Gulf societies
in the energy transition era
Social Contract
Youth fear the energy transition would imply a gradual demise of the Gulf Arab states' generous unique welfare system that is until today the primary vehicle for governments to redistribute a significant share of oil and gas revenues.
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A universal basic income in the Gulf? - Le Temps, Switzerland.
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Is Oman’s wide-reaching social welfare system and model of governance about to shift? - Al-Monitor, United States.
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The Covid-19 master shock - Newsweek, United States.
Liberalisation
It wasn't long ago that Gulf Arab states were actively promoting ultra-conservative interpretations of Islam. But times are changing and the region is forced into a comprehensive rethink of its core values. Will economic liberalisation be mirrored by religious liberalisation?
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As Gulf states renegotiate the role of religion in their societies, what Saudi Arabia and UAE's liberal Islam means? - Haaretz, Israel.
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In Qatar, Christianity grows on the fringes, The New Arab, UK.
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Kuwait's parliament Islamist opposition voices raise concerns over liberal megaproject Silk City - Al-Monitor, United States.
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'Identity crisis' in Kuwait's streets, Middle East Eye, UK.
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The fight of Saudi women entrepreneurs to overcome cultural conditioning - Al-Monitor, United States.
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The Covid-19 economic downturn presents the biggest test for women in business - Asia Times, Hong Kong.
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Omani women seek greater space in politics, TV5 Monde, France.
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During the GCC crisis, the region missed a chance to grant women full citizenship rights - Al-Monitor, United States
Education
Experts have long called for reforming education systems in the Gulf to develop critical thinking among the youth. According to the World Bank, “teaching methodologies remain teacher-centered,” mirroring top-down centered Gulf societies. Innovation‐driven education systems are vital to diversifying Gulf economies beyond oil and gas revenues.
Cultural Change
Gulf governments have actively promoted national unity over a constellation of identities scattered across the region to craft national identities. In the energy transition era, what place for ancestral know-how and local traditions?
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Oman’s national unity racks up high cultural costs as rich linguistic diversity falls silent- Al-Monitor, United States.
