Columnist

Dr. Naser Al-Tamimi
Dr. Naser Al-Tamimi is a UK-based Middle East researcher, political analyst and commentator with interests in energy politics and Gulf-Asia relations. Al-Tamimi is author of the book “China-Saudi Arabia Relations, 1990-2012: Marriage of Convenience or Strategic Alliance?” He can be reached on e-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @nasertamimi
Latest published
Why China’s influence in the Middle East will grow
The Institute of West-Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, one of the most prestigious research institutions in China, released at the end of last month its annual report on development in the Middle East, the Yellow Book.
Why the ‘new Silk Road’ leads to the Middle East
When the Communist Party of China convenes in Beijing this week for its 19th national congress, all eyes will be on a leader described on the current cover of The Economist magazine as the most powerful man in the world.
Aramco: India is a priority, not a choice
India and Saudi Arabia are working on elevating their relationship to a new level as the Kingdom’s state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco has “mega investment” plans in India’s energy sector.
Saudi-Russian arms agreements signal a hedging of bets
King Salman’s current visit to Moscow — the first such trip by a sitting Saudi monarch — marks a turning point in relations between the two countries.
Will the Gulf crisis spill over to the ports sector?
Competition among ports in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries is expected to heat up as operators chase larger shares of the region’s growing logistics sector.
UN report highlights bleak reality for Palestinian economy
The occupied Palestinian territories last year witnessed deteriorating humanitarian conditions, decreasing donor support and the continuation of restrictive measures imposed under Israeli occupation, according to a UN report published on Tuesday.
Privatization isn’t just business, it transforms a country
Privatization may be broadly defined as the full or partial sale by a government of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) or assets to private operators.
Saudi NTP: Toward realistic targets
Saudi Arabia is redrafting its main reform plan just over a year after its launch, by “stripping out some areas earmarked for change and extending the timeline of other targets,” according to a Saudi internal document seen by the Financial Times.
Economic reforms in Saudi Arabia: A challenging road ahead
Economic diversification is defined by the UN as a strategy to transform the economy from one source of income to multiple sources across different sectors, and with the participation of large segments of the population.
How the new Silk Road could lead directly to Riyadh
The visit to Saudi Arabia this week by Zhang Gaoli, the first-ranked Vice Premier of China, suggests that ties between Riyadh and Beijing are likely to develop to higher levels.