Abu dhabi: The third edition of Hili Forum 2026 concluded today in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of two days of discussions jointly organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA).
According to Emirates News Agency, the Forum, held under the theme 'Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction,' convened over 1,600 attendees, including decision-makers, senior officials, diplomats, academics, and international experts. More than 75 speakers from 35 countries participated in discussions across the two-day program, addressing key issues such as regional security, economic resilience, geopolitical shifts, and emerging technologies.
The Forum's second day focused on the geotechnology pillar, exploring how data, drones, and digital technologies are reshaping global power dynamics and their implications for security, the economy, and international relations. The day began with a keynote address by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, emphasizing the UAE's role in transforming global challenges into strategic opportunities and its vision for growth through trade and investment partnerships.
Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Dhaheri, Deputy Director General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, highlighted the active engagement of participants, which enriched the Forum's discussions. He noted that the interactions during the concurrent sessions facilitated knowledge exchange and helped build valuable professional connections. Dr. Ebtesam Al Teneiji, Deputy Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, remarked on the Forum's significance in examining the implications of regional transformations and exploring options for course correction.
The day's program included a plenary session titled 'Data, Drones, Digital (Dis) Order,' featuring notable speakers such as Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, and Ambassador Yoo Jeh Seung, among others. The event also featured contributions from Dr. David Scharia of the United Nations Security Council and a discussion with Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region.
The Forum concluded with the plenary session 'Role of Middle Powers in a Ruptured Global Order,' which included insights from Carl Bildt, Co-chair of the ECFR Council, and other distinguished international figures. The Hili Forum 2026 reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and perspective exchange in understanding the rapid transformations affecting the Gulf and the wider world, emphasizing practical approaches to ensure the region's security, stability, and prosperity.