and traces the use of intelligent systems in both offensive and defensive cyber operations. The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach alongside the international systems framework to address its central question regarding the implications and strategic stakes of artificial intelligence for the security of Gulf states. It seeks to present a systematic analytical perspective that links geopolitical and technological dimensions, demonstrating the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing cyber capabilities and redefining the rules of regional deterrence. The findings indicate that the Gulf has increasingly become a testing ground for advanced cyber operations whose impacts extend beyond the technical domain to broader strategic considerations. The results also show that contemporary cyberattacks rely on intelligent offensive systems targeting critical sectors, particularly energy and telecommunications, and are employed as instruments of geopolitical pressure. At the same time, a clear gap persists between the scale of cyber threats and the level of defensive preparedness, largely due to the absence of a unified institutional cybersecurity framework. The study recommends strengthening Gulf cybersecurity through the establishment of a unified regional centre, the development of early warning systems based on machine learning, and the adoption of intelligent defensive solutions to protect critical infrastructure. Keywords: cyber warfare, artificial intelligence, national security, Gulf states.
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