Arab Gulf Research Articles

Reassessing Peace: The Implications of the Abraham Accords for Conflict Resolution in the Gulf Region

Established in 2020, the Abraham accords marked a remarkable step towards the normalisation of relations between Gulf Arab states and Israel. They have been hailed as a potential turning point for peace and regional cooperation. However, the recent Israeli military operations since the end of 2023 raise critical questions about the durability and impact of these accords. This paper proposes an in-depth examination of the implications of the Israel/Gaza war on the Abraham Accords and their dynamics in peace-building. It will explore how the war has potentially reshaped (or not) alliances, influenced public opinion, and altered the strategic calculations of Gulf states, particularly in their approaches to conflict resolution and engagement with external actors. This research aims to contribute to the understanding of the complex interplay between regional conflicts and their broader implications for peace and stability in the Gulf, offering insights into the future trajectory of Gulf states in the realm of conflict resolution and peace-building combined with self-interested dynamics. The comparative analysis will delve into two case studies: the United Arab Emirates, which signed the Abraham Accords, and Qatar, which did not, highlighting how similar conflicts have historically altered political alignments, economic dependencies, and social narratives within the Gulf.

Generative AI and Media Content Creation: Investigating the Factors Shaping User Acceptance in the Arab Gulf States

This article aims to investigate the factors that affect behavioural intention (BI) and user behaviour (UB) among Arabian users of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) applications in the context of media content creation. The study’s theoretical framework is grounded in the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2). A sample of 496 users was analysed using the partial least squares structural equation modelling technique (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that BI is significantly influenced by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, habit, and user trust, with hedonic motivation having the greatest impact. In terms of UB, facilitation conditions, habit, user trust, and BI were all found to have a positive and significant impact. This study contributes to the existing theory on the utilisation of GenAI applications by organising findings pertaining to the use of AI technology for media content creation.

Balancing power and prosperity: China’s geo-economic engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council

Since the 1990s, China’s engagement beyond its geographical periphery, especially with Asian regions, has grown exceptionally, which is best evident in the Gulf sub-region and Western Asian nations. Indeed, energy-based interactions were the first to be established with Gulf Arab countries, and today, more than two decades after the Cold War, such relationships have evolved into tighter partnerships and engagement networks. Thus, in the last decade, China has increased its economic and political footprint in the Gulf region, as it has become one of the region’s largest external investors and trade partners. In its relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, China faces varying challenges as each country pursues its interests, making the Chinese strategy in the region more complex. The Gulf countries have had to balance their relationship between the US as a security guarantor and China as an important economic partner. They strive to maximize their political and economic interests in the process. The main contention of this paper is that the GCC should not be viewed as a homogenous entity and that the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a flexible approach designed to bolster China’s economic objectives in each Gulf country. Our research scrutinizes China’s geo-economic strategy and geopolitical aims about the Gulf States’ aspirations to maximize their economic ties with China. Against this background, this paper discusses the political and economic relationships between the People’s Republic of China and the Gulf Arab states: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Arabic validation and cross-cultural adaptation of climate anxiety scale

BackgroundClimate change is an enduring global phenomenon that describes a long-lasting effect of change in weather and temperature of the earth. This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the Climate Anxiety Scale (ACAS) to assess the anxiety associated with climate change. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted using both online via Google Forms and face-to-face via hard copies, in five Arab countries, Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, Saudia Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates). The internal consistency of the scale was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) conducted over principal component analysis assessed the scale dimensionality. Then, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to investigate the EFA hypothesis of ACAS on anxiety about climate change. ResultsOf the 350 participants, 54.9 % were female, 77.7% lived in urban areas, 15.4% were from North Africa, 46.6 % were from Arab Gulf countries, and 38.0 % were from Bilad Al-Sham. Nearly two-thirds (62.3%) were single, 72.3% had a university degree, 94.9% were aware of climate change, 38.3 % participated in environmental protection programs, and 62.3% reported climate-related anxiety. The item content validity index (CVI) was 0.82–1.00, and the scale CVI (S-CVI) was 0.95. Overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.925 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.902–0.940]. The Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) test was 0.93, and Bartlett's test was significant (χ2 = 2762.6 p < 0.001). Bifactor model indices showed high explained common variance (ECV) (0.78), ωH (0.85), relative omega (0.91), H index (0.93), and factor determinacy (FD) (0.96) for the general factor. The general factor explained 78% of the common variance, whereas the group factors shared 22.0%. Model reliability coefficient omega (omega/omega S) for general factor, functional domain, and cognitive domain were 0.94, 0.92, and 0.89, respectively, suggesting a satisfactory fit threshold. ConclusionsThe ACAS tool is valid and reliable for assessing anxiety-related climate change among the Arab Population.

