They shared their varying, and often controversial, views on life and politics in the region.

Hardtalk in the Gulf: Massoumah Al-Mubarak

Massoumah Al-Mubarak is a leading women's rights activist. Tim Sebastian travelled to Kuwait to discuss her struggle to extend voting rights to women.

The interview was broadcast on 22 May.

Hardtalk in the Gulf: Turki Al-Hamad

Saudi Arabian academic, Turki Al-Hamad has risked his life for his right to freedom of speech. He talks to Tim Sebastian.

The interview was broadcast on 19 June

Hardtalk in the Gulf: Mohamed Al-Abbar

Mohamed Al-Abbar of the Dubai Department of Economic Development told Tim Sebastian about the steps being made to prevent Al Qaeda funds passing through the United Arab Emirates.

The interview was broadcast on 18 June.

Hardtalk in the Gulf: Abdul Al Matroudi

In Riyadh Tim Sebastian speaks to Saudi Arabia's Deputy Minister of Islamic Affairs about the application of Islamic values in the home of Mecca

The interview was broadcast on 17 June.

Hardtalk in the Gulf: Mohammed Al-Douri

Mohammed Al-Douri, Iraq's former Ambassador to the United Nations tells Tim Sebastian what it was like to defend his country in the face of international hostility.

The interview was broadcast on 16 June.

HARDtalk can be watched on BBC World and BBC News 24 at the following times:

BBC News 24 (times shown in GMT) 0430, repeated 2230

BBC World (times shown in GMT) 0330, repeated 1130, 1530, 1830, 2330