The Gulf Research Center (GRC), in partnership with the Bruno Kreisky Forum for International Dialogue https://kreisky-forum.org/en/ and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Middle East Program @CarnegieMEP , co-organized a closed workshop titled “Collective Diplomacy in the Middle East Amid Wars: Middle Powers, Mediation, and Regional Security Futures”, which took place at the Bruno Kreisky Forum in Vienna, Austria, from May 12-13, 2026. This workshop forms part of a broader project initiative.
The workshop brought together policymakers and experts from the Middle East and Europe to examine whether the post-2023 regional environment represents a meaningful shift away from longstanding patterns of Arab diplomatic fragmentation. Discussions also explored the lessons that can be drawn for future collective approaches to regional security, mediation, and conflict resolution amid the Middle East’s increasingly complex and conflict-affected landscape.
Notably, participants who took part in the workshop included:
- HE Ambassador Nabil Fahmy, Designated Nominee for Secretary General of the Arab League
- HE Luigi Di Maio, European Union Special Representative for the Gulf Region, European External Action Service (EEAS)
- Dr. Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg, Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Negotiations, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
- Dr. Manal Radwan, Minister Plenipotentiary, Cabinet of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The workshop also brought together senior diplomats from across the Gulf and the wider Middle East, alongside senior representatives from the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, as well as heads and representative of European think tanks.
On April 17, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), participated as a speaker in a panel titled “Clash of Hypocrisies and the Future of Global Order,” held in Barcelona as part of the Global Progressive Mobilization.
On April 17, 2026, Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), participated as a speaker in a panel session titled “Clash of Hypocrisies and the Future of Global Order,” organized under the Global Progressive Mobilization by the Global Progress Foundation, and held in Barcelona.
The session featured a distinguished group of international policymakers and experts, including:
During the session, Dr. Sager addressed the evolving structures of the global order, examining the implications of its fragmentation, particularly for the Middle East. He highlighted ongoing conflict zones across the region and underscored the growing role of violent non-state actors in shaping regional dynamics.
His participation reflects the GRC’s continued engagement in international policy discussions and its contribution to addressing critical issues related to global governance and regional stability.
Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, participated in Kuwait News Channel’s special coverage of the ongoing war in the region, on the program “With Steadfastness and Capability,” in an episode titled “Gulf States Reorganize Chaos Under a Sky Full of Warnings.”
During the discussion, Dr. Sager analyzed the strategic responses of Gulf states to the evolving regional crisis, highlighting the challenges posed by escalating tensions and the need for coordinated approaches to ensure stability. He also addressed the implications of the conflict for regional security and political dynamics, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and proactive policy measures.
This participation reflects the GRC’s continued engagement with regional media platforms, contributing informed perspectives and expert analysis on major geopolitical developments affecting the Middle East.
Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, participated in BBC Arabic as part of the network’s special coverage of the ongoing war in the region, which aired on March 22, 2026.
During the coverage, Dr. Sager discussed the options available to Gulf states in addressing the repercussions of the conflict, as well as the future of their relations with the parties involved. He provided an analysis of the evolving geopolitical landscape, highlighting the strategic considerations shaping regional policies and the importance of diplomacy in managing escalating tensions.
This participation reflects the Gulf Research Center’s continued engagement with international media platforms, contributing informed perspectives and expert analysis on major geopolitical developments affecting the Middle East.
Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, participated in Al Jazeera’s special coverage of the latest developments and repercussions of the ongoing war in the Middle East, which aired on March 22, 2026.
During the coverage, Dr. Sager provided an in-depth analysis of the evolving regional situation, examining the broader geopolitical and strategic implications of the conflict and its impact on Gulf security and regional stability. He also addressed the potential consequences of continued escalation and the importance of diplomatic efforts to contain tensions.
This participation reflects the Gulf Research Center’s continued engagement with regional and international media, contributing informed perspectives and expert analysis on major geopolitical developments affecting the Middle East.
Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center (GRC), Dr. Abdulaziz Sager, participated in Al Qahera News Channel as part of the network’s special coverage of the ongoing war in the region, which aired on March 22, 2026.
During the coverage, Dr. Sager discussed the options available to Gulf states in addressing the repercussions of the conflict, as well as the future of their relations with the parties involved. He provided an analysis of the evolving geopolitical landscape, highlighting key strategic considerations and the importance of diplomatic engagement in managing regional tensions.
This participation reflects the Gulf Research Center’s continued engagement with regional and international media, contributing informed perspectives and expert analysis on major geopolitical developments affecting the Middle East.
