Omar Al-Ubaydli

Omar Al-Ubaydli is a contributor for Semafor Gulf. He is an affiliated associate professor of economics at George Mason University and senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center in Washington, DC. He has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals, including PLOS Medicine, and his research has been covered by the Economist and Newsweek. Al-Ubaydli received his MA and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago and his BA in economics from Queen’s College (University of Cambridge).

Analysis: Drones are rewriting the Gulf’s defense doctrine

An economist’s analysis of drone warfare reveals a clear strategy for the Gulf: offense is the best defense.

An servicemen of the 15th Operative Purpose Brigade Kara-Dag, of the National Guard of Ukraine, prepare a Darts strike drone for flight over positions of Russian troops, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, near Kupiansk, Kharkiv region, Ukraine May 11, 2025

Analysis: Why the Gulf won’t pick a side in the trade war

As Washington splits the world into two economic blocs, the Gulf should maintain its position as a bridge between East and West.

US President Donald Trump holds a chart next to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick as April 2

Analysis: Gulf countries should restore discreetness in foreign aid

A return to discreet aid aligns with Islamic principles and offers a more dignified model than the West’s attention-seeking philanthropy.

Truck carries humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip

Analysis: The Gulf needs young Sergey Brins, not just Albert Einsteins

Gulf states should ease immigration restrictions to cultivate genuine national loyalty among a second generation of stars.

In the Gulf as in the US, crises can remove barriers to long-term investment

The Gulf’s economic visions gained momentum after a crisis, mirroring the US development of shale oil decades earlier.