The transformations in the Middle East region attract significant attention from research centers, both within the region and globally, based on the reality that traditional boundaries between different security levels have diminished. Examples of emerging concerns include maritime security threats, climate change, energy transitions, food and water security, and health security. In response to these developments, the Research Monitoring Foundation in India organized a conference in Abu Dhabi on January 28-29, 2025, bringing together a large number of officials, researchers, and experts on these issues, including the author of these lines.

While all conference sessions were important due to the extensive discussions they included on various topics—such as the impact of Middle Eastern transformations on sub-regions, particularly the Arab world and the Gulf, energy transitions, the influence of technological advancements on state security and international relations, the importance of social connectivity, and economic diversification—the discussions could be summarized through three key questions.

The first question revolves around why countries must collaborate, whether bilaterally or multilaterally. Various factors were raised that necessitate such cooperation, including the prevailing uncertainty regarding Middle Eastern transformations, which suggest a new reality for the region. Technology has become the defining force of the future, carrying immense opportunities but also significant challenges, such as threats to infrastructure due to the misuse of technology by non-state actors. Additionally, maritime security threats in the Bab el Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea have highlighted the interconnectedness of national interests, pushing countries like India and China to deploy naval forces to the region outside the Prosperity Guardian coalition. Furthermore, the increasing intensity and complexity of conflicts threaten both regional and global security.

The second question concerns the priorities of regional cooperation amid the region’s rapid transformations. While the list of challenges is extensive, discussions emphasized that the fundamental requirement for cooperation is achieving security and stability. Resolving the Palestinian issue based on a two-state solution was highlighted as a crucial prerequisite for regional cooperation and for ending the use of the Palestinian cause as a tool in regional conflicts, including maritime security threats. Another essential factor is upholding the sovereignty and independence of states and respecting international law governing global relations. The impact of technology was another major topic, as it has become a key factor in shaping global power dynamics. However, unchecked technological advancements pose risks to national security and prolong conflicts worldwide. Technology also affects economies, with projections indicating that 50% of jobs could disappear in the coming decades due to automation, leading to severe unemployment challenges. The energy transition remains a priority, as despite global efforts to shift toward renewable energy, oil and gas continue to dominate global consumption. Additionally, the challenge posed by non-state groups that undermine national sovereignty requires both regional and international efforts to classify and counter these threats effectively.

While these challenges are widely recognized, the crucial aspect lies in determining priorities. Without a clear focus on priority issues, discussions about Middle Eastern cooperation for stability will remain trapped in an endless cycle.

Beyond identifying challenges and priorities, the focus shifts to the key players responsible for addressing these issues. While bilateral cooperation is important in various fields, multilateral collaboration is equally critical, especially in areas such as green hydrogen initiatives, food security, and artificial intelligence. These sectors offer equitable benefits for participating states, enabling them to address shared needs effectively. This underscores the idea that no single actor in the region can tackle these challenges alone—strategic cooperation is essential for sustainable solutions.

Note: This article has been automatically translated, the full article is available in Arabic.

Source: Akhbar Al Khaleej

Dr. Ashraf Keshk, Senior Research Fellow