Fiker Institute

As a newly established think tank based in Dubai, we believe that for far too long, our narrative as a region has been told for us, and not by us. It’s time to change that. It’s time for the Middle East to have an opinion about the world. thenationalnews.com/opinion/commen…

Fiker Institute hosted an engaging & timely discussion with Dr. Samir Saran, President of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), on the evolving dynamics of global energy security, the Strait of Hormuz & the unfolding regional developments. @samirsaran @orfonline

As the negotiations in Islamabad reshape the strategic calculus of the war, Mohammed Baharoon & Dr. Adam Ramey will examine what’s at stake for Gulf security, shifting alliances, and the broader balance of power. The season will be open to the public at Fiker Institute.

The @FikerInstitute Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy held its second meeting on 8 April 2026, after the ceasefire announcement. Glad to join the experts from the region; read the key takeaways here: fikerinstitute.org/publications/w…

Pleased to have contributed to the latest Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy at @FikerInstitute A key takeaway from the discussion is that the current ceasefire is best understood not as a resolution, but as a managed pause, where diplomacy and escalation continue to operate in parallel. From a regional perspective, the emphasis on restraint remains central not as passivity, but as a strategic approach to limiting escalation and preserving stability. The discussion also touched on the Strait of Hormuz, where the dynamics appear to be shaped more by leverage than by attempts at full control. Looking forward to building on these conversations. #GulfPolitics #ForeignPolicy #Geopolitics #MiddleEast

Had the pleasure of joining the Fiker Institute’s working group earlier this week on Gulf foreign policy, with a focus on the post-ceasefire context, alongside a fantastic group of Gulf experts.

Fiker Institute’s Working Group convenes experts, analysts, and journalists from all six Gulf Cooperation Council countries to discuss the current regional security situation and resulting Gulf foreign policy trajectories.

Fiker Institute's Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy held its second meeting to discuss the US-Iran ceasefire announcement & Strait of Hormuz crisis. Read the Report here: fikerinstitute.org/publications/w…

Fiker Institute was honored to host a Dialogue Session with HE @NouraAlKaabi, Minister of State at the UAE’s @mofauae. As the Iran War passes the one-month mark, the Dialogue centered on the UAE’s response, including the resilience of its systems & its diplomatic outreach.

Thank you to the wonderful @FikerInstitute for hosting HE @NouraAlKaabi today for a calm and confident analysis of the current situation, where UAE citizens and residents alike are being kept safe thanks to a resilient and strong 🇦🇪 defence and astute leadership.

Apply & submit your abstract through our website: fikerinstitute.org/press/call-for…

Fiker Institute is launching a Call for Abstracts for its Research Conference on June 27, 2026, in Dubai. The conference will gather experts & research professionals to present and discuss original research under the theme ‘Order(s) in the Middle East: Pivots & Realignments’.

Ukraine has reinforced this even further. Iran’s support for Russia’s war underlined what Gulf countries have long known from experience: the same methods, the same networks, and the same disregard for civilian life can destabilize entire regions: fikerinstitute.org/publications/s…

In our latest Commentary, HE Maria Belovas, Estonia’s Ambassador to the UAE, argues that Iran’s destabilizing role does not stop at a single border or conflict. For the Gulf, this threat is immediate. For Europe, it has been a longstanding strategic problem. @MFAestonia

The Group’s meetings & reports will serve an archival purpose, documenting the events of the ongoing war from the perspectives of the Arab Gulf States themselves. The Working Group’s first meeting was held on 16 March 2026. Read the takeaways here: fikerinstitute.org/publications/w…

Fiker Institute has launched a Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy in March 2026 in response to the ongoing Iran War. The Group seeks to establish a coordination mechanism that convenes expert voices from all six GCC countries.

Insightful reflections by @hhshklatifa on the UAE’s steady course, resilience, and commitment to its core values. 🙌🏽🇦🇪

In the Face of War, the UAE Stands for Continuity.
I shared my thoughts with @FikerInstitute on the UAE’s steady course and resilience amidst the current situation. Article link: fikerinstitute.org/publications/i…

In the Face of War, the UAE Stands for Continuity | by Sheikha @hhshklatifa for @FikerInstitute fikerinstitute.org/publications/i…

In Fiker Institute’s latest Commentary, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum addresses the UAE’s response to the ongoing war, and reflects on the nation’s foundational values of openness, duty & resilience: fikerinstitute.org/publications/i…

Al-Jufairi argues that the current crisis shows the limitations of the GCC states' hedging policy, Buhejji stresses the importance of information resilience in an environment rife with misinformation, & Al Busaidi highlights implications for water, food, & energy security.

Fiker Institute's Al-Khaleej Fellows, Dr Khalid Al-Jufairi, Ahmed Buhejji & Rumaitha Al Busaidi, react to the ongoing crisis and analyze its implications on the Gulf: fikerinstitute.org/publications/f…