The Stressful Implications of Remote E-Working: Evidence Based Literature Review Arab Gulf

Objectives: It is a cross-sectional study that intends to discover the stress consequences of remote e-working for the Arab Gulf region with consideration of the coronavirus pandemic. Theoretical Framework: This review is based on the literature review on remote work stressors, which considers the technological environment and, apart from that, gives consideration to the cultural and social context of the Arab Gulf. Method: A literature review was carried out, which involved distilling essential data from the local and international reports and articles on the stressors related to remote e-working in the context of the Arab Gulf. Results and Discussion: It is possible to disengage due to the following significant stresses: Technology difficulties, no experience a face-to-face communication, and the loss of the boundary line between work and family. They all cumulatively result in the enhancement of stress levels of the region’s remote workers. Research Implications: If stress factors are to be restricted and workers’ well-being improved in organizations embracing remote working fully, then it is essential to understand these stressors. Originality/Value: The current review isolates stressors of remote e-working in the Arab Gulf, which should help organizations improve the well-being of employees carrying out remote work.

Harmonising liability: exploring carrier responsibilities in transportation contracts and their application to autonomous vehicle services under the UAE Law

ABSTRACT This article introduces the challenges presented in establishing governance of autonomous vehicles, dealing with questions of liability, where domestic law needs to cohere with international transport conventions, Islamic jurisprudence, Supreme Court jurisprudence, and technical safety standards. The primary objective of the article is to assess the applicability of established legal norms governing carrier liability in traditional road transport contracts in the United Arab Emirates. These legal tenets, rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and drawn from historical sources such as the ‘Al-Ahkam Al-Adliya Journal,’ constitute the foundation of civil law in numerous Arab countries, including the Arab Gulf States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and others. Melding legal and technical perspectives, this study provides legal insights for judges, arbitrators, and legal practitioners, and offers solutions to the liability challenges that may arise when autonomous vehicles begin operating on UAE streets or any other Arab country.

Women academic leaders in Saudi universities: Educational and psychological vision

There is limited understanding of women's leadership roles in Saudi Arabian university education, leading to a gap in scholarly literature despite significant advancements made by Saudi women in this field. However, they encounter several obstacles when striving for leadership roles at universities. This study seeks to examine the state of women's academic leadership within Saudi universities from an educational and psychological perspective, pinpointing the key challenges they face in obtaining such positions. The findings reveal that women leaders face various challenges, with organizational obstacles being the most significant, receiving a high average score of 4. Additionally, cultural and social barriers scored an average of 3.51, also rated highly, followed by psychological barriers with an average score of 3.26, which received a medium rating. Participants suggested comprehensive reforms to mitigate these challenges, notably implementing Saudi Vision 2030 principles and initiatives, which advocate for women faculty members to take on leadership roles at universities. These insights could not only benefit Saudi Arabia but also the wider Arab Gulf region, the Middle East, and other areas with similar conditions.

