On December 2, 2025, the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) Program of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), organized a workshop titled “The Future of Migration to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: Retaining Foreign Talents and Skills.” The event was held at the GRC’s office in Riyadh.
On December 2, 2025, the Gulf Labour Markets, Migration, and Population (GLMM) Program of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), jointly with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), held a workshop titled “The Future of Migration to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf: Retaining Foreign Talents and Skills” at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh.
The workshop forms part of a multi-year project examining the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) capacity to attract and retain highly skilled migrants, with a specific focus on Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.
During the event, researchers presented original findings and policy recommendations were made. Deliberations were held among local and international experts, each representing government institutions, private sector companies, think tanks, and international organizations.
Key Discussion Themes
Experts explored:
- Legal frameworks and administrative procedures shaping skilled migration.
- Highly skilled migrants’ perceptions of opportunities and challenges in the Gulf.
- The importance of livability, career security, and long-term prospects in improving worker retention, noting that retaining talent requires more than immigration policy reforms.
- Participants emphasized that successful talent retention relies on creating a holistic environment that supports professional growth, personal well-being, and long-term stability.
- The project’s 18 publications—summarizing the research findings and recommendations—will be released in January 2026.
The Gulf Research Center (GRC) is pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the 16th annual Gulf Research Meeting (GRM). GRM 2026 will take place in Cambridge, UK from July 21-23, 2026.
GRM 2026 workshops cover a wide range of topics in the fields of politics, economics, environment, culture, energy, security, and the social sciences as they relate to the GCC states and the wider Gulf region.
For the descriptions of workshops and other information, please visit https://gulfresearchmeeting.net
The GRM 2026 poster is available here:
https://gulfresearchmeeting.net/w/GRM2026-CallPaperPoster.pdf
The deadline for applications and to submit an abstract is January 5, 2026.
All applications should be submitted on the official online application found at: https://gulfresearchmeeting.net/register-paper-user
Submit any questions to: grm@grc.net
We are looking forward to receiving your application. Please share this announcement with colleagues in your network!
The Gulf Research Center (GRC), in cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, concluded the joint seminar on strengthening future cooperation between the Gulf and Korea. The event served as a platform for policymakers, business leaders, and researchers to explore opportunities for collaboration and advance the strategic partnership between the GCC countries and Korea.
The Gulf Research Center (GRC), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, successfully concluded the joint seminar on Strengthening Future Cooperation between the Gulf and Korea. The seminar brought together policymakers, business leaders, and researchers from both regions, providing a valuable forum for exchanging insights, identifying joint project opportunities, and reinforcing the strategic partnership between Korea and the GCC in addressing current and emerging challenges.
Discussions focused on enhancing mutual understanding of the opportunities and constraints facing both regions amid rapidly evolving technological advancements and energy transitions. Participants examined ways to build a practical roadmap for joint initiatives, policy recommendations, and long-term cooperation mechanisms that contribute to economic resilience and sustainable growth.
On November 18, 2025, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), received a delegation from the Association Réalités et Relations Internationales (ARRI), led by its Chairman, Mr. Jean Thierry Augustin, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh. The meeting focused on regional developments and areas of mutual interest.
On November 18, 2025, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), welcomed a delegation from the Association Réalités et Relations Internationales (ARRI) at the GRC office in Riyadh. The delegation was led by Mr. Jean Thierry Augustin, Founder and Chairman of ARRI’s Board, accompanied by senior members of the association.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on recent regional developments and discussed areas of shared interest, including pathways for strengthening cooperation, enhancing policy dialogue, and promoting joint research initiatives.
The visit underscored the value of continued engagement between GRC and international institutions, contributing to a deeper understanding of regional issues and fostering collaborative opportunities in research and strategic studies.
The Gulf Cooperation Council Emergency Management Center (GCC-EMC) @gcc_emc, in cooperation with the Gulf Research Center (GRC), is organizing a two-day joint workshop titled “Gulf Risk Assessment and Classification.” The workshop will take place at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf @GCCSG in Riyadh from November 16-17, 2025.
The program aims to develop a structured, region-specific approach to identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks and threats facing the Gulf region. In light of the rapidly evolving geopolitical, environmental, and technological landscape, the workshop seeks to equip stakeholders with standardized methodologies and practical tools to strengthen regional resilience and preparedness.
Designed to be interactive and hands-on, the workshop will combine expert-led lectures, case studies, and scenario exercises, ensuring that participants gain both conceptual understanding and applied skills in risk-based threat assessment and prioritization.
The Gulf Research Center (GRC) organized a workshop to launch its latest publication titled “Natural Gas from the Gulf to the World: Realities & Prospects” by Dr. Naji Abi-Aad, an international expert in oil and energy economics. The event took place on November 10, 2025, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh.
On November 10, 2025, the Gulf Research Center (GRC) hosted a workshop to launch its new publication titled “Natural Gas from the Gulf to the World: Realities & Prospects,” authored by Dr. Naji Abi-Aad, an international expert on oil and energy economics.
The roundtable discussion was moderated by Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Chairman of the Gulf Research Center, and attended by H.E. Dr. Majid A. Al-Moneef, Chairman of the Saudi Association for Energy Economics, along with GRC staff members and representatives from government institutions and the private sector.
The workshop highlighted the strategic importance of natural gas in the global energy landscape, emphasizing the Gulf region’s central role as a major contributor to global supply and energy security. Participants discussed the key challenges facing the natural gas sector, including market dynamics, sustainability transitions, and geopolitical factors influencing demand and investment.
The session also explored future opportunities for cooperation, innovation, and sustainable growth within the natural gas industry, underscoring the GRC’s continued commitment to fostering informed dialogue and research on energy policy and economic development in the region.
