Experts, academics, and international observers gathered at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) to examine the wide-ranging implications of the Ukraine war for the Gulf region. The high-level policy roundtable, hosted by the university’s Global Institute for Strategic Research (GISR), focused on critical areas including food security, energy markets, and humanitarian diplomacy.
The event, titled “The Ukraine War Through a Gulf Lens,” took place at Education City’s Minaretein and was attended by ambassadors and heads of mission from embassies in Doha. The conflict has caused significant global disruptions, placing Gulf states at a crossroads of supply chain vulnerabilities and shifting geopolitical alignments. As major energy exporters and food importers, these nations face both distinct challenges and new opportunities.
Diplomatic and Security Discussions
Following opening remarks by GISR executive director Dr Mohamed Ali Chihi, the proceedings featured several focused roundtable sessions. One discussion, “Exploring Common Interests: Ukraine and the Arab States,” analysed the historical foundations of Ukraine-Qatar relations and Qatar’s growing role as a mediator in international conflicts. The session also reviewed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent diplomatic outreach concerning Palestine, Syria, and Sudan as a strategic effort to engage with Arab and Gulf states. These kinds of diplomatic engagements are central to the country’s foreign policy, similar to how the Qatar–Pakistan Joint Ministerial Committee holds its sessions to strengthen bilateral ties.
Another session, “Lessons from Ukraine: Regional & International Security,” explored the broader security takeaways from the conflict for the Gulf and the wider world.
Energy and Food Security Vulnerabilities
Two further roundtables addressed the region’s primary economic vulnerabilities. The first spotlighted the war’s impact on global energy markets and the consequences for Gulf producers. It assessed the geopolitics of energy infrastructure and the short and long-term effects of sanctions on Russian oil and gas.
A subsequent discussion focused on food security, evaluating the disruption to global grain markets and its effect on Gulf food import strategies. Participants also explored potential regional cooperation mechanisms to improve crisis response and build resilience against future supply shocks.
Qatar’s Role in Global Dialogue
Dr Chihi emphasised the event’s importance, stating it “reflects Qatar’s role as a major diplomatic actor, committed to advancing dialogue and peaceful solutions to some of the world’s most complex crises.” He added that the roundtable reinforces HBKU’s position as a leading hub for public policy dialogue and independent analysis. The university aims to engage policymakers and foster diverse thought to address global challenges from an Arab perspective. This commitment to open dialogue is also reflected in other national initiatives, such as when Media City Qatar and Euronews announced the launch of programs produced in Doha, further positioning the country as a centre for international conversation.
