Ziad Daoud: The Gulf’s stability is under threat from ongoing conflicts, UAE’s reputation as a stable haven is questioned, and economic diversification faces significant challenges | Odd Lots

Regional conflicts challenge the Gulf's stability, questioning the UAE's image as a secure economic haven.

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Add us on Google by Editorial Team Apr. 13, 2026

Key takeaways

• The Gulf region’s stability is under threat from ongoing conflicts, affecting its economy and living standards.
• The UAE’s image as a stable haven is being questioned due to recent regional conflicts.
• Ongoing tensions from previous wars suggest the likelihood of continued conflict in the region.
• US military mobilization and rhetoric have increased the probability of war in the Gulf.
• Leaders of the UAE and Saudi Arabia face unexpected challenges due to regional conflicts.
• US military equipment has effectively protected Gulf infrastructure from threats.
• The US security umbrella in the Persian Gulf has faced challenges in delivering effective protection.
• Gulf countries have differing strategies regarding their oil wealth and foreign relations.
• Economic diversification in the Gulf may lead to competition and inefficiencies.
• Oil price volatility drives the need for economic diversification in Gulf countries.
• The Gulf region’s geopolitical dynamics are complex and fragmented.
• The effectiveness of US foreign policy is crucial for assessing regional stability.
• The Gulf’s reliance on oil necessitates diversification to avoid economic instability.

Guest intro

Ziad Daoud is the chief emerging markets economist at Bloomberg Economics. Previously, he served as chief Middle East economist at Bloomberg and head of economics at QNB Group, where he led analysis on the Middle East and global economy. He holds a PhD in economics from the London School of Economics.

The Gulf’s stability under threat

• The Gulf region’s stability is being challenged by ongoing conflicts

  — Ziad Daoud

• Conflicts could significantly impact the Gulf’s economy and living standards.

• The UAE’s reputation as a haven of stability is now being questioned

  — Ziad Daoud

• Recent conflicts have shifted perceptions of the UAE’s stability.

• Since the last war in June… there’ll be a second round of this war

  — Ziad Daoud

• Historical tensions suggest ongoing conflict is likely.

• US mobilization and heightened rhetoric indicated an increased likelihood of war

  — Ziad Daoud

• The mobilization of US forces has increased regional tensions.

• The leaders of the UAE and Saudi Arabia are facing a dire situation

  — Ziad Daoud

• Unexpected conflicts challenge Gulf leaders’ strategies.

• US military equipment has proven effective in protecting Gulf infrastructure

  — Ziad Daoud

• US military technology plays a critical role in regional defense.

• The US security umbrella has faced challenges and has not delivered effectively

  — Ziad Daoud

• The effectiveness of US security measures in the Gulf is under scrutiny.

• Gulf countries have differing visions and strategies regarding their oil wealth

  — Ziad Daoud

• The Gulf’s unity is fragmented by differing national strategies.

The impact of US foreign policy

• US military equipment might have proven their worth

  — Ziad Daoud

• Advanced US military technology has been crucial in defense efforts.

• The security umbrella for the US is definitely there is a challenge there

  — Ziad Daoud

• US security measures face significant challenges in the Gulf.

• US mobilization and heightened rhetoric indicated an increased likelihood of war

  — Ziad Daoud

• US actions have contributed to increased regional tensions.
• The effectiveness of US foreign policy is critical for regional stability.
• US military support has been effective but faces challenges in delivering consistent protection.
• Gulf leaders’ reliance on US technology highlights the importance of international alliances.
• The geopolitical dynamics of the Gulf are influenced by US foreign policy decisions.
• The US plays a pivotal role in the security and stability of the Gulf region.

Economic diversification and its challenges

• Diversifying economies in the Gulf region may lead to competition and inefficiencies

  — Ziad Daoud

• Simultaneous diversification efforts could create unnecessary competition.

• Oil price volatility necessitates economic diversification

  — Ziad Daoud

• Diversification is essential to mitigate the risks of oil dependency.

• They knew they needed to diversify away from this because oil prices were volatile

  — Ziad Daoud

• Gulf countries are pursuing diversification to stabilize government revenues.
• The economic landscape of the Gulf is shaped by diversification efforts.
• Diversification strategies aim to reduce reliance on oil and ensure economic stability.
• Economic diversification is crucial for maintaining stable government revenues in the face of oil price fluctuations.
• The Gulf’s economic strategies are influenced by the need to adapt to changing global markets.

The geopolitical landscape of the Gulf

• The Gulf region’s stability is being challenged by ongoing conflicts

  — Ziad Daoud

• The Gulf’s geopolitical dynamics are complex and fragmented.

• The UAE’s reputation as a haven of stability is now being questioned

  — Ziad Daoud

• Recent conflicts have altered perceptions of stability in the region.

• Since the last war in June… there’ll be a second round of this war

  — Ziad Daoud

• Historical tensions suggest ongoing conflict is likely.

• Gulf countries have differing visions and strategies regarding their oil wealth

  — Ziad Daoud

• The Gulf’s unity is fragmented by differing national strategies.
• The geopolitical landscape of the Gulf is shaped by complex alliances and conflicts.
• The region’s stability is influenced by both internal and external geopolitical factors.
• The Gulf’s geopolitical dynamics are critical for understanding regional stability and economic strategies.

Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.