Fiker Institute marks five years with UAE University chancellor in attendance
The Dubai-based think tank marked its fifth anniversary with a gathering attended by Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, celebrating its growth as a forum for policy discussion.
Fiker Institute on Saturday celebrated its fifth anniversary with an event that brought together diplomats, partners and intellectual collaborators to reflect on the think tank’s development since its 2021 founding.
Abu Dhabi-linked participation underlines national reach
Among those present was Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University, who described the anniversary as a milestone for the institute. He commended Fiker Institute’s fellowships, publications, partnerships, discussions and library for enabling the UAE’s active role in interpreting global affairs and helping to shape future policy.
Mr Nusseibeh emphasised the vital role of knowledge institutions in producing policy research and proposals that support decision-making, and stressed their duty to maintain intellectual independence, transparency and integrity. He noted the gradual formation of a community around sustained, serious conversation — a development he said rests on trust, intellectual generosity and repeated encounter.
Driving regional perspectives into global debates
Dubai Abulhoul, founder of Fiker Institute, outlined the organisation’s mission to elevate regional perspectives in global discussions. She said the institute was created to challenge prevailing narratives about the Arab world, providing a space to test ideas, exchange views and influence policy debate. Ms Abulhoul pointed to two recent initiatives — the Al-Khaleej Programme and a Working Group on Gulf Foreign Policy — as central to convening regional experts and fostering dialogue on urgent issues.
The anniversary programme included a moderated conversation led by Ms Abulhoul with Mr Nusseibeh under the theme “The Power of Ideas: Why Knowledge Institutions Matter”. The discussion examined the UAE’s openness to different cultures and knowledge systems, the contemporary challenges facing research institutions and the continuing importance of physical libraries amid digital platforms.
Guests received a special edition of Fiker Institute’s five-year report at an open reception that concluded the event.
Measured growth and tangible output
Since its inception, Fiker Institute has published more than 120 research outputs, worked with over 70 guest writers and fellows, convened 110 events and speakers, and hosted 90 diplomatic delegations. Its library holds a collection of more than 15,000 books covering diplomacy, foreign affairs and culture, curated to encourage fresh thinking about categories and regional assumptions.
The institute’s stated thematic priorities include policy and global governance, climate security and gender equality, while its regional programmes cover Al-Khaleej, West Asia and North Africa, Europe, and the Americas.
Source: WAM