Gulf prime ministers’ roles will ensure the status quo

Significance

Prime ministers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are part of the ruling families. They often combine the role with that of crown prince or sovereign ministerial portfolios, producing variations in power. The prime ministers often serve as representatives of the rulers abroad, as well as being important figures in domestic politics.

Impacts

• Intra-royal family tensions could rise in Saudi Arabia, where Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman has consolidated power.
• Changes of prime minister are most likely in Kuwait and Qatar, but the appointees will be close relatives of the ruler.
• A woman gaining the role of prime minister in the GCC is a distant prospect.