The National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations (NCUSAR) GCC Area Studies Program has been in existence since the National Council’s establishment in 1983. The National Council Board of Directors, Leadership, and Senior Academic Fellows work collaboratively to promote the Council’s mission and objectives in advancing research activities and scholarly engagements.
The National Council’s founding President and CEO, Dr. John Duke Anthony led this ground-breaking area studies research program for over 40 years until his retirement in 2023. Dr. Anthony’s scholarship, privileged personal relations, and visits to the region have set the foundation for the National Council’s enduring focus on this vital region, its peoples, and relations with the United States.
The area research program includes the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Other neighboring Middle Eastern Countries such as Iran, Iraq, Israel, Turkey, and Yemen may be considered when researching and analyzing the GCC member states internal and external relations. This program emphasizes research and analysis, publications, education, cultural exchange, strategic cooperation, and gatherings centered on scholarly research and analysis.
GCC countries play a crucial role in U.S., regional, and international relations. U.S. – GCC relations are rooted in cooperation, mutual understanding, and constructive consultation aimed at securing regional and global peace and prosperity GCC countries have worked tirelessly to strengthen relations and strategic dialogues in the cultural, educational, scientific, energy, political, diplomatic, security, economic, and commercial fields, in addition to various environmental and development areas.
These nations are longstanding allies, friends, and partners with the United States and play a vital role in confronting global strategic challenges in the area of energy security, counter-terrorism, climate change, and economic and energy security in addition to groundbreaking initiatives in interfaith dialogue.
The program is led by Dr. Naila Al Sowayel, a distinguished former Saudi Arabian career diplomat who over the course of an exceptional career spanning more than four decades, played a pivotal role in advancing diplomatic engagement, research, strategic communications, and policy development between the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the broader Arab and Islamic world.
Dr. Al Sowayel’s diplomatic career has been defined by her ability to navigate complex geopolitical environments and foster meaningful dialogue at the highest levels of government. She has been instrumental in strengthening bilateral and multilateral relationships, contributing to initiatives that promote regional stability, mutual understanding, and long-term strategic cooperation.
Prior to her diplomatic service, Dr. Al Sowayel served as a journalist and Bureau Chief for the Saudi Press Agency in Washington, D.C., where she covered the White House, the State Department, and U.S. political affairs. In this role, she developed a sophisticated understanding of American policymaking, governance, and media dynamics—insights that would later inform her effectiveness as a diplomat supporting policy strategy.
In her current role as program director, she brings a deep commitment to fostering constructive U.S.–Arab engagement, making her exceptionally well-suited to guide the program’s mission and strategic vision.
Dr. Al Sowayel received her BA from Wellesley College, her MSFS from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University where she was also awarded her PhD.
