Middle East has been bleeding for the last hundred years since the WWI and fall of the Ottoman Empire. Division of the region into British and French protectorate, the creation of countries on unnatural lines against the wishes of the people, creation of Israel has been the thorn in the region and the greed for oil had led to the suffering of the people of the region
Division of the region on sectarian lines, the proxy war between the two competing nations has led to the loss of lives and the resources of both the country it also allowed other powers in their interest to meddle in their affairs.
At the crossroads of East and West for centuries, the Middle East is once again a stage for global influences vying for prominence. What is certain is that the region’s role is changing as it embraces innovation and seeks to convene the world on issues such as climate change.
The Abraham Accords of 2020 paved the way for a more optimistic and peaceful Middle East. It encourages the efforts to promote interfaith and intercultural dialogue to advance a culture of peace among the three Abrahamic religions and all humanity. It seeks tolerance and respect for every person to make this world a place where all can enjoy a life of dignity and hope, no matter their race, faith, or ethnicity.
It supports science, art, medicine, and commerce to inspire humankind, maximize human potential and bring nations closer together.
It seeks to end radicalization and conflict to provide all children with a better future.
But this does not mean the region is free of tensions or interstate enmity. People are deeply concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so what steps can Arab leadership and their international partners take to restart negotiations between the two sides?
The recent restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia under China has been a shocker to the world. President Bashar al-Assad’s visit to UAE. Houthis and Saudi Arabia meeting in Oman have been unthinkable a year ago but it’s happening
The economic models of many Middle Eastern countries have been based on oil since WWI but they are diversifying their economies away from the model built on hydrocarbon. They are focusing more on tourism and diversifying their economy which has changed radically in recent years. Technology is emerging as a major priority in economic development.
With the changing geostrategic climate of the middle east with the USA more interested in the containment of China, and building alliances for the blockade of the south china sea and the Taiwan conflict there is a feeling of insecurity in the region and they were looking for some alternative power alignment which China filled in the shoes.
China has become the largest trading partner to Saudi Arabia and Iran two of the largest oil producing country not only China is investing 400 billion dollars in Iran with the intention of securing its energy needs.
Not only this the wars in the Middle East invasion of Iraq in the context of WMD, the war in Syria, and Libya Unresolved Palestinian issue, and the failure to implement the Two Nation State theory between Israel and Palestine eroded the trust of the USA as an honest broker for resolving the issues of conflict.
USA projected the hard power while the Chinese were more focused on trade and diplomacy without any military intervention. They are also offering mediation for the Palestinian issue
The Russian invasion of Ukraine also brought the Middle East more into the limelight as a result of the blockade of Russian oil and gas by the West. OPEC was asked to raise oil production which they did not do according to the Western expectation.
UAE has become a tourist shopping and major entertainment zone where people are flocking in herds.
Saudi Arabia is changing women are getting driving rights, cinemas are opening, and sporting events and musical concerts taking place on a regular basis. Also, the power of Mattawa is curtailed.
15 mega-projects shaping the future of Saudi Arabia from theme parks and metro lines to the world’s tallest structure, Saudi is undergoing some serious changes.
Neom the futuristic city costing nearly 500 billion dollars will house areas dedicated to future technologies in 16 sectors including biotech, food, manufacturing, and technology, which will contribute to the kingdom’s GDP is projected to be at least $100bn by 2030.
The Journey Through Time master plan aims to turn Al Ula into a global destination for travellers offering heritage, nature, art, and culture. When completed, the plan hopes to attract two million visitors every year to the historic Saudi region.
Dubbed the kingdom’s “capital of entertainment”, Qiddiya will span more than 334 square kilometres on the outskirts of Riyadh, offering a mix of attractions ranging from a 20,000-seat cliff-top stadium to a Formula One-standard racetrack.
The Red Sea project will be the first fully integrated, luxury, mixed-use resort in the Middle East and is expected to attract visitors all year round.
Known as the ‘pearl of Saudi Arabia’, Ad Diriyah is set to put Saudi Arabia’s tourism wheels in motion. It is the site of the first Saudi state, the original seat of power of Saudi Arabia’s Al Saud family. Ad Diriyah is located on the outskirts of Riyadh and is set to become a major tourist destination.
Within Ad Diriyah, you’ll find the UNESCO-listed site of At-Turaif the sprawling mud-brick capital city founded in the 15th century, with much influence owed to the Najdi architectural style of Arabia. In the mid-18th century,
FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 was enjoyed inside the stadiums by 3.4 million spectators up from 3 million in 2018, who were treated to a historic tournament. 172 goals ensured that Qatar 2022 became the highest-scoring FIFA World Cup in history, eclipsing the previous highest total of 171, in both 1998 and 2014. According to the Tass news agency of Russia, the highest total spending toward infrastructure confirmed by Qatari officials was $200 billion. Even the finance ministers of Qatar admitted to spending $500 million per week for years on the infrastructure project.
Jordan is becoming the major tourist destination Egypt has always been due to the Pyramids and Sharm EL Sheikh and so are Oman and Kuwait.
Looks like the Middle East is rising with a focus on education, science, research, technology, sports, and tourism.
The recent transfer of Ronaldo to Al Nasr football club is one example
Hope peace prosperity progress stability comes to the region and stays.
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