About the center

The Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East examines the barriers preventing many people in the region from reaching their fullest potential. Our work also highlights success stories of individuals and institutions who overcame significant challenges in pursuit of social, economic, and political progress. Inspired by these examples, we delineate practical and implementable policy recommendations that policymakers in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East can implement to unleash the region’s economic and human potential.

Featured commentary & analysis

Featured in-depth research & reports

Leadership

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Events

We convene the most important stakeholders on issues of primary concern to the transatlantic community when it comes the Middle East and North Africa, from senior US and Middle East government officials to civil society activists and budding entrepreneurs.

Past events

Content

In the News

Sep 15, 2023

Charai in The Hill: We survived Morocco’s earthquake. Its reconstruction is another story

By Atlantic Council

I was in Marrakech, Morocco, walking with my 89-year-old mother, when the earthquake struck Haouz last Friday. After the earth shook, my mother couldn’t stop shaking. I gently carried her out of the family home, which may no longer be the refuge that it once was only seconds earlier. 

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Aug 11, 2023

AlDhabi AlMheiri: Meet the nine-year-old driving change in the UAE, one book at a time

By Holly Dagres

AlDhabi AlMheiri is the youngest Emirati entrepreneur and youngest publisher. The nine-year-old was interviewed by our MENASource editor about her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and achievements.

Education Middle East

MENASource

Aug 9, 2023

I spoke to an AI ‘God.’ We chatted about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence in the MENA

By Sarah Zaaimi

An artificial intelligence "God" is the tip of the iceberg on the ethical implications of AI use in a socially and culturally complex region.

Artificial Intelligence Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 31, 2023

Empowering the future: The rising women workforce in Saudi Arabia’s private sector

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

Event recap on the empowering future of the workplace in Saudi Arabia and its impact on the private sector.

Economy & Business Future of Work

Event Recap

Jul 24, 2023

Bridging the gender gap in venture capital

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

Event recap on the significance of venture funding for women entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Economy & Business Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 18, 2023

An overview of gender parity in Bahrain: Progress, challenges, and the path forward

By Lynn Monzer, Nibras Basitkey

A recap of the First Workshop in Bahrain

Economy & Business Inclusive Growth

MENASource

Jul 14, 2023

After Tunisia expelled 1,200 Black Africans, here’s how the West can help avoid a humanitarian disaster

By Alissa Pavia and Tarek Megerisi

The West has the opportunity to prevent further deaths while simultaneously establishing resolutions to the migration predicament in Tunisia.

Civil Society Human Rights

Press Release

Jun 15, 2023

Atlantic Council announces 2023 Women Innovators Fellowship recipients from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain

Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, the Women Innovators Fellowship (WIn) will include Bahrain and the UAE, in addition to Saudi Arabia, as it continues to empower more women entrepreneurs from the Middle East 

MENASource

Jun 9, 2023

Saudi Arabia is requiring companies to establish headquarters in the kingdom. That strategy may pay off. 

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

Saudi Arabia’s goal is to get 480 companies to open regional headquarters by 2030 to grow the Saudi economy.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

May 31, 2023

Time to double down: ICC arrest warrants in Libya are a great start but Libyans deserve more

By Christopher "Kip" Hale

While these ICC arrest warrants may be the accountability spark Libya desperately needs, the country will require more to be uprooted.

Libya Middle East