Gulf State Involvement in the Developing Eastern Mediterranean Geoeconomic/Security Complex

Over the past decade, the Gulf states have become more directly involved in military and economic aspects of Eastern Mediterranean politics. This reflects the Gulf’s increased engagement and greater geostrategic orientation toward this subregion of the Middle East. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have actively and more regularly participated in subregional joint military exercises in the Mediterranean, and their national energy companies and sovereign wealth funds have become strategic investors in the region. Qatar, too, has extended its economic reach into the subregion, alongside its diplomatic role in conflict mediation. These developments are an extension of national efforts in the Gulf to build greater inter-regional connectivity. This has led to complex, multimodal infrastructure projects linking the Gulf and Europe. The need for sea–land connection from the Gulf to Europe has made access to Eastern Mediterranean ports and infrastructure more competitive, creating new inter-regional political and security effects.