Event Reports

German Arab Gulf Dialogue on Security and Cooperation in Berlin

Dialogue even in times of crisis

Amid the conflict between Israel and Iran, leading representatives from the Gulf states and Germany gathered for the 7th German-Arab Gulf Dialogue organised by the KAS and DAFG. Although the conference focused on overcoming current challenges in the Middle East and Europe, it also highlighted opportunities and potential for closer cooperation: Especially in times of crisis, stronger cooperation between Germany and the Gulf states is necessary.

Forging Stronger Ties between Germany and Qatar

Insights from Norbert Lammert’s and Gerhard Wahlers’ visit to Qatar underscores shared priorities in diplomacy, development, and culture.

Transformative Diplomatic Strategies for Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges

Special Panel at the Doha Forum

In an era where traditional diplomatic boundaries are rapidly dissolving and the role of middle powers are coming to the forefront, leading voices from Germany, Qatar, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates convened at a panel at the Doha Forum to challenge the conventional understanding on global conflict resolution.

The Future of Labour and Migration in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf

How Do GCC Countries Fare in the Global Competition for Talent?

On 1–2 December 2024, the Gulf Research Centre and KAS hosted an expert workshop in Riyadh, convening scholars, policymakers, and representatives from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, and key migrant-sending nations, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, and Egypt, alongside representatives from international organisations. The workshop examined evolving labour and migration patterns in the Gulf, with a particular lens on Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the broader competition among GCC countries for global talent.

Gulf-Asia Cooperation: Prospects, Challenges and Implications for Europe

KAS and DERASAT convened a panel discussion to launch a KAS publication on 20 November 2024 in Bahrain. Senior experts discussed the deepening economic and strategic ties between the Gulf and Asia, with opening remarks stressing their growing importance for Europe’s future engagement.

Young Parliamentarians Programme

In the context of the Young Parliamentarians programme, Bahraini youth explored parliamentary processes, democratic governance, and civic engagement through lectures, interactive roundtables, and a policy-making simulation, culminating in a final presentation at the Shura Council, showcasing their proposals, leadership, and impact on Bahraini public policy.

Young Parliamentarians Programme

In the context of the Young Parliamentarians programme, Bahraini youth explored parliamentary processes, democratic governance, and civic engagement through lectures, interactive roundtables, and a policy-making simulation, culminating in a final presentation at the Shura Council, showcasing their proposals, leadership, and impact on Bahraini public policy.

Action for Climate (A4C)

Simulation Game on Sustainability Policy in Kuwait

Over one and a half days, thought-provoking deliberations and dynamic discussions were held to explore the effects of climate change and propose impactful policies to advance a more sustainable society.

Young Perspectives on Joint Cooperation

Enhancing the Saudi-German Academic Exchange

In cooperation with the Gulf Research Center, KAS brought together ten young researchers, five from Germany and five from Saudi Arabia, for an exchange of ideas about policy fields relevant to cooperation between the two countries. The result was an enlightening discussion that underlined the importance of convening representatives of the next generation of leaders in politics, academia, and culture in order to share their ideas about issues that will define international relations for years to come.

Domestic and Foreign Affairs Intertwined

German Foreign Policy in the Middle East and Implications for the Gulf States

In coordination with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, the Regional Programme Gulf States of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung organised a workshop on the foreign policy of the Federal Republic of Germany and its implications on the Gulf States. The expert insights delivered throughout the workshop provoked intense exchanges over differences between Saudi and German official viewpoints toward important issues and challenges facing Europe and the Middle East and North Africa. Participants from Saudi Arabia and Germany agreed on the fruitfulness of the dialogue’s frank nature, in addition to the need for the conversation to serve as a blueprint for future interactions between the two countries.