Women Rights in the Arab Gulf States: Impact of 9/11 and Arab Uprisings

Women Rights in the Arab Gulf States: Impact of 9/11 and Arab Uprisings

The Impact of Corporate Governance on Bank Risk-taking: Evidence of Islamic Banks in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries

Purpose — This study investigates the impact of Islamic corporate governance variables on risk-taking within a sample of 31 Islamic banks (IBs) operating in six countries in the Arab Gulf region during the period 2013–2022. Design/Methodology/Approach — The study utilises content analysis and employs two econometric models: the random-effect generalised least squares (GLS) technique and the generalised method of moments (GMM) approach. Findings — The findings reveal that two characteristics of Sharīʿah supervisory boards (SSBs), namely cross membership and knowledge in accounting and finance, have a negative impact on bank risk. However, it is observed that SSB size demonstrates a positive correlation with bank risk-taking, indicating that SSBs face challenges in effectively performing their supervisory role. Furthermore, it is noted that during the pandemic period, banks demonstrated significantly higher levels of credit risk and global risk. Originality/Value — This research provides a valuable addition to the existing literature by conducting the inaugural analysis of the relationship between SSBs and bank risk-taking in the Arab Gulf region, adding to the understanding of Islamic corporate governance dynamics. Research Implications — The study suggests reinforcing the structure of SSBs in IBs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by appointing members with educational backgrounds in business, accounting, and finance. Furthermore, it supports the idea that the presence of shared scholars in IBs facilitates rational decision-making by SSBs and contributes to reduced risk-taking. Haut du formulaire

Gulf Affairs: Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States, by Kristian Coates Ulrichsen (book review)

Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States, by Kristian Coates Ulrichsen. London: Hurst, 2023. 326 pages. £35 cloth.

Centers of power in the Arab Gulf states

Centers of power in the Arab Gulf states

A third player: Chinese linguistic and cultural influence at a UAE university

ABSTRACT As part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a series of large-scale projects have been launched in the Arab Gulf due to its geopolitically strategic position. We examine the influence of Chinese as a third player, in addition to Arabic and English, in a UAE university educationscape together with Emirati students’ attitudes towards its influence. The study takes a case study approach, which employs open-ended questionnaires with university students (n = 40), semi-structured interviews with university students (n = 3) and a university Confucius Institute director and visual data from a walking ethnography of university social, learning, and online spaces. Data are analysed thematically via the lens of ‘Critical, Cultural Political Economy of Education’ (CCPEE), which brings together a range of concepts to interrogate globalising processes within an ‘education ensemble’. Key findings revealed a growing influence and awareness of Chinese language and culture in the UAE as well as generally positive attitudes towards such growth. There was, however, less interest in learning Chinese in comparison with other languages such as Korean and Turkish connected with soft power and media presence via dramas and music. Implications of the findings are discussed in relation to informing future language policy directions in the UAE.

Eco-Feminism and Translation: A Critical Reading of Abdel Rahman Munif's Cities of Salt

The complexities of language, society, and artistic expressions make literary works like novels difficult to translate. Translators encounter several problems such as cultural subtleties, colloquial idioms, distinctive writing styles, and other poetic aspects. Literary translation is a challenging process that necessitates a profound comprehension of the cultural and contextual nuances of the source material in addition to language proficiency. The Arabic novel Cities of Salt was written by Abdelrahman Munif, and was successfully translated into several languages, including English. Peter Theroux completed the English translation that was initially released in 1987, and he is the one who paved the way for opening up Munif's writing to a wider English-speaking community. The translated version preserves the novel's exploration of the impact of the oil industry on an unnamed Arab Gulf state and its reflection on the profound social, economic, and cultural changes brought about by rapid industrialization. Cities of Salt by Abdul Rahman Munif is a rich exploration of environmental exploitation and gender dynamics in the context of the Arab Gulf region's transformation due to the oil industry. The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the interconnected challenges faced by communities grappling with rapid industrialization and its far-reaching consequences on both the environment and societal structures, including gender roles. Moreover, this research paper reveals how the exploitation of land mirrors the exploitation of women. The destruction of the environment echoes the silencing and erasure of women's voices and agency. Through an eco-feminist lens, the paper exposes the interconnectedness between the oppression of nature and the oppression of women, both subjected to exploitation, commodification, and dispossession. Because this novel is a quintet, this paper examines excerpts from the first volume, Al-Teeh, which better fit the study’s argument.

