Open menu Search

Gulf defence spending rises

20th November 2013 - 13:47 GMT | by Joyce de Thouars in London

RSS

Defence spending in the Gulf is rising steadily with companies increasingly focussing on the region as budgets shrink in domestic markets. 

SIPRI has estimated that defence expenditure in the Gulf region has increased by almost 14% in the face of the growing, perceived threat from Iran and rising levels of disposable income. 

Although actual figures are not available, a CSIS report stated that between 2008 and 2011, the Gulf countries announced more than $75.6 billion in arms transfer agreements. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, traditionally the biggest spenders in the region, accounted for respectively 69% and 23% of the expenditure. 

Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®

A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.

LEARN MORE
Joyce de Thouars

Author

Joyce de Thouars


Joyce holds a MA degree in Middle Eastern Studies from King’s College London. Before she …

Read full bio

Share to

Linkedin