GRC Participation and Presentations

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated as a discussant in the panel on 'The Future of Gulf Governance: Security, Climate, Energy' at the World Congress of Middle Eastern Studies (WOCMES 2010) in Barcelona. Spain.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about the global financial crisis and the UAE at the World Congress of Middle Eastern Studies (WOCMES) in Barcelona

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the Second Management team of the project “Supporting Long-term Planning Capacity for Conflict Prevention in the Middle East” held in Beirut , Lebanon,  where he provided environmental expertise. The project is carried out by Crisis Management Initiative, Finland with cooperation with Jordanian Strategic Center, Lebanon Center for Strategic Studies, Alahram Center for strategic Studies- Egypt and Gulf Research Center, Dubai.

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the 38th Global Environment Facility (GEF) CSO and Council Meetings in Washington, DC. GRC is currently the Regional Focal Point of West Asia for the GEF- NGO Network.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave  a talk about long-term economic challenges of GCC countries at the Arabian Business Magazine conference in Dubai

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about Gulf state owned enterprises and privatization at the OECD Task Force on Corporate Governance of State Owned Enterprises in the Middle East and North Africa

Dr. Samir Pradhan Senior Researcher, Economics Program, Gulf Research Centre was a panelist and presented a paper on "GCC Monetary Union: Inspired by Euro, Committed to Dollar" at the International Conference "Shaping the Future of the International Monetary System" organized by The National Bank of Poland 25-27 May 2010, attended by 25 higher level international financial experts and bankers.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager attended the Africa Day Celebration and gave a speech in Abudhabi

Dr. Mustafa Alani Director of Security and Defense Department participated as speaker in the "Reporting on International Security and Terrorism" Seminar in New York

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the second WANA Forum held in Amman, Jordan. The initiative supported by Prince Al-Hassan Ben Talal of Jordon. Dr. Raouf is in charge of sub-committee of Climate change within Environment group of the conference.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager attended a workshop on Silicon Valley at King Abdulaziz University last Thursday 13th May from 9am to 3pm.

Dr. Mohamed Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the First Management team of the project “Supporting Long-term Planning Capacity for Conflict Prevention in the Middle East” held in Amman, Jordan, where he provided environmental expertise. The project is carried out by Crisis Management Initiative, Finland with cooperation with Jordanian Strategic Center, Lebanon Center for Strategic Studies, Alahram Center for strategic Studies- Egypt and Gulf Research Center, Dubai.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager attended St. Gallen Symposium at St. Gallen University

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge spoke on the panel on: The European Union and the Arab World. What do Arabs think of and expect from Europe? at: Europe and Arab countries. Views, opinions, perspectives an International Seminar organised by Casa Árabe, Anna Lindh Foundation and CIDOB in Madrid , Spain

Dr. Eckart Woertz participated in a workshop of the Dubai Initiative and the Belfer Center of Science and International Affairs at the Kennedy School at Harvard University on May 3-4, 2010. The workshop was about Climate Change Adaptation in the MENA: Challenges and Opportunities and his talk was about Gulf agriculture and climate change adaptation.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about the Gulf and the Global Financial Crisis at the American Council on Germany in Boston

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about Gulf food security at Brandeis University

Dr. Samir Pradhan Senior Researcher, Economics Program, Gulf Research Centre participated in Globoil International 2010, Hyatt Regency Dubai from 23-25 April 2010.

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research gave a presentation about “Environmental issues locally, regional and internationally” at Boeing Office in Dubai on the occasion of celebrating the Earth Day on 22nd of April.

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the workshop for the Arab Region titled “Awareness-Raising Workshop for Developing and Transition Countries on Nanotechnology/Manufactured Nanomaterials and Strategic Management for Chemicals and Mercury Proposed UN treaty” organized by United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Egyptian Environment Authority (EEAA) held in Alexandria, Egypt.

Dr Mustafa Alani Director of Security and Defense Department participated as keynote speaker in the “ Maritime Infrastructure Protection Symposium”  organized by the US Naval Forces Central Command held in Manama, Bahrain

Dr Mustafa Alani Director of Security and Defense Department participated as speaker in meeting organized by The Nixon Center on the topic of “ Asia’s Role in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean: Implications for the Region and the U.S” held in Bellagio, Italy

Nicole Stracke participated in a Roundtable Discussion about Perceptions of Regional and International Interests in Yemen organized by Sheba Centre for Strategic Studies and Chatham House in Sanaa, Yemen

Dr. Samir Pradhan Senior Researcher, Economics Program, Gulf Research Centre presented a paper on "Oman-India Relations: Exploring the Migration Dynamics" at the International Workshop "Regionalizing Oman - Political, Economic and Social Dynamics" organized by The Department of Economics and Social Geography of the Middle East and North Africa, Institute of Oriental Studies, University of Leipzig 25 & 26 March 2010, attended by 40 experts and scholars.