The Politics of Islam: The Muslim Brothers and the State in the Arab Gulf By BirolBaşkan. Edinburgh University Press, 2021. 256 pages. $27.95, paper.

The Politics of Islam: The Muslim Brothers and the State in the Arab Gulf By BirolBaşkan. Edinburgh University Press, 2021. 256 pages. $27.95, paper.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder in Gulf Countries: A Narrative Review.

Gulf countries, like other parts of the world, were affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Along with its biological effects, the pandemic has had serious psychological and social effects. The pandemic-associated general stress and the increased efforts of handwashing and general hygiene might trigger obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The objective of this narrative review was to explore the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence, severity of symptoms, and accessibility of treatment for OCD in Gulf countries. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to review and collect research and/or reports on the prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment adaptations and strategies of OCD during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in seven Arab Gulf countries. The search spanned from the onset of the crisis in 2020 to 2024. Peer-reviewed articles and reports were sourced from PubMed/Medline and Google Scholar, while abstracts presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) congresses were also included in the review. A total of four studies from Saudi Arabia, two from the United Arab Emirates, and two from Qatar were retrieved for analysis. These studies focused on investigating the impact of the pandemic on OCD. Studies from Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain reported a negative impact of the pandemic on mental health, yet no specific data were provided. The studies highlighted an increased prevalence of OCD symptoms, both in terms of the incidence of new symptoms and the exacerbation of existing pre-pandemic manifestations. Furthermore, individuals with pre-existing psychological disorders or OCD were particularly susceptible to the negative impact of the pandemic. A review of local studies and reports from the Arab Gulf region reveals a striking paucity of research on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on OCD. The pandemic has been associated with an increase in the prevalence of OCD, the onset of new symptoms, and the worsening and exacerbation of existing pre-pandemic obsessions and compulsions.

Assessing the Economic Impact of IFRS Adoption on Financial Transparency and Growth in the Arab Gulf Countries

This paper examines the impact of adopting IFRS on economic growth and further development in the Arab Gulf countries, with a particular focus on Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain. It, therefore, answers the research question of how IFRS adoption affects financial transparency, regulatory frameworks, and economic stability in general in oil-dependent economies. Using data from 2010 to 2020, the research uses regression models to test the influence of IFRS adoption on several key economic indicators. The results, thus, indicate that the adoption of IFRS considerably increases the level of transparency and, hence, enables the inflow of FDI as well, therefore ensuring economic growth. This result also sheds light on the critical roles that regulatory solid frameworks and political stability play in amplifying the benefits of IFRS adoption. However, family-based and state-owned enterprises’ resistance to increased demands for transparency is an issue that would provide a challenge. Implications for policy will be such that comprehensive reforms will be required with the countries’ regulatory frameworks, including more transparency and fitting the IFRS guidelines into local business practice and the cultural context. Future studies should also underscore sector-wise impact and go deeper into how cultural and institutional factors impact the effectiveness of implementing IFRS in the Arab Gulf region.

