Guardians of the Gulf: A Deep Dive into the GCC Defence Industry

The book highlights the evolution of the defence industry in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, emphasising its historical reliance on arms imports, the shift towards domestic defence capabilities, and the implications for regional security and economic development.

Key Takeaways

• The GCC states heavily relied on arms imports initially due to limited domestic industrial capabilities and evolving security threats.
• The United States played a significant role as a primary arms supplier to the GCC states during their early development stages.
• Over time, concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities and over-dependence on foreign powers led to a strategic shift towards developing indigenous defence industries.
• The book explores the economic implications of the local defence industry, emphasising its potential to drive economic growth, create job opportunities, and foster technological innovation.
• It also delves into the security implications of defence industry development, focusing on enhancing military capabilities and strengthening national security.
• The book's methodology adopts a multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical, economic, geopolitical, and security perspectives through primary and secondary research.
• The book's structure follows a logical flow, exploring the drivers and challenges of defence indigenisation, economic diversification, technology transfer, and their impact on regional security cooperation.

Guardians of the Gulf is essential for policymakers, scholars, and anyone seeking a deep understanding of contemporary defence developments in this critical region.

Writer /Journalist/ Senior Researcher

• Published over 30 books and counting, (translations not included).
• Authored co-authored, edited, and published hundreds of daily/ weekly/ monthly briefings, reports and analyses, peer-reviewed articles, monographs, and books, about MENA region and international politics.
• Participated in many international conferences, either on the panel, as a member of the organizing team, or as a journalist.
• Has been involved with the media since his early career, thus serving in different posts: reporter, investigation journalist, copy editor, cultural journalism, political journalism, editorialist, and Executive Editor.
• Translated several books/documents. Also reviewed translations for publishers.
• Member of several academic boards.
• Veteran columnist and commentator for the media.
• Ranking in the top 10%of Authors by all-time downloads on Social Science Research Network.