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge Spoke on: Oman as a member of the GCC, in "Regionalizing Oman - Political, Economic and Social Dynamics" International Workshop, Department of Economics and Social Geography of the Middle East and North Africa, Institute of Oriental Studies, University of Leipzig 25 & 26 March 2010, attended by 40 experts and scholars.

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge Spoke on the: The regional reaction I: implications of accepting limited enrichment for regional and global proliferation at "The Iranian Nuclear Challenge: Reassessing the Options", A workshop organized by The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), IISS Arundel House, 13-15 Arundel Street,Temple Place, London WC2R 3DX., attended by 30 experts.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave  a talk about Middle East Food Security at the Brown Bag Lecture Series of the Department of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University.

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated the Arab Reform Forum held in Bibliotheca Alexandria in Egypt. The forum discussed the Climate Change after Copenhagen.

Dr. Mustafa Alani, Director of Security and Defense Department  was invited as the keynote speaker in the Morgan Stanley MENA Region Annual Client Dinner held in Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai. 

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the UNEP 11th GC/GMEF held in Bali Indonesia 22-25 February 2010. The GRC is accredited Organization to the UNEP and now representing Research Community. The Meeting focused on Green Economy and International Environmental governance.

Dr Mustafa Alani Director of Security Department participated as a speaker in the NATO Workshop on  "Cooperation in the Framework of Istanbul Cooperation Initiative" organized by The Center for Strategic Studies of the Qatar Ministry of Defense

Dr Mustafa Alani, Director of Security and Defence department participated as a speaker in the workshop organized by the French Senate House (French Parliament ) under the title “Going Nuclear in the Middle East – In Search of an European Middle East Policy” held in Paris.

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge Spoke on: Iran and Gulf security: at  Security in the Middle East, Department for Continuing Education, Oxford University

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about the Dubai debt crisis and other Gulf economic issues at Observatory Group in New York

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge articipated in Third Seminar on NATO’s Strategic Concept: NATO’s Partnerships and beyond Oslo, Norway.

Together with Thomas W. Lippman, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about Gulf Food Security and International Agro-Investments at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington D.C.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about the Dubai Debt Crisis at the Peterson Institute in Washington D.C.

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research gave a presentation at GulfEco Environment Conference and Exibition, Muscat, Oman organized by Minstry of Environment and Climate Affairs in Oman.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave talks about the Dubai Debt Crisis and Domestic Energy Requirements of Gulf Countries at the Naval Postgraudate School in Monterey, California

Dr. Mohamed Abel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the Pan-Arab Biodiversity Conference organized by Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alerxandria, Egypt.

Dr Mustafa Alani the Director of  the Department of Security and Defense Studies participated as speaker in the meeting organized at the US Congress building (Rayburn House) under the title “Yemen Headlined: Contemporary Myths and Empirical Realities”.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in GRC workshop held in Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai entitled:Higher Education Cooperation Opportunities between the EU and the GCC

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about the Dubai debt crisis at the Transregional Institute of Princeton University.

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge spoke on: How to improve NATO’s image and perception in the Gulf? at an International Research Seminar on NATO and Gulf Security held at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy.  The seminar brought together 60 experts representing NATO’s Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative countries.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Global Agenda council-Physical meeting held in Dubai

Dr Mustafa Alani the Director of Security and Defense Studies Department participated in the 5th plenary meeting of “the Regional Network of Strategic Centers” RNSSC of the National Defense University (NDU) Washington. The meeting was held in New Delhi – India between 18th – 21st November 2009. The meeting was hosted by the Indian Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA). 
   

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in workshop held in GRC entitled: China’s Growing Role in the Middle East: Implications for the Region and Beyond.

Dr. Mohamed Abelraouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated in the WANA forum Environmental track consultiation meeting in Amman 8-10 November as well as WANA participation in Climate change impacts on natural resources conference in Ismalia , Egypt 11-12 November. The main aim is to discuss the Environmental Education in WANA region, Green Economy in WANA region and climate change impacts locally, regionally and globally.

In the framework of the al-Jisr Project Workshop on “Political Reform in the GCC States and Its Implications for EU Policy” in cooperation with FRIDE, November 2 and 3, 2009 in Madrid, Spain, Dr. Christian Koch delivered a talk on “EU-GCC Relations: The Political Dimension”

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge Spoke on: The Istanbul Cooperation Initiative: Current Status and Future Prospects at  NATO-UAE relations and the way forward in the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Co-Organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates and the NATO Public Diplomacy Division

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in NATO-UAE relations and the way forward in the Istanbul cooperation initiative held in Abu Dhabi with a presentation entitled:“Regional Security challenges Affecting Nato and Gulf Countries”

Dr Mustafa Alani the Director of Security Department at the GRC  participated in the conference on “ The Political Role of Tribes in the Middle East and North Africa” organized by the IDRC (International Development Research Center) of Canada  and the Center for Strategic Studies , University of Amman – Jordan . held in Amman between 27 – 29 October 2009.

