Abstract. Regional tensions in the Middle East were on the decline during most of 2023. The Arab states, especially the Gulf monarchies, were improving relations with both their major rivals – Iran and Turkey. However, in the fall, the overall positive dynamics were undermined by the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The escalation was exacerbated by the danger that Iran could be drawn into this conflict. The economic situation in the region was also controversial: tourism and trade rebounded, but there were also negative trends – the decline in revenues from energy exports combined with the unfavorable international situation at the end of the year. The most populous country in the region, Egypt, which faced a new round of inflation and debt crisis, was in the high-risk zone. The civil war in Sudan turned into a protracted conflict, as all attempts to negotiate a truce failed.