Privileged insight. Unconventional perspective. Better decisions.
Azal Advisors helps sovereign and institutional clients seize opportunities, expand influence and manage risk in their international engagements. Drawing on a diverse group of experts and well placed in-country relationships, we generate unique insights on critical matters for our clients, across economic, political, security and regulatory areas. We have no political agenda or preferred world view. Our advice is always grounded in ethical principles.
WHAT WE DO
PRIVILEGED INSIGHT AND DIALOGUE
Global complexity is intensifying, driven by geopolitical rivalry, economic realignment, and technological disruption. In this environment, sound decisions depend on insight, access, and trusted relationships. We provide unique insights to sovereign and institutional clients, through privileged insight drawn from our network and independent experts. For sovereign clients, we facilitate dialogue and engagement at civil and institutional levels.
PRIVILEGED INSIGHT
Political, economy, regulatory and security data-gathering, research and analysis to inform decisions on bilateral engagement and investment. Combining specialist knowledge and field research with the structured approach of management consulting, we provide thoroughly informed insights and judgement, producing clear, to the point, and frank recommendations.
DISCREET DIALOGUE
Dialogue is the foundation of durable bilateral relations. For selected geographies, we promote and facilitate structured engagement between government counterparts. This covers stakeholders across civil society, educational institutions, and where appropriate, at the pre-diplomatic level, helping parties understand each other’s positions before formal processes begin. We do this discreetly and confidentially.
THE TEAM
BRIDGING EXPERTISE WITH STRUCTURE
Azal Advisors is structured around a lean consulting team, a large group of subject matter experts, and relationships in key geographies and sectors. 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. A principal and selected relevant subject matter experts work collaboratively on every mandate.
Sound analysis of a multipolar world requires experts who inhabit it from different vantage points. Our network is built on that principle, with geographic, cultural and intellectual diversity because the questions our clients face demand nothing less.
Our experts are affiliated with organizations including but not limited to:
- Academia: London School of Economics, Princeton University, Georgetown University, Zayed University, Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, Tehran University, Johns Hopkins
- Think Tanks: RUSI, Chatham House, Arab Gulf States Institute, Hague Center for Strategic Studies, Derasat Bahrain, European Institute for Studies on the Middle East and North Africa, King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies
- Ex Government: US Department of State, European Ministries of Foreign Affairs, European Commission, retired officials from Middle East governments
POLICY BRIEFS
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.
The GCC in the Eastern Med: balancing economic and security interests
The Eastern Mediterranean continues to be an area of growing importance for some GCC States, on the back of commercial interests, political antagonism, and broader security concerns. In the last years, Gulf involvement has weighed more heavily towards the security dimension, in no small part due to the projection of the GCC rift into the region. Yet if Gulf Arab States are to reap the dividends of their much-needed investments in the region’s commercial infrastructure, it will be in their interest to minimize military posturing and focus instead on economic partnerships.