Dr. Mustafa Alani and Dr. Oskar Ziemelis participated in the second "Role of Tribes in Iraqi Society and Politics" workshop associated with the GRC Foundation project funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). The workshop, which took place in Amman, Jordan was chaired by the Scientific Head of the project, Dr. Hosham Dawod, and was attended by a group of Iraqi researchers who participated in the project. IDRC was represented by Mr. Charaf Ahmimed.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a talk about Gulf Food Security and Agro-Investments Abroad at the Environmental Institute of Princeton University

Dr Mustafa Alani  Director, Dept of Security and Defence Studiesat Gulf Research Center participated as a main speaker in the Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies (JIME) and The Institute of Energy Economics, Japan (IEEJ) Annual International Symposium 2009 “The First Year of the Obama Administration and the Strategy of the Middle Eastern Regional Powers" which held in Tokyo

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Roundtable on Renewable energy in the Gulf held in GRC

Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies, participated in the 19th Annual US-Arab Policymakers Conference of the National Council on US-Arab Relations in Washington DC from October 20-21, 2009 where he spoke on the first panel on “Geo-Political Dynamics(1): Iran and Regional Security” specifically on the topic on “Regional Implications of Iran’s Nuclear Program.” 

Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies, participated in a panel discussion on the outcome of the German elections for German-Gulf Relations organized by the German Consulate on September 27, 2009 in Dubai. The event was moderated by Michael Backfisch of the Handelsblatt newspaper and Constantin Schreiber of the Deutsche Welle.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in 4th Global Leadership Seminar held in France

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Opening Ceremony of King Abdullah Universities Science and Technology Institute in Jeddah

Dr. Christian Koch held an interview to German Public Radio ARD on the development in the GCC countries and the impact of the global financial crisis on the region.

Dr. Mohamed Abelraouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated as a speaker in the regional meeting organized by the Arab NGO Network for  Development and IndyACT - The League of Independent Activists on “the role of Arab government and NGOs to tackle climate change” on 17-19 August 2009 in Beirut.

Dr. Mohamed Abelraouf, Program Manager, Environment Research participated as a speaker in the Arab Integrated Water Resources Management Network (AWARENET) first meeting of the Climate Change Working Group on 29-30 July 2009 in Beirut. Dr. Raouf delivered a presentation titled “Past and Future of Clean Development Mechanism in the Arab World”. Dr. Raouf was elected as a vice-chair for the group over the next three years. The elected chair is Dr. Hamed Assaf, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the American University of Beirut.

Dr Mustafa Alani Director of Security and Terrorism Studies Department participated as a speaker in the meeting on “Strategic Stability in South-West Asia in the Wake of New US Policy for the Region”   organized by The Foundation for Peace – Islamabad / Pakistan. The meeting was held on July 28 in Islamabad. Dr Alani gave presentation on the topic  “the Conflict in Afghanistan and its Implications for the Gulf Region”.  

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in GRCF Council meeting held in Geneva

EU Heads of missions meeting in Abu Dhabi: Dr Mustafa Alani the Director of Security and Terrorism Department gave a briefing on the topics related to the security situation in the Gulf region to the European Union Ambassadors for the UAE. The briefing was held on July 15 and organized by HE Bruno S Beijer the Swedish Ambassador to the UAE at the ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi. The meeting was organized to coincide with the start of Sweden Presidency of the EU. 

Dr. Eckart Woertz spoke at the Global AgInvesting Conference in New York about Agro-Investments Abroad by Arab Gulf Countries.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Global leadership program held in Geneva

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Lund University Sweden meeting held in Lund Sweden

Dr Mustafa Alani and Ms Nicole Stracke of the Department of Security and Terrorism Studies at the GRC  participated as speakers in the first  International Conference on "Energy Security and Development in Yemen" organized by SHEBA Center for Strategic Studies (SCSS) in Sana'a,Yemen.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Piracy conference and GCC council held in Riyadh

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated as a Speaker in Saudi Economic Society held in Riyadh

H.E. Hans-Rudolf Merz, President of the Swiss Confederation was briefed about current economic issues in the UAE and the Gulf at large on May 26, 2009 by Dr. Eckart Woertz, Hamad Buamim, Director General of the Dubai Chamber and a group of Swiss business representatives in the UAE.

