From oil to minerals: Gulf states as middle powers in the race for critical minerals

The Gulf states are increasingly investing in critical minerals (CMs) such as rare earth elements, copper and lithium, which are essential for renewable energy, emerging communication technologies and defence systems. In expanding into foreign CM markets, the Gulf states are joining China, the European Union and the United States in an intensifying race to secure such resources. This UI Brief investigates how the growing role of the Gulf states in critical mineral investment is creating different opportunities and challenges for policymakers worldwide.