Eighth Annual Sir Bani Yas Forum concludes in Abu Dhabi

The eighth annual Sir Bani Yas Forum, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with the Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies, CSIS, concluded today in Abu Dhabi.

The high-level retreat was hosted by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The forum sought to create a space for a frank and constructive conversation among leading policy- and opinion-makers on critical issues relevant to peace and security in the Middle East. The event, which ran from 3rd to 5th November, featured debates and discussions around central challenges confronting regional and world powers in the Middle East.

Through a combination of expert presentations and panel discussions, the sessions addressed complex crises in the region, including Syria, Iraq, and Libya, the role of international actors in resolving regional conflicts, the Middle East Peace Process, and how the international community should pursue policies with Iran.

Current and former foreign ministers from across the world, as well as a select number of international policy experts, convened to share their knowledge and understanding.

Catherine Ashton, the former European Union High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said, "This is the most interesting discussion on the region I’ve ever been to."

The Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, said he has been to almost every forum, and added, "We always look forward to coming back to the Sir Bani Yas Forum for the constructive and beneficial talks between everyone."

Former US National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley added, "The diversity of views and candid discussion makes it a very constructive experience."

The forum also featured bespoke polling, conducted by Dr. James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute, which surveyed thousands of people across Arab states, Turkey, and Iran on their attitudes toward critical issues facing the Middle East. Topics covered through the polling include the region’s major ongoing conflicts, attitudes towards political Islam and refugees, US policies, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

The Sir Bani Yas Forum convened at the Qasr Al Sarab resort in the Liwa Desert of Abu Dhabi. As in past years, all proceedings were conducted under the Chatham House Rule of non-attribution; there were no prepared statements, no communique, and no reporting media.