The recent economic developments in the Gulf topped the agenda at the symposium organised last week by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies.

The situation is getting complex for many reasons. First, some local and foreign parties are exploiting some of the economic measures adopted by the GCC countries, especially after the collapse in oil prices, to boost their financial situation. Among these are reforms integral to stabilising the economic conditions and diversify sources of income. Unfortunately, these have been deliberately twisted for the purpose of incitement.

Second, there is Iran’s non-stop interventions in the GCC’s internal affairs and its continuing occupation of three UAE islands, as well as its support to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. These add salt to the region’s open wounds.

The third reason is the spate of misleading media campaigns targeted at the GCC countries by several parties, including some previous allies that hold the Gulf responsible for issues that it has had nothing to do with. This was reflected in an article published by a UK newspaper last week, blaming GCC countries for climate change. That is outrageous given that the developed countries, whose economies account for 80 per cent of the global economy, are the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions.

Syrian refugees

Earlier, GCC countries were accused of not welcoming Syrian refugees at a time when they are home to the largest Syrian community in the world. There are 250,000 Syrian expats living in the UAE, 250,000 in Kuwait and more than 1 million in Saudi Arabia. And another half a million in the remaining three Gulf countries.

This brings the total number in the Gulf to more than 2 million. This figure exceeds the number of Syrian refugees received by European countries despite the economic difference between the two regions.

These are just a few examples of media campaigns, including on social media, done in a malicious manner to defame and distort the image of the Gulf nations. Taking this to extremes, GCC countries may be blamed for the extinction of dinosaurs millions of years ago ...

Terrorism also took centre stage during the symposium — which had the theme of “Security in the Arabian Gulf: Migration, Technology, Media and Change” — as the GCC countries are affected by such acts as carried out by Daesh and other groups. Despite this, Iran through its soft power, continues to unleash instigative campaigns accusing the GCC of supporting terrorist groups.

It is true these are borne of political issues, but their economic consequences are disastrous. Foreign investors, who find rewarding opportunities in the GCC, may show reluctance due to the misleading propaganda and twisted facts. However, the GCC countries still enjoy excellent financial positions and good growth rates.

Economic stability

Boosting their economies by drawing more foreign direct investment requires them to develop their soft powers while maintaining economic stability. This is extremely important as the role of media — including social — and their impact are increasing.

The Gulf countries have to cooperate effectively in the economic sphere as they have done on the security and military aspects so as to maintain past achievements. This is important so as to thwart media campaigns aiming at defaming the image of the GCC countries, which sincerely seek to restore peace and security and achieve economic development for the region as a whole.

In this regard, it is vital to benefit from the fruitful cooperation between the Emirates think tank and Oxford Centre, which has a number of British experts interested in the Middle East and Gulf issues.

Many of them, who have good relations within the GCC and still maintain strong ties in their own countries, might help in projecting an objective picture of the situation here.

Dr Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert and specialist in economic and social development in the UAE and the GCC countries.