Abu dhabi: Sir Liam Fox, Chairman of the Abraham Accords Prosperity Group, addressed the BRIDGE Summit 2025, highlighting a paradigm shift in how the Gulf region is perceived globally-as a region brimming with opportunities.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sir Liam made these observations during a session titled "The New Gravity of Power, From Washington to the Gulf." He emphasized the Gulf's burgeoning role as a diplomatic force amid a rapidly changing global media and knowledge landscape. He stated, "This is the moment, this is the time for investments in this region," underscoring how countries like the UAE are leveraging their economic and diplomatic influence to strengthen geopolitical relationships.
Sir Liam, a former UK Secretary of State for Defence and a qualified medical doctor from the University of Glasgow, has extensively written on global security and economic policy. He elaborated on why investors are drawn to the UAE's capital-rich environment, noting the country's young and well-educated population.
Andrew Sollinger, CEO and Publisher of Foreign Policy, further contributed to the discussion. Since joining the organization in 2018, Sollinger has led its transformation into a multi-platform intelligence and insights company. He acknowledged that while there is conflict in the region, there is also significant stabilization, highlighting the visionary strides emerging from the UAE.
Christopher Isham, President of CT Intelligence at CT Group, added that the region's strategic vision has been pivotal in geopolitical realignment. However, he expressed caution regarding the influence of AI on the future of news, warning against censorship, disinformation, and misinformation. Isham, an award-winning investigative reporter, stressed the importance of online platforms building trust with their audience to combat these challenges.
The discussion was moderated by Resham Kotecha, Global Head of Policy at the Open Data Institute (ODI). With over 15 years of experience in policy and public affairs, Kotecha regularly comments on technology, data ethics, and leadership. The panel was part of an extensive 300+ session program that reflects BRIDGE Summit's scale and ambition.