Dr. Mustafa Alani and Dr. Oskar Ziemelis participated in a workshop attended by a group of Iraqi researchers working on the GRC Foundation project funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) to study "The Role of Tribes in Iraqi Society and Politics." The workshop was held in Beirut 18-21 May 2009.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in DCAF Advisory Boarding and 8th International Security Forum (ISF) that held in Geneva with a presentation entitled: Will democracy win – Is democracy the leading model for the future

Dr. Mustafa Alani participated as a speaker in the Eight "Tswalu Dialogue" in South Africa  14-17 May 2009 which focused on the theme: "The Think-Tank and Advisory Business: Time for Reflection."

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in 12th Kronberg talk held in Riyadh

Dr. Eckart Woertz chaired a session about Preferential Trade Agreements and their impact on the multilateral trade system of the WTO at the regional dialogue “Current and Future Challenges for the Multilateral Trading System – Development Perspectives form the MENA Region” of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Cairo

Dr. Abdullah Baabood, Director of the Gulf Research Centre- Cambridge Spoke on:  Regional Security and the Arab Gulf States at NATO Regional Cooperation Course (NRCC), Rome, Italy

Dr Eckart Woertz spoke at the conference of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) “Regional High-Level Consultative Forum on the Impact of the International Financial Crisis on the ESCWA Member Countries: the Way Forward” on May 5-7, 2009 in Damascus. His lecture focused on the impact of the financial crisis on GCC sovereign wealth funds and future investment strategies of such funds. The findings of the conference will be presented at the UN conference about the global financial crisis on June 1-3 in New York.

Dr Mustafa Alani gave a presentation  at the UAE Advanced Defence & Security Technology Summit, Dubai, 27-28 April 2009 about Internal Security Threats to the GCC states. 
 

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Swiss UAE workshop held in Shangrila Hotel, Abu dhabi with a presentation entitled: Challenges GCC 2010

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Premium Corporate Member Roundtable held in Dubai.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a lecture about economic policies of the Obama administration towards the Gulf countries at the German Business Council in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Samir Pradhan participated as session moderator at the Globoil International Conference held in Dubai.

GRC Chairman, Abdulaziz Sager participated in the IMD Business Forum Dubai with a presentation entitled "Opportunities During Downturn Times". IMD President Dr. John Wells led the Forum which focused on the theme "Winning Through Troubled Times" and brought together speakers from the international and regional business communities to share their research and best practice related to the Forum theme.

To access the presentation click here.

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research Participated in the London school of Economics and Kuwait foundation for the Advancement of science (KFAS) workshop on first International conference on Globalization and the Gulf. Dr. Raouf presented the environmental problems in the Arabian Gulf Region with special focus on Water and Climate Change problems.

At the 9th GCC Banking Conference in Bahrain on March 24, 2009 Dr. Eckart Woertz gave an outlook on the GCC economies in 2009.

Dr. Samir Pradhan presented a paper titled, “The Gulf and Asia: Towards a Regional Energy, Finance and Food Security Architecture” at the International Conference, Gulf and Emerging Asia: Defining Regional Architecture, Gulf Studies Programme, SIS, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India.

Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a lecture at the German Business Council in Dubai on March 23, 2009 about the US-Arab Economic Relations and the Obama Administration.

Dr. Samir Pradhan presented a paper titled, “UAE’s Economic Policy and the Current Global Meltdown: An Appraisal” at the National Seminar on “Contemporary UAE and Emerging Indo-UAE Relations” organized by Gulf Studies Program, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research Participated in the Stimson Center and The Regional Center for Strategic Studies (RCSS)  (Colombo- Sri Lanka) workshop on Climate Change and Costal and Zones. The purpose of the workshop is to gain an insight on how knowledgeable people in the Indian Ocean area about the Impact of climate change on marine and costal area. The workshop discussed issues related to environmental management; coastal zone ecologies; fisheries and coral reefs; maritime security; disaster preparedness; urban planning; and international diplomacy, among other areas.

At the 34th meeting of the Federation of GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry on March 8, 2009 in Muscat, Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a lecture about the global financial crisis and its impact on the GCC countries. The meeting also hosted the 24th joint meeting of the GCC chambers and the GCC Secretariat. 

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC spoke at the Rotary Club of Ras Al Khaima about the Gulf Countries and the Global Financial Crisis

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Gulf Africa Forum held at Cape town, South africa.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC spoke at the annual conference of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Rome. He gave a presentation about GCC agro-investments abroad on a roundtable that dealt with outsourcing of food production and land rights of small-scale farmers.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in the Doha Debates addressing the question of Arab unity after recent events in Gaza. In order to view this debate, please click on the following link: http://www.thedohadebates.com/debates/player.asp?d=47&res=hi

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager, Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies and Dr. Mustafa Alani, Director of the Security and Terrorism Research Program briefed delegates of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs who were in Dubai as part of their Leadership Study Mission to the Gulf 2009. The topic of the briefing and panel discussion was: "Security in the Gulf Region."

