A Growing Gulf Between Nations: Saudi Arabia and the UAE struggle during the war on Iran

A Growing Gulf Between Nations: Saudi Arabia and the UAE struggle during the war on Iran

Author: The New Arab June 10, 2026 Duration: 43:02

The Gulf has been a key target for Iranian missiles and drones.

Iran has struck infrastructure, oil and gas installations, civilian areas, and US military bases. These attacks have struck at the heart of the Gulf's image as a safe and stable environment. 

While the region deals with Iranian attacks, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have been working out how to deal with each other.

The Saudi-Emirati rivialry has been rumbling on for a number of years now, and during this conflict, they both have conflicting ideas about how to deal with Iran, who they should be allied with, and how they can protect their economies. 

This week, how have the Saudi and Emirati economies been impacted by the war? Why did the UAE leave OPEC? And what do these two competing regional powers what in Iran?

Joining us to discuss the UAE and how it has been impacted by the war is Giorgio Cafiero (@GiorgioCafiero), CEO of Gulf State Analytics (@GulfStateAnalyt), and adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University (@Georgetown).

And to guide us through Saudi Arabia, we speak with Kristian Coates Ulrichsen (@Dr_Ulrichsen), Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy (@BakerInstitute).

This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).

Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com


From a London newsroom, The New Arab Voice reaches across continents, offering a distinct perspective on events and ideas shaping communities from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia and global diasporas. This isn't just a headlines recap. Each episode weaves together rigorous news analysis, cultural insight, and historical context, treating complex political shifts and societal transformations with the depth they deserve. You'll hear from people living the stories-artists, analysts, and everyday voices-providing a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The podcast reflects the rich tapestry of the regions it covers, finding the connections between past and present, policy and personal experience. For listeners seeking to move past soundbites and explore the interplay of power, identity, and heritage, The New Arab Voice provides essential listening. It’s where current affairs meet deep storytelling, all grounded in the extensive journalistic tradition of The New Arab. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and illuminate the underreported, fostering a more informed and engaged perspective on a dynamic part of the world.
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