ADSD

The Emirates Policy Center (EPC) is convenes its 8th Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate (ADSD). The event is scheduled to take place at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi from November 13-15, 2021.

EPC is an independent non-profit think tank based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It focuses on foreseeing power trends in the international order and forecasting regional and global geopolitical shifts in the Arabian Gulf region. The Center is ranked first in the Arab world and second in the Middle East and North Africa region in the annual Global Go To Think Tank Index Report released by the University of Pennsylvania in January 2021. Its annual conference – ADSD – is also ranked among the world’s top 10 conferences.

Prominent strategic experts, well-known researchers, and leading policymakers worldwide take part in this annual gathering. This year’s debate focuses on the international and regional environment in the post-Covid-19 era. The first theme, dedicated to the state of the world and international order, will deal with emerging threats for global security, particularly pandemics and climate change, the impact of technology and cybersecurity on global politics, digitalization, and the future of the global economy. The US-China conflict and the Europe-Russia competition will also be discussed under this theme.

The second theme revolves around the Middle East and focuses on Afghanistan, Iranian, and Turkish policies. It will also analyze the role of the Abraham Accords in peace-making and the future of the Arab region in light of the post-global geostrategic shifts and the decline of Political Islam movements. Since the UAE is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the 8th ADSD will dedicate a special session to discuss the UAE as a regional power with a global vision.