Research Coordination Meeting – April 2, 2025
On April 2, 2025, the Canadian Institute for Middle East and Gulf Studies (CIMEGS) convened a strategic research coordination meeting, bringing together a distinguished group of researchers from Canada and various Middle Eastern and Gulf countries. The primary objective of the meeting was to lay the groundwork for the creation of specialized research units and to structure collaborative academic initiatives within the institute.
Participants emphasized the urgent need to invigorate the institute’s research activities through a well-organized network of scholars working across key thematic areas. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to form dedicated research clusters around the following strategic axes:
1. Economic Outlook in the Gulf States
This research track focuses on analyzing optimal investment sectors in Gulf countries through 2040. The project seeks to identify emerging opportunities beyond the traditional oil economy, including promising sectors such as technology, tourism, and green industries. The objective is to support evidence-based policy planning and sustainable economic diversification.
2. Energy Transition in the Gulf and North Africa
This research cluster explores the prospects of renewable energy in the Gulf and North African regions, with particular attention to solar, hydrogen, and other sustainable alternatives. The study will assess current infrastructure, investment readiness, and regional leadership potential in the global green energy transition, while identifying policy and technological challenges.
3. Urban Planning and Smart Cities
Focused on future-oriented urban development, this project examines the integration of cutting-edge technologies—such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and data-driven planning—into sustainable city models. The research aims to balance innovation and livability, offering insights into how Gulf and Middle Eastern cities can evolve into resilient and intelligent urban ecosystems.
This meeting marks an important step in the institutional development of CIMEGS, reaffirming its commitment to academic excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, and regional relevance. These research axes will serve as the foundation for future publications, policy papers, conferences, and training initiatives led by the institute.
Prepared in Toronto, Canada
April 12, 2025
This document is an official communication of the Canadian Institute for Middle East and Gulf Studies (CIMEGS). It serves as an open reference for researchers and a guiding framework for institutions and stakeholders interested in collaborative research across the Middle East and Gulf regions.