ANU's Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies (CAIS) was honoured to host an official visit from the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) in June 2026, providing a valuable forum for academic exchange, strategic dialogue and the strengthening of institutional ties.
Globally regarded as one of the Middle East’s most influential think tanks, ECSSR undertakes research on regional and national security, foreign policy and strategic affairs. The visit came at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, creating an important opportunity for researchers from both institutions to exchange perspectives on the rapidly evolving strategic landscape of the Middle East.
The program commenced with a meeting between ECSSR representatives, CAIS staff and research scholars at the Centre. The informal discussion enabled participants to share research interests, explore areas of mutual expertise and consider opportunities for future academic collaboration.
This was followed by a panel discussion at the ANU Research School of Social Sciences, featuring ECSSR and CAIS staff and moderated by Professor Karima Laachir, Director of CAIS. The discussion examined pressing regional developments, including the regional impact of the ongoing US/Israel war on Iran, as well as the broader implications of current geopolitical developments for regional and global security. An informative question-and-answer session provided an opportunity for the ANU community to engage directly with the speakers and contribute to the discussion.
The visit concluded with a reception and networking session, bringing together ECSSR representatives, CAIS scholars, staff and members of the wider ANU community. The event provided a valuable opportunity to continue conversations initiated during the day and identify potential avenues for future research and policy engagement.
The successful visit highlighted the importance of dialogue between leading research institutions at a time of significant international uncertainty. It also underscored the immense standing by which ANU's Centre is regarded internationally as a hub of innovative and cutting-edge research focused on the Middle East. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, the program contributed to a deeper understanding of complex regional developments and their wider strategic consequences.
CAIS looks forward to building on the connections established through the visit and to exploring further opportunities for collaboration with ECSSR in research, scholarly exchange and policy dialogue. The engagement reflects CAIS’s ongoing commitment to fostering informed discussion and international partnerships on issues of significance to the Arab and Islamic worlds and beyond.
Delegates from ECSSR featured:
- H. E. Dr. Sultan Mohamed AlNuaimi
Director General of the ECSSR
- H.E. Lt. General Staff Pilot (Ret.) Rashad AlSaadi
Expert Contributor at the ECSSR, Former Commandment of the National Defense College
- H.E. Dr. Obaid AlKetbi
Expert Contributor at the ECSSR, Former UAE Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Australia
- H.E. Nasser AlSheikh
Expert Contributor at the ECSSR
- Prof. Mohammed Bin Huwaiden
Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at the United Arab Emirates University
- Prof. Abdulkhaleq Abdulla
Expert Contributor at the ECSSR, Visiting Professor at Harvard University
- Mr Abdulrahman Al Haddadi
Deputy Director for Strategic Studies and Research at the ECSSR
- Mr Obaid Al Zaabi
Head of Community Service Division and Researcher in Iranian and ME Affairs at the ECSSR