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Diplomatic Institute Workshop with a presentation entitled Concept for Arab National Security, Riyadh

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in Arab-America-Africa-Asia Business Summit held at Dubai with a presentation entitled: New Approaches to Global Trade: Enhancing the 4A’s Trade Flows”.

Dr. Samir Pradhan presented a paper titled, “Regionalism in West Asia: Potential Impact on Intra-OIC Trade” at the IKRAB International Economics Roundtable “Towards Enhancement of Cooperation among Islamic Countries” organized by the Institute of West Asian Studies (IKRAB), National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager gave a Lecture at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC briefed a delegation of the German Ministry of Economy and technology on the GCC economies

Dr. Mohamed Abdel Raouf, Program Manager, Environment Research gave a presentation Titled “Marine, Water and Environmental Policy in UAE” at the Environment 2009 Conference in Abu Dhabi organized by The Ministry of Environment and Water in UAE. This conference is organized in conjunction with Future Energy Summit.

Dr Mustafa Alani Director of Security Department participated in the workshop entitled  ‘Nuclear Power and Non-Proliferation in the Middle East’. Organized by The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) and The Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs (ECFA), held in Cairo

Dr Mustafa Alani Director of Security Department participated in the workshop entitled  “Assessing the Emerging Strategic Environment in the Middle East”.  Organized by the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan and the Institute for National Strategic Studies at the US National Defense University , and the Near East-South Asia Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, D.C.,  held in the Dead Sea /Jordan

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in GRC Annual Conference held in Riyadh and gave (Opening Speech) for Gulf Forum 2009

Prof. Giacomo Luciani, Director of the Gulf Research Center Foundation in Geneva, participated in the Annual Symposium of the Japanese Institute of Middle Eastern Economies (JIME) of the Institute of Energy Economics of Japan, which took place in Tokyo on December 1 and 2, 2008. JIME and GRC have had a longstanding and fruitful cooperation over several years. Prof. Luciani presented a paper on "Energy and Global Environment: the GCC vs. Barack Obama", which may be accessed on JIME's website at http://jime.ieej.or.jp/htm/english/2008/1202_1.htm. The symposium attracted numerous participants from the Japanese corporate sector.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a lecture about the “Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on the GCC Countries” at the German Business Council in Abu Dhabi

Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies at the GRc gave a presentation at a one-day conference organized by the Policy Planning Staff of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Institut français des relations internationals (IFRI) on “The Arabian Peninsula in 2008: States and Threats.” Dr. Koch’s presentation was on “The Peninsula’s States and the Iranian nuclear ambitions” and focused on the GCC attitude to the development in regard to the Iranian nuclear program. 

Dr. Koch held a meeting with Dr. Axel Goethals, CEO and Dr. Dick Gupwell, Secretary-General of the European Institute for Asian Studies in the context of the EIAS’s participation in the Al-Jisr project for GCC-EU Public Diplomacy and Outreach Activities. The meeting took place at the EIAS offices in Brussels.

The GRC led a delegation from the GCC States for a one-day visit of “High-Level Opinion Leaders from the Gulf Region” to the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The GCC delegation was comprised of delegates from the Sultanate of Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The delegation was treated to a variety of presentations and discussions including on “NATO’s transformation and the Outreach to the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Broader Middle East Region” by Mr. Nicola de Santis, Head of the Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Countries Section in the Public Diplomacy Division of NATO; on “Current Political Issues” with Mr. Jonathan Parish, Speechwriter, Private Office of the Secretary General; on NATO’s Military Cooperation under the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) with Colonel Michele Crescenzi, Head, Mediterranean Dialogue and Istanbul Cooperation Initiative Section, NATO International Military Staff; on Defense Investment Cooperation under the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI)  with Mr. Richard Williams, Deputy Director Armaments, Defence Investment Division; on NATO’s Public Diplomacy with Mr. Jean-François Bureau, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy; a briefing on The role of Civil Emergency Planning in NATO and Support for national responses in times of crisis and natural disasters with Mr. Günther Bretschneider, Head, Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre and a discussion on NATO-Russia Relations with Mr. Robert Pszczel, Press Officer, Press and Media Section, Public Diplomacy Division. A final briefing occurred with H.E. Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero, NATO Deputy Secretary General.

Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies, met with Sabine Taufman, Gulf States Section at the German Federal Foreign Ministry as well as with Dr. Markus Ederer, Head of the Policy Planning Staff and Susanne Riegraf of the Policy Planning Staff at the Ministry on December 8 in Berlin to discuss the planned Gulf-Europe Strategy Forum as well as development related to the GCC-EU Friendship Fund for the FATA region in which the GRC participated in an international conference at the end of May 2008 in conjunction with the World Security Network.

As part of its cooperation with the Henry L. Stimson Center in the project entitled “Regional Voices: Transnational Challenges”, Dr. Alani and Dr. Koch participated in a one-day workshop in Washington DC which was subtitled “A Conversation with Experts from the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia.” Following a introduction outlining the broad themes of the meeting with a focus on recent global economic trends, the various sessions included discussions on political stability and conflict, international rivers, the political economy of forests and minerals, climate change, and a focus on the Indian Ocean Region. More than 50 specialists participated in the meeting and the project is set to continue for further rounds of discussion in 2009. Further information on the project can be obtained from http://www.stimson.org/rv

The Gulf Research Center organized a panel discussion in the framework of the 42nd Annual meeting of the Middle East Studies Association which was held from November 22 to 25, 2008 at the Marriott Wardman Hotel in Washington DC. The annual MESA meeting brings together over 2,000 scholars working on the Middle East across a variety of academic disciplines. The GRC panel entitled “The Gulf and US Foreign Policy” was chaired by Prof. Fred Lawson of Mills College and included presentations by Dr. Matteo Legrenzi of the University of Ottawa on “NATO/ICI-GCC Relations”, Dr. Mustafa Alani, GRC Director for Security and Terrorism Studies on “The GCC Security Environment and the Requirements for future US policy”, Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies at the GRC on “The Changing International Relations of the Gulf and the Implications for the new US Administration”, and Prof. Giacomo Luciani, Director of the Gulf Research Center Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland, on “The GCC and Energy Policies in Europe and the USA.” The panel was attended by more than 60 participants of the conference. In conjunction with the meeting, the GRC also organized a book stand at the accompanying MESA book fair.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a lecture about “Food Security in the GCC Countries”, at a conference about GCC food security of the Federation of GCC Chambers in Muscat.

Dr. Alani and Dr. Koch held a meeting with Rear Admiral Harold Bernsen (USN, Ret), former Commander of all U.S. Naval Forces in the Gulf and currently  Chairman of the Board of the National Council on US-Arab Relations and Dr. James Winship, Vice-President of the Council’s Programs at the NCUSAR offices in Washington. The discussion focused on mutual areas of cooperation including possible joint programs and events.

Dr. Mustafa Alani and Dr. Christian Koch participated in a briefing session of the National Intelligence Council regarding the 2025 NIC’s Global Outlook report. The session was held at the Henry L. Stimson Center in Washington DC and included participants from Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East. Among the questions posed were what are the principal transnational threat and trends shaping the future of your respective region and what are the principal trends, threats, sources of rapid change and instability.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a lecture about "The Impact of Global Financial Crisis on GCC Countries" at the Swiss Business Hub, GCC Regional Meeting

At the Orientkolloqium lecture series of the Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC spoke about "The Gulf as an Area of Neglect in Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies"

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager gave a talk at “Iran and the Arab World – Possible Challenges & Potential Cooperation” Arab – European Perspectives on Arab-Iran relations and Gulf security -Cairo

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager gave a talk at Fikr 7 Conference on Social justice culture & civil society's responsibility-Cairo

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in GRC-Nixon Center’s Gulf Asia workshop-Dubai

Dr. Mustafa Alani, Director of Security and Terrorism Department participated in the International Forum on Biosecurity, in Amman, Jordan

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a lecture about “The Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on GCC Countries” at the German Business Council in Dubai.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager participated in GRC-Durham workshop titled “Gulf-East-Asia relations.”-Dubai

Dr. Mustafa Alani, Director of Security and Terrorism Department gave a presentation about "Analysing the Region's Terrorist Attacks on Criticial Energy Infrastructure at the "Security for Infrastructure" workshop in Abu Dhabi

Mr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center gave a talk at Avenir Suisse, a leading independent business-supported think tank in Zurich, on “The Strategic Significance of the Gulf Region and its Impact on Swiss-Gulf Relations.” The presentation focused on the impact of development in the Gulf region from a political, security, economic and social perspective and included references to record-high oil prices, concerns over Iran’s nuclear program, the continued instability in Iraq, the threat of terrorism, the role of Islam, and the current global financial crisis.

