On May 3, 2026, the Gulf Research Center (GRC) organized a roundtable meeting at its office in Riyadh focused on Gulf-Southern African Development Community (SADC) relations. The meeting brought together the Ambassadors of South Africa @rsaembassyinksa , the current Chairperson of the SADC group, as well as the Ambassadors and representatives of the United Republic of Zimbabwe, the Republic of Mozambique, the Republic of Mauritius, the Republic of Zambia, the Republic of Angola, and the United Republic of Tanzania alongside representatives from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The meeting aimed to discuss and present the GRC’s Gulf-Africa Research Program, which examines the growing political, economic, and security ties between GCC countries and African states. Discussions explored how Gulf investment and diplomacy align with SADC’s development priorities across key sectors, including energy, mining, food security and agriculture, logistics and digital infrastructure, as well as maritime security across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and the Sahel.
The GRC program further highlighted the importance of strengthening trade relations and improving the implementation of investment commitments between GCC states and countries within the Southern African Development Community, where significant untapped potential for deeper cooperation remains.
The Gulf Research Center is pleased to announce the open call for nominations and registrations for its executive learning program, the World Diplomacy Program, organized in partnership with the Geneva Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID).
The program aims to strengthen leadership capacities and strategic understanding of contemporary international affairs through an intensive learning experience. It includes engagement with international organizations and multilateral institutions, as well as insights from leading academics and global policy practitioners.
The program focuses on several key themes, including:
- Diplomacy and negotiation
- Political transformations and change
- Security, mediation, and conflict resolution
- Economics and the future of trade
It is designed for government officials, diplomats, and professionals seeking to further develop their skills and deepen their understanding of today’s global challenges.
Deadline for registration and full payment: 30 June 2026 (limited seats available)
To register, please complete the online form here
To view the program brochure and full details, click here
On April 20, 2026, the Gulf Research Center (GRC), in partnership with the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS), convened the second edition of the Gulf–Central Asia Think Tank Forum, held online.
The seminar brought together leading think tanks from both regions and featured opening remarks by His Excellency Jasem AlBudaiwi @GCCSG , Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who highlighted key priorities shaping the evolving
Gulf-Central Asia relationship. The forum focused on two main thematic sessions:
- Regional Security Dynamics & Conflict Spillover: Examined the evolving security environment amid rising geopolitical competition and conflicts, highlighting shared risks such as spillover effects, non-state actors, and transnational threats. The discussion also addressed developments in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Ukraine, and the South Caucasus, while identifying opportunities to strengthen Gulf-Central Asia coordination.
In this context, participants discussed the shared positions of Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan in support of the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including the condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC countries, and emphasized that the security and stability of the Gulf constitute a fundamental pillar of regional and international security. They also addressed the importance of strengthening joint coordination in combating extremism and terrorism.
- Trade, Energy, and Transport Corridors: Explored trade, investment, energy cooperation, and connectivity, highlighting how both regions can leverage their strategic geography to deepen economic interdependence. Discussions emphasized the role of connectivity initiatives, evolving energy landscapes, and logistics networks in supporting diversification and long-term regional integration.
This forum forms part of an ongoing GRC-ISRS partnership aimed at strengthening dialogue and collaboration among think tanks in the Gulf and Central Asia.
On April 2, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Oskar Wüstinger, Ambassador of Austria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh to discuss areas of mutual interest and recent regional developments.
On April 2, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Oskar Wüstinger, Ambassador of Austria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh to discuss areas of mutual interest and recent regional developments.
On March 31, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), met with H.E. Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Ms. Stefanie McCollum, Director General, Middle East at Global Affairs Canada, at the GRC headquarters in Riyadh.
On March 31, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), received H.E. Mr. Jean-Philippe Linteau, Ambassador of Canada to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, along with H.E. Ms. Stefanie McCollum, Director General, Middle East at Global Affairs Canada, at the GRC office in Riyadh.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on areas of mutual interest and discussed the latest regional developments, highlighting opportunities for enhanced dialogue and cooperation between the GRC and Canadian institutions. The discussion also emphasized the importance of continued engagement between research centers and international partners in fostering informed perspectives on regional and global affairs.
The meeting reflects the GRC’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international partnerships and supporting constructive dialogue on key geopolitical issues.