The Prevalence of Comorbidities Associated with Multiple Sclerosis in Saudi Arabia.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune mediated demyelinating illness of the central nervous system. This study looks at various comorbidities associated with MS, focusing on their impact on disease progression. Understanding comorbidities in MS is important as it can impact treatment selection and overall disease management and prognosis. Our aim is to show the prevalence of comorbidities along with MS. This research focuses on the comorbidities associated with MS and their impact on disease progression in the Arab Gulf region, with a special emphasis on Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A retrospective record review was conducted from July 2022 to July 2023. The study included 286 patients, selected based on a definitive MS diagnosis in accordance with McDonald's 2017 criteria. Data collected included demographic information, MS type, duration of diagnosis, type of disease modifying therapy (DMT) used, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, and type of comorbidities. The majority of the patients were female (70%) with an average age of 36 years. Most patients had relapsing remitting MS, and the majority were on DMTs, with fingolimod being the most common. Nearly half of the patients had comorbidities, with mood disorders, diabetes mellitus (DM), migraine, and hypertension (HTN) being prevalent. A significant positive association was found between the EDSS scores and both DM and HTN, but there was no significant link with migraine. The findings indicate that individuals with MS have an increased risk of developing comorbidities such as migraine, DM, and HTN. Emphasizing a healthy lifestyle could potentially reduce the incidence of DM and HTN and their related vascular complications. The research also notes the prevalence of mood disorders among the MS population, although it remains inconclusive whether these are separate comorbid conditions or inherent symptoms of MS.

Geopolitics of the Horn of Africa: Arab Countries’ Stance on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, with Special Focus on the GCC Position

The Horn of Africa holds a strategic position, bordering on the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, and the Nile region. The Bab al-Mandab Strait, which connects three continents – Asia, Africa, and Europe-lie within its ambit. Over the past decade, external powers have begun to take a heightened interest in this region. Consequently, security issues in this strategically vital area have become increasingly salient, and local conflicts, famines, the proliferation of terrorist groups and maritime piracy have all found their way onto wider regional and international agendas. The current conflict between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is of particular significance in this new scenario. This paper explores the position of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the general Arab stance on the dispute. It is worth noting that despite the considerable efforts made by Egyptian diplomacy to establish a unified Arab position on the Renaissance Dam issue, there are significant differences among Arab countries in regard to the issue. At the level of the GCC countries, the United Arab Emirates adopts a relatively flexible and neutral position, sometimes positioning itself as a mediator between the conflicting parties. Conversely, Kuwait maintains a firm stance in support of the Egyptian-Sudanese position, considering water security for Egypt and Sudan as a justifiable national security concern for the two countries. Saudi Arabia appears to be neutral in the conflict and emphasises that the African Union should play the primary role in resolving the issue. Even the two downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, have failed to adopt cohesive stances on the issue. At the Arab Summit held in Algeria on 2 November 2022, significant differences between Sudan and Egypt emerged in the working of the final document, even though they had been intent on welding wider Arab support behind their conflict with Ethiopia. This paper explores the nature of, and the reasons behind, the differences between GCC countries and the broader Arab community regarding the Renaissance Dam issue. Furthermore, it examines the potential for developing a unified yet flexible Arab Gulf position which could help to lay the basis for a balanced and fair agreement between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt on the Renaissance Dam issue.

Exploring E-Government Development Index as an Indicator of Sustainability in the Gulf Region

The primary aim of this article is to assess the E-Government Development Index (EGDI) of Arab Gulf countries, and it elucidates the key obstacles impeding the progress of the Gulf countries in the e-government sector. The EGDI data for the Gulf countries have been obtained from the United Nations, and an online business intelligence tool has been utilized for visualization purposes to facilitate comprehension. The levels of indicators within EGDI have been examined upon effectively retrieving data and presenting it appropriately. The article discusses the key areas of improvement that require governments’ attention in the Gulf countries to enhance their EGDI score. This can be leveraged to advance to global standards, offering their citizens optimal governance. Countries in the Gulf region must recognize that the e-government effort encompasses more than simply the transformation of governance and the provision of high-quality services. Instead, it entails aligning with global trends and effectively competing with other nations regarding developmental advancements. Countries must adhere to prevailing e-government trends to ensure alignment with global standards and expedite national advancement.

Political, Economic, Educational, and Social Reforms in the Arab Gulf States: Various Aspects of American Governmental Democracy Promotion

Political, Economic, Educational, and Social Reforms in the Arab Gulf States: Various Aspects of American Governmental Democracy Promotion