How the Gulf can turn threats into shared purpose

Yesterday, Dr Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to President Sheikh Mohamed, called for enhanced collective defense in the Gulf. This call comes at a critical juncture when Iran and its proxies have intensified their attacks on the region's largest economy, highlighting the severe consequences of failing to deter such threats. Attacks by Iran-backed Houthis have caused significant damage to travel and shipping, underscoring the far-reaching impacts on the region's prosperity and interconnected economies.

These attacks, which target critical infrastructure like airports and shipping routes, reverberate beyond the immediate victims, forcing airlines to reassess routes, businesses to reconsider supply chains, and investors to weigh the costs of operating in a volatile region. The aviation industry, in particular, is highly susceptible to disruptions, as seen since the conflict began in February, with airlines facing increased costs and travel delays.

Moreover, the threats extend to environmental security, as attacks on oil facilities, tankers, and energy infrastructure can lead to pollution that transcends national borders, posing long-term challenges. The concentration of energy resources in the Strait of Hormuz amplifies the potential environmental and economic fallout from major spills.

Recognizing these risks, Gulf states may collaborate on joint environmental response measures and infrastructure protection to bolster their collective resilience against such shocks. While individual national interests will persist, this cooperation can leverage existing ties to mitigate shared threats. Ultimately, addressing these challenges requires a unified approach among Arab neighbors, leveraging their interconnected economies and shared vulnerabilities to confront the ongoing crises effectively.