Highlight 46/2025: The Rise of Gulf Mediation Hubs: How Tradition and Regional Leadership Are Reshaping Global Peace Diplomacy?
Hassan Fahs, 26 November 2025
During the last decades, several Gulf countries have emerged as key actors in International mediation and peace-talks involving state and non-state actors across the world.
Despite the complexity and sensitivity of many cases, this diplomatic engagement was reflected in a series of high profile initiatives such as the UAE’s facilitation of prisoners’ exchange between Russia and Ukraine, Qatar’s diverse mediation roles including the 2008 agreement between the Lebanese parties, the U.S.–Taliban negotiations, and dialogues related to Venezuela, Somalia–Kenya, Chad, and Sudan; Saudi Arabia’s dialogue between Palestinian parties, and lastly Oman’s “quiet” and discreet channels between the United States and Iran.
This positive approach is rooted in deep historical and cultural foundations: traditionally, resolution of conflicts in Gulf societies took place in the majlis, a central social and political institution where leaders and elders meet to manage community affairs. Furthermore, disagreements were resolved through sulh, a customary reconciliation process that prioritizes dignity and forgiveness, emphasizing long term peace agreements rather than relying on formal legal remedies.
The influence of these traditions remains visible in contemporary initiatives, which continue to privilege confidentiality, trust, and preserving the dignity of all parties. Hence, for many conflict actors, this cultural familiarity makes Gulf capitals constructive and comfortable environments in which to hold peace-talks.
Moreover, Institutional and constitutional frameworks reinforce these traditions: Article 7 of Qatar’s Constitution mandates the peaceful settlement of disputes and the promotion of international cooperation; as well as Article 10 of Oman’s Basic Statute commits the Sultanate to peaceful relations, mutual respect, and the promotion of stability. Moreover, Leaders across the Gulf region regularly highlight these principles in their statements at the United Nations meetings, reinforcing the idea that mediation is not an ad-hoc effort but part of a consistent foreign-policy “identity”.
Several factors enhance the Gulf’s mediation capacity, including political stability, economic strength, and extensive diplomatic networks. These states possess the financial resources to host negotiations, support humanitarian arrangements, and maintain communication channels with actors who do not typically share traditional negotiation spaces.
Looking ahead, the sustainability of the Gulf mediation model may depend on continued institutional development. For instance, Qatar has already invested in mediation training and specialized institutions, suggesting the emergence of a new generation of mediators. A next step would be for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to adopt a more unified structure. For example, establishing a Gulf Mediation Council could consolidate expertise, coordinate national initiatives, and strengthen the region’s role as a complementary partner to traditional mediation centers such as Geneva and Oslo.
This evolving landscape also raises an essential question for future research: to what extent will the rise of regional mediation hubs—whether in the Gulf, Europe, or the United States—reshape or complement the United Nations’ fundamental role in global peace resolution? And how can these parallel channels be more effectively integrated within the UN frameworks to ensure wider legitimacy and universal acceptance?
Hassan Fahs, Highlight 46/2025: The Rise of Gulf Mediation Hubs: How Tradition and Regional Leadership Are Reshaping Global Peace Diplomacy?, 26 November 2025, available at www.meig.ch
The views expressed in the MEIG Highlights are personal to the authors and neither reflect the positions of the MEIG Programme nor those of the University of Geneva.