GRC Chairman Mr. Abdulaziz Sager, Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies and Prof. Giacomo Luciani, Director of the GRC Foundation attended the fourth edition of the Eurogolfe Forum 2008 entitled “Europe, the Gulf and the Mediterranean: Reviving Common Legacies, Mapping Our New Region” held from October 16 to 18, 2008 in Venice, Italy. The forum which brought together over 200 specialists, academics and policy officials dealing with relations between Europe and the Gulf Region featured numerous plenary and workshop sessions focused on such issues as energy challenges, the role of sovereign wealth funds, cooperation in education, the Gulf media industry, GCC national security strategies and the role of domestic political reforms in the Gulf. The GRC Chairman spoke in a panel on “The Dynamics of Iranian Regional Policy” outlining the view from the GCC states as far as the role of Iran in the Gulf is concerned.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a lecture about “Economic Issues Facing Oil and the Impact on the Global Economy” at the Centaur Investment Summit in Dubai

Dr. Mustafa Alani, Director of Security and Terrorism Department participated in The 'Regional Network Directors Meeting' organized by the National Defense University (NDU) - Washington held in Geneva

Dr. Mustafa Alani, Director of Security and Terrorism Department participated in The IISS Annual Conference ' The Global Strategic Review" held in Geneva

Participated in the Stimson Center and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) Expert Consultation Meeting on Climate Change and Water in New-Delhi. The purpose of the workshop is to gain an insight on how Climate Change affects water resources in the three regions (Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia) and research, policy and social responses to the problem.

Participated in the Stimson Center and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (Jakarta) workshop on Natural Resources. The purpose of the workshop is to gain an insight on how knowledgeable people in the three regions (Middle East, South Asia and South East Asia) think about the transboundary and nontraditional security impacts of the development and management (or lack thereof) of natural resources in their regions.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a presentation about the Gulf Research Center and Gulf studies at the Daimler Research and Development Institute in Berlin. At the following roundtable challenges of the Gulf region and possible areas of cooperation were discussed.

Dr Mustafa Alani , Director of  the Security Department participated as a speaker in the first “Gulf Naval Commanders Conference” held in Abu Dhabi  between the 1st  and 2nd of July. The Conference was attended by all the Commanders of GCC Naval forces.

Dr. Mohamed A. Raouf, Senior Environment Research at GRC participated in the first Annual Meeting of the Global Humanitarian Forum (GHF) held in Geneva. Dr. Raouf took part in the discussion sessions of Climate Change and Water and International Food Crisis. The event was attended by various experts and scientists from around the world, as well as many politicians such as Javier Solana, High Representative for the Foreign and Security Policy, European Union; Secretary General, Council of the European Union. It is worth mentioning that the GHF is founded and chaired by Kofi A. Annan, the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations.

The GRC Chairman Mr. Sager and Directors participated in the Conference organized by the World Security Network that was aimed at developing a joint EU-GCC Development Fund for Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Such an initiative needs to be developed on an immediate basis considering the importance of the FATA region for the stability in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Mr. Sager specifically addressed the role the GCC States could play by providing vital employment opportunities in the unskilled and semi skilled labor sector in the GCC. This would not only address the root causes leading to extremism but would also foster the feeling of brotherhood between Pakistan and the Gulf bloc. The Gulf States by playing the leadership role in the development projects could also alleviate hostility towards Western aid.

Click here to download presentation.

Dr. Mohamed A. Raouf gave a presentation about “Water Policy in GCC Countries, Current Status and Recent Initiatives’ as well as being a panelist on panel discussion “demonstrating a sustainable water management plan to address the water scarcity issue in the Middle East” at Middle East Waste and Water Congress organized by Marcus Evan in Dubai.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave a lecture about "Commodity Markets and the Gulf" at the Terrapinn Commodities Investments Week MENA in  Dubai.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC participated in a roundtable discussion about Sovereign Wealth Funds from the Gulf and their investments in Germany. The roundtable was held in Dubai and comprised German and Emirati participants, the German delegation was headed by German Minister of Finance Peer Steinbrück.

The Directors of GRC has participated in “Diplomats and the Media workshop” organized by Omani Diplomatic Institute held in Muscat

Dr. Koch has attended Tswalu Dialogue, Johannesburg
Topic is listed as “What have we learned from conflict resolution in the Middle East”

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC, gave a lecture about GCC Economic Integration at the Dubai School of Government

The Directors of GRC has participated in “Arab Reform Initiative Annual Conference” organized by the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI) held in Alexandria – Egypt

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC gave an assessment of the GCC economies at the Citigroup investors conference on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank in Madrid.

Dr. Mohamed A Raouf Program Manager Environment at GRC participated and made presentation titled “Assessment of the Media Role in Environmental Issues in UAE” at the Environmental thinking forum organized by the Federal Environment Agency. The event was hosted by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).

