From mediation initiatives to humanitarian engagement, GCC countries have played a prominent role in addressing the crises that have shaken the MENA region in recent years. Time and again, Gulf monarchies have demonstrated their ability to navigate among competing factions while expanding political, trade and technological relations with new and old partners. Yet, recent developments have put GCC states directly in the line of fire, with far-reaching implications for their national security strategies and economic diversification agendas. This session explores how Gulf Monarchies are perceiving the drastic changes the MENA region is currently experiencing, and the strategies they are putting in place to tackle them. What challenges have the Gaza crisis and the other developments of the past two years posed to GCC countries? What strategies are they charting going forward? And what impact are recent events having on the Gulf Monarchies’ quest for diversifying their political and economic partnerships?