides a comprehensive examination of Saudi energy assets and the potential diversification and reform measures the Monarchy could take to stabilize their economy.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In the News

Mar 21, 2016

Vakhshouri on Voice of America (Iran Service) on Iran and Economic Effects from the Iranian Petroleum Contract

By Sara Vakhshouri

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 21, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by Voice of America (Iran Service) on Major Differences Between the Iranian Petroleum Contract and Previous Contract Models

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 9, 2016

Manning Quoted by Marketplace on Falling Oil Prices and Saudi Arabia’s Economy

By Robert A. Manning

Watch the full interview here.

Energy & Environment Saudi Arabia

In the News

Mar 1, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by The Washington Diplomat on the Role of Oil Prices in the Iran-Saudi Arabia Relationship

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 23, 2016

Saab Quoted by Voice of America on Saudi Arabia’s Decision to Cut Arms Funding to Lebanon

By Bilal Y. Saab

Read the full article here.

Middle East Saudi Arabia

In the News

Feb 19, 2016

Tanchum in Hürriyet Daily News: The End of Saudi Arabia as Oil’s Central Banker

By Micha'el Tanchum

Read the full article here.

Saudi Arabia

New Atlanticist

Feb 18, 2016

Saudi-Iran Rivalry Keeps Oil Prices Down

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Gulf states seen eager to put ‘fiscal squeeze’ on Iran The regional rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran—the two main producers in a global oil cartel—has become a significant factor behind the sharp decline in oil prices that has also kept rates at historic lows. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf oil-producing countries have watched with […]

Energy & Environment Iran

In the News

Feb 18, 2016

Vakhshouri Quoted by Financial Post on Likelihood of Oil Production Freeze

By Sara Vakhshouri

Read the full article here.

Iran Russia

In the News

Feb 17, 2016

Shaffer Quoted by Center On Global Interests on OPEC’s Call to Freeze Oil Production

By Brenda Shaffer

Read the full article here.

Russia Saudi Arabia
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Experts

Fellow

Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Nonresident Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Economy & Business

Fellow

Simin Kargar

Nonresident Fellow

Digital Forensic Research Lab

Cybersecurity Disinformation

Fellow

Carmiel Mahony

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Civil Society Extremism