Saudi British Relation Workshop by Center for European Studies, Institute of Diplomatic Studies

Chairman is a speaker on 5th May, Security and Foreign Policy Issues in Current British- Saudi relations. Riyadh

Participated in the first conference on “Water Policy and Associated Technological Challenges in Arid Dynamic Environments: The Special Case of Arabian Gulf Countries, Bridging the gap between water science and policy making” ” organized by The University of Texas Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy In collaboration with Schlumberger Water Services and Hosted by American University of Kuwait. The GRC delivered remarks in the panel of the “Water Policy and Cost Recovery Options”.

Nato - Bahrain Relations and the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, Ritz Carlton, Bahrain. Chairman was a speaker on Session 1: Nato - Gulf relations in the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative, 24th April.

Workshop "Challenges 2009" and the Swiss Ambassador's Award Ceremony Swiss Embassy Workshop at Shangri La Abu Dhabi

23rd April Wednesday 4.30 pm till 6.30 pm

Chairman was a speaker at 5.05 on Political and Economic Challenges 2009.

Current Situation in Iraq workshop by Diplomatic Institute, Riyadh and Oxford Research Group UK

What would a regional/international consensus around Iraq look like based on stable areas of cooperation in the region? Riyadh

Participated in the "carbon Emissions Trading in the Gulf region" organized by Ecosecurities company at the Dubai Greek Golf and Yacht club.

GRC Directors Participated in the workshop on “Armaments and Security in the Middle East as Reflected in the SIPRI Yearbook “ organized jointly  by  SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute ) , The Swedish Institute in  Alexandria, and Arab Thought Forum (ATF - Jordan)  held in Amman , Jordan 1 – 3 April 2008.  

Delivered a lecture titled "Environmental Accounting and Costing: Concept and Case Study" at the American University of Sharjah for students from various schools at the public seminar organized by environment program of the school of Science.

Dr. Eckart Woertz, Program Manager Economics at GRC, participated in a panel discussion about "The State of Middle East Equity Capital Markets" at the 3rd Middle East IPO Summit in Abu Dhabi on March 17, 2008.

GRC Chairman Abdulaziz Sager has participated in Investor Conference organized by Abraaj Capital, Dubai where he spoke for title “Looking into the Crystal Ball”

“Dr. Eckart Woertz gave a lecture about “The Economic Importance and Political Stability of the Gulf Region” at the Federal College for Security Studies in Berlin on March 6, 2008. The Federal College is Germany’s highest-ranking interministerial institution for advanced education and training in the field of security policy.”

GRC Directors Participated in Workshop on "Security and Development in the Arab World –  Egypt Case" organized by The Arab Reform Initiative  held  in Cairo 

GRC Chairman and Directors Participated in "Riyadh Meeting 2008" on  "Avenues for Dialogue : Driving Discourse toward Peaceful Goals" Organized by the Ministry of Interior , Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held in Riyadh .

Participated and mad a presentation titled "Climate Change and Clean Development Mechanism in the Gulf Region" in the Environmental Day 2008 organized by School of Science at the American University of Sharjah.

Dr. Christian Koch, Director of International Studies at the GRC, made three presentations as part of a trip to Japan upon the invitation of the Institute for Cross-Cultural Studies at Kobe University. The lecture included the following:

“The Future of International Relations in the Gulf region with a look at the implications for Japan and Asia” on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at the Foreign Press Center of Japan in Tokyo and sponsored by the Middle East Research Institute of Japan.

”The Shifting Gulf Security Environment: The Role of Europe” on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 at the JIME Center, Institute for Energy Economics in Tokyo  And “Towards Security and Conflict Prevention in the Gulf Region,” at the Faculty of Cross-Cultural Studies at Kobe University in Kobe, Japan as part of the research workshop entitled “What are the effective strategic methods or policies to deploy preventive diplomacy and prevention of conflicts in the Middle East with special emphasis on the Gulf?” which in turn in part of the research project on Preventive Diplomacy in the Middle East (MEP) sponsored by the university

GRC Directors Participated in “Indian Ocean Naval Symposium Seminar 2008 – IONS ” on "Contemporary Trans – national Challenges – International Maritime Connectivities"  Organized by Indian Navy & National Maritime Foundation  held in New Delhi.

The GRC co-organized and participated in the conference "Mountains of the World - Ecology, Conservation and Sustainable Development," held from February 10-15, 2008, in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The event was organized by the Center for Environmental Studies and Research (CESAR) at Sultan Qaboos University in association with the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources (MRMEWR). GRC will publish the conference proceedings.

GRC Chairman Abdulaziz Sager Participated and spoke in Development Forum held in Bahrain

GRC Chairman Abdulaziz Sager Participated in Shell-GRC workshop, Doha and spoke on: “Outlining the Challenges Faced by the GCC States”