Experts in the News

A Saudi delegation to the UAE last week may have been designed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with a careful balance of figures from different branches of the Al Saud family. This was perhaps meant to "demonstrate a show of unity within the Al Saud family that has been under strain,” said Middle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichsen.

The UAE has appointed Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the autocratic nation's president following his half-brother's death last Friday. Middle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichsen described what the new ruler's likely priorities.

“UAE leadership does not want to take sides" in the conflict, saidMiddle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichson. “That is harder to balance when they are on the UN Security Council and when the relationship between the U.S. and Russia has ruptured so dramatically.”

“The move indicates ... deepening ties between Doha and Washington,” said Middle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichsen. "The Qataris are looking to showcase that they behave in ways that strengthen U.S. interests."

On a recent Arab Digest podcast, Middle East fellow Kristian Coates Ulrichsen discussed what Saudi Arabia's and the UAE's response to the JCPOA talks in Vienna showed about each country's goals.