The Gulf Defence Industry Initiative delivers research, analysis, and strategic insight into the overlooked questions shaping the MENA region.
We explore defence, security, and space from the ground up, building new frameworks to guide government policy and industrial planning. We work in English and Arabic, combining fieldwork with expert commentary, engaging with senior figures across sectors, and briefing decision-makers in the Gulf and beyond. Our network hosts private dialogues and public forums, connects industry leaders to new markets, and contributes informed analysis to global media.
Activities
- Carrying out field research and data collection;
- Publishing policy research, commentary and analysis in English and Arabic.
- Convening discussions with decision-makers and experts in defence, security, academia, and the private sector;
- Providing briefings to decision-makers and contributing to policy forums in the MENA region, the UK, Europe and beyond;
- Contributing analysis to media coverage of the MENA region.
- Connecting Business Leaders with new markets in the MENA region.
Research areas
- Modernisation in Middle Eastern Armed Forces
- Geopolitical dynamics and the role of regional and international actors;
- Drivers and effects of transnational conflict;
- Interconnected political, policy and economic networks – and their impact on conflict;
- Governance, strategy, policy formulation and ethics;
