Gulf Research Center
Independent think tank on the Gulf Cooperation Council states. It publishes research on Gulf politics, security, economics and foreign relations and hosts the annual Gulf Research Meeting.
At a glance
- Entity level
- Organisation
- Type
- Non-profit or think tank
- Also known as
- GRC
- Flagship output
- GRC Strategic Dossier (latest: Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic Dossier, January 2026)
- Category
- Strategic & country intelligence
- Tier
- Tier 2: Long-standing Gulf think tank; regular GCC security and political analysis
- Headquarters
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Coverage
- GCC politics, security, economics, foreign relations
- Public access
- Free
- Latest activity seen
- Jan 2026
- Evidence
- Verified
How it produces intelligence
In-house senior advisers and researchers write analysis papers and an annual strategic dossier of expert essays. The centre also convenes academic conferences.
Risk themes
Focus regions
Leadership
- Dr Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman
- Dr Mustafa Alani, Senior Advisor and Director, Security and Defense Research Program
Links
What it publishes
| Output | Type | Cadence | Latest edition | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRC Strategic Dossier | Annual outlook | Annual | Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic Dossier | Jan 2026 | Read report |
| Gulf Research Meeting | Other | Annual | GRM 2026 | 2026 | Visit site |
| GRC analysis papers | Other | Irregular | Read report |
Latest findings
Recent public risk calls by Gulf Research Center, summarised in our own words. They are its views, not 311's. Follow each source for the original.
Israel is now viewed as a leading source of escalation risk for the Gulf, and Gulf states can no longer count on immunity despite close US ties.
Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic DossierIran's regional militia network has been largely neutralised and its wider strategy badly weakened. Allied militias are expected to shrink markedly during 2026.
Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic DossierYemen is the GCC's most sensitive challenge for 2026, given the southern STC's push in Hadramout and a weak Presidential Leadership Council.
Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic DossierGCC states are expected to keep hedging, mediating and de-escalating rather than lock into rigid alliances. Managing internal differences is the bloc's main test.
Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic DossierVolatile oil prices, and a possible supply surge if Russia sanctions were lifted, could squeeze Gulf development financing.
Jan 2026 · Horizon: 2026 · Source: Gulf Research Center 2026 Strategic Dossier
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Questions about Gulf Research Center
What is Gulf Research Center?
Independent think tank on the Gulf Cooperation Council states. It publishes research on Gulf politics, security, economics and foreign relations and hosts the annual Gulf Research Meeting.
How does Gulf Research Center produce its intelligence?
In-house senior advisers and researchers write analysis papers and an annual strategic dossier of expert essays. The centre also convenes academic conferences.
Where is Gulf Research Center based?
Gulf Research Center is based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
What does Gulf Research Center cover?
Its work covers geopolitics, conflict & security, energy & commodities, governance & fragility, with a focus on Middle East & North Africa.
Profile compiled by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit from public sources. Last checked 21 Oct 2026. Listing is not a ranking or an endorsement. Evidence source. Is this your organisation? Request a correction.