Structured expert analysis and primary source insights to inform sovereign decisions
Azal Advisors supports sovereign clients and institutional investors navigating complex macro trends. Drawing on a vetted network of renowned specialists, we combine depth of expertise with breadth of perspective on economic, security and geopolitical topics. Where access and discreet engagement matter as much as analysis, Azal draws on trusted relationships built over years of direct regional presence.
WHAT WE DO
ANALYTICAL INTELLIGENCE AND BILATERAL ENGAGEMENT
We provide unique insights to sovereign and institutional clients, through analytical intelligence drawn from independent experts and field research; we facilitate dialogue and engagement at civil and institutional levels.
ADVISORY
Strategic analysis of bilateral dynamics, regional power shifts, and policy trajectories. Political and geopolitical due diligence for investors in complex environments.
DIALOGUE
Promoting and facilitating bilateral engagement at civil society, institutional and government levels. Testing of positions through pre-diplomatic engagement.
Curated expertise
Vetted network of subject matter specialists. One stop shop for multi-domain expertise, diversity of perspective, intellectual rigor and structured strategic insight.
Accountable delivery
One single point of contact and accountability. One principal selects experts, produces the final output and owns every deliverable.
Cost transparency
Expert fees passed through at cost, itemised on every invoice. No hidden margins.
THE TEAM
BRIDGING EXPERTISE WITH STRUCTURE
A principal and a network of subject matter experts work collaboratively on every mandate. Azal’s full network extends to academics, think tankers, former government officials, current and former international organization officials, and private sector executives in the Gulf, Asia, Europe and the Americas, covering geopolitics, energy, economics, technology, diplomacy, and defense. The principal leads every mandate, selecting and commissioning the expert team, bringing a structured analytical approach, and producing the final output for which the firm is accountable.
SAMPLE OF ADVISORS
Dr Steffen Hertog
GCC economics and political economy
Adel Bakawan
EU - Turkey / Iraq relations
Dr Jonathan Fulton
Sino-Gulf relations
Raiman Al-Hamdani
Yemen stabilisation and development
Dr Omar Al-Ubaydli
GCC countries' economics expert
David Rundell
Saudi - US relations
Kate Dourian
Energy markets
Dr Izak Atiyas
Economics & industrial policy
Dr Eckart Woertz
Food & energy security
Dr Martin Keulertz
Food & water security
Dr Bernard Haykel
Arab identity, Islam and social history of the GCC
Dr Jean Francois Seznec
Economic & Industrial Policy
Michael Stephens
Europe-Gulf relations
Dr Paul J. Sullivan
Energy and Environmental Security
Dr Mohammed Al-Sudairi
Sino-Gulf relationsINSIGHTS
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
A multilateral collateralized digital currency as an instrument of influence for oil-exporting states
Gulf States are in the front line of the strategic competition between China and the United States. The former seeks to secure a steady supply of oil while extending its economic and technology influence. The latter continues to play a dominant role in enabling the defence of Gulf States while leveraging this position to keep them from embracing China. This situation is also reflected in the recurring topic of the dedollarization of global oil-trade and China’s desire to settle oil-purchases in its own currency, the Renminbi, which for a variety of reasons does not yet serve the interests of Gulf-based oil-exporters. This report argues that a multilateral and oil-collateralized digital currency (MCDC) could provide like-minded Gulf oil-exporters with a tool of partial monetary policy independence and enhanced global influence, ultimately enabling them to carve a more independent policy that serves their own interest rather than the one of either of the two super-powers.
How can GCC countries achieve equilibrium in the China-India competition?
The competition between China and India continues to grow, driven by territorial disputes and China’s growing strategic dominance and assertiveness. Both countries are also increasing their demand for energy and raw materials to fuel their economic growth. In our latest report, Dr Naranayappa Janardhan (Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy) and Nicolas Dunais (Azal Advisors) argue that Gulf policymakers should pursue a balanced relationship with China and India, avoid “picking sides”, and where possible, encourage them to cooperate rather than compete in the commercial and security realms.
Nudging GCC citizens to sustainability: the imperatives of cultural awareness & local knowledge
Many GCC governments have established or are in the process of establishing behavioural economics (“nudge”) units as an additional instrument of policymaking, with the support of Western experts. With sustainability considerations becoming more central in the policy development process, nudging has a key role to play in effectively changing citizen behaviour. Yet local specificities mean that replicating models which have worked abroad is fraught with risk: social habits among GCC citizens can result in nudge campaigns having the opposite effects to the ones intended. In this context, it is essential to leverage local expertise to ensure campaigns are effectively delivered and government efficiency is maximized.