Gulf-Asia Cooperation: Prospects, Challenges, and Implications for Europe
This publication explores the deepening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and key Asian powers—China, India, Japan, and South Korea—and their implications for Europe. While energy remains central, cooperation is expanding into technology, infrastructure, and diplomacy. As Asia becomes the Gulf’s primary partner, Europe risks being sidelined unless it engages more strategically. This publication calls for greater EU-GCC-Asia trilateral cooperation to address shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Philipp Dienstbier, Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli, Maryam Albinfalah, Shigeto Kondo, Munsu Kang, Narayanappa Janardhan, Chuchu Zhang
May 14, 2025
Single title
IMAGO / Depositphotos
Gulf-Asia Cooperation
Prospects, Challenges, and Implications for Europe
This publication explores the deepening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and key Asian powers—China, India, Japan, and South Korea—and their implications for Europe. While energy remains central, cooperation is expanding into technology, infrastructure, and diplomacy. As Asia becomes the Gulf’s primary partner, Europe risks being sidelined unless it engages more strategically. This publication calls for greater EU-GCC-Asia trilateral cooperation to address shared challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Balancing Hydrocarbon Dependency and Sustainable Development in the Gulf Region
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region are experiencing a faster warming trend than the global average, placing them at the forefront of climate change. As a leading oil producer, Saudi Arabia stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with the challenge of transitioning to a sustainable future while safeguarding its economic stability. This study examines the Kingdom’s ambitious net-zero goals, the challenges of implementing the Circular Carbon Economy, and the gap between ambition and action.
An article in the Syria dossier of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in zenith magazine
Normalization with the Assad regime is aligned with the Gulf states' approach, managing conflicts in the region. However, they disagree on their Syria policy.
Arab Gulf Development Actors and their Development Policy Engagement – Backgrounds, Interests, Strategies and Potential for Cooperation
The Gulf Monarchies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, have emerged as significant players in humanitarian assistance and development cooperation, driven by their strategic interests. They employ grants, loans, and budget support to wield influence across regions like the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South Asia, often extending support to governments loyal to them. Their involvement in development cooperation dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, resulting in well-established networks and expertise.
Sebastian Sons
September 24, 2023
Single title
Muhammads Reise ins Zauberland
In den Staaten am Golf werden Animationsfilme immer beliebter. Der Hype um Anime und Co. Hat die saudische Königsfamilie auf eine Idee gebracht.
Raphael Bossniak
November 24, 2022
Single title
Jordanien gehört zu uns
Einst wollten die Haschemiten ein arabisches Großreich errichten. Jordanien ist mit den Golfstaaten eng verbunden und lässt sich in deren innere Konflikte immer wieder verwickeln.
Dr. Edmund Ratka
November 24, 2022
Single title
Inseln unterm Winde
Die Straße von Hormus kennt man als Krisenherd und strategisches Nadelöhr. Das namensgebende Eiland aber ist eine einzigartige Naturlandschaft mit blutroter Gischt und Geistern in den Klippen.
November 24, 2022
Single title
Foto: Walters Art Museum, 1931
In Bahrain wartet ewiges Leben
Die reichhaltige Geschichte der Golfregion zeigt sich nicht auf den ersten Blick. Dabei haben hier Mythen ihren Ursprung, die von Anbeginn bis heute überdauert haben und in die Weltreligionen Einzug hielten.
Ayad Al-Ani
November 24, 2022
Single title
Geteilte See
Arabische Halbinsel oder Persischer Golf? Bis heute tut man sich schwer, die Region als gemeinsamen Kulturraum zu denken. Dabei ist der einzige Weg, sie zu verstehen.