Onero Research
Sport as Strategy: The Middle East’s Pursuit of Global Influence
Over the past two decades, sport has moved from the margins of Gulf foreign policy to the center of state strategy. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates are no longer simply bidding to host tournaments or sponsoring teams for visibility. They are building integrated sports ecosystems that connect sovereign wealth, tourism, urban development, media, entertainment, diplomacy, public health, and national identity. The scale of this activity has turned the Gulf into one of the most consequential centers of change in the global sports economy.
Hydrogen’s Role in Economic Diversification and Market Growth in the Gulf
For decades, the economic prosperity of the Gulf states has been inextricably linked to oil and gas exports. These resources have fueled rapid development, infrastructure expansion, and geopolitical influence. However, as global demand for fossil fuels slows in response to climate change initiatives, net-zero commitments, and carbon pricing mechanisms, the Gulf states must adapt or risk economic stagnation.
The Rise of the Gulf’s Hydrogen Economy: Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE’s Path to Global Leadership
The global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as countries seek cleaner, more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Hydrogen has emerged as one of the most promising solutions, capable of decarbonizing industries, replacing natural gas, and powering the world’s future energy networks. As the global race for hydrogen leadership accelerates, the Gulf states—Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—are stepping up as major players in this emerging economy.
The Future of Lebanon: Can New Leadership Overcome the Past?
Lebanon’s new leadership under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam signals a potential shift from years of political deadlock and economic collapse. As they take office, they must confront deep-seated corruption, rebuild state institutions, and manage regional instability, all while balancing sectarian divisions and international expectations.