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

Feb 1, 2022

Wechsler quoted in Spiegel on Putin’s military campaigns in Ukraine

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 1, 2022

Fulton quoted in S&P Global on the evolving role of the Persian Gulf and the geopolitics of oil

By Atlantic Council

China Economy & Business

In the News

Jan 29, 2022

Dagres quoted in Voice of America Persian News Network on human rights and internet freedom in Iran

By Atlantic Council

Farsi Human Rights

In the News

Jan 24, 2022

Fontenrose quoted in Bloomberg on regional security implications of recent Houthi attacks on the UAE

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Defense Policy

In the News

Jan 22, 2022

Sales in Fox News: To deter Putin in Ukraine, Biden must stand up to the Russian strongman

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

MENASource

Jan 18, 2022

Is the GCC ready to embrace sustainable finance?

By Dominik Treeck, Mustafa Domanic, and Hendrik Wittrock

To avoid falling behind on their grand economic growth ambitions, Gulf Cooperation Council countries should act decisively by putting sustainable finance policies at the top of their agendas.

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Event Recap

Dec 20, 2021

Fintech innovation is critical for business and women in MENA

By Hezha Barzani

On December 14, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a virtual event on “MENA’s Fintech innovators: Digitizing financial services” in partnership with ABANA.

Economy & Business Middle East

MENASource

Nov 29, 2021

Startups aren’t just hip. They’re also the key to unlocking youth unemployment in MENA.

By Mahmood Abdulla

The MENA region has a pressing unemployment challenge. While many attempts are underway to address this problem, the solution could lie in its growing startup scene.

Economy & Business Middle East

In the News

Nov 24, 2021

Ahmad featured in BRINK on major demographic shifts in Saudi Arabia

By Atlantic Council

Middle East Resilience

Event Recap

Nov 8, 2021

Top women execs on leading “deliberate” organizational change, fostering diversity and inclusion, and coping with challenges

By Stefanie Hausheer Ali

On November 2, the Atlantic Council’s empowerME Initiative held a workshop on “Women in senior management: Masterclass in leadership.”

Middle East Politics & Diplomacy