Crisis in the Middle East: The Perspectives of the United Arab Emirates and Italy
The conference “Crisis in the Middle East: The Perspectives of the United Arab Emirates and Italy” is organized by the CeSI – Centro Studi Internazionali in collaboration with the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Rome and TRENDS Research & Advisory.
The event aims to explore the geopolitical, economic, and energy implications of the 2026 Middle East crisis, examining the impact of the conflict and its consequences on regional and international security. The discussion will focus on the evolving strategic landscape following the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, the prospects for regional stabilization, and the implications for global economic and trade dynamics, with particular attention to energy security, freedom of navigation, and the strategic role of the Strait of Hormuz.
The conference will also provide a comparative perspective on how the United Arab Emirates and Italy—two countries linked by strong economic and strategic ties, yet exposed to the crisis in different ways—view the current regional situation. Through dialogue among government officials and leading experts, the event seeks to foster discussion on the foreign policy and security priorities of both countries, as well as opportunities for enhanced cooperation in addressing the challenges arising from the evolving regional balance of power.
Opening Remarks
- H.E. Ambassador Abdulla Ali AlSubousi – Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Italy
Keynote Speech
- Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali – Chairman, TRENDS Group, UAE
Panel Discussion
-
Minister Plenipotentiary Fabrizio Lobasso – Deputy Director General for Growth and Export Promotion, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy
-
Sara Al Neyadi – Senior Researcher and Director of the Strategic Studies Department, TRENDS Research & Advisory
-
Dr. Marco Di Liddo – Director, CeSI – Centro Studi Internazionali
-
Khalid Al Jarman – Counsellor, Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Rome
-
Dr. Luigi Martino – Professor and Director of the Cyber Security Academy at Khalifa University
Moderator
- Dr. Stephen Scalet – Director of the Italy Virtual Office and Scientific Advisor, TRENDS Global
Closing Remarks
- Prof. Andrea Margelletti – Advisor to the Italian Minister of Defence and President of CeSI – Centro Studi Internazionali
📅 Date: 6 July 2026
🕙 Time: 10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
📍 Venue: Embassy of the United Arab Emirates, Piazza della Croce Rossa 3, 00161 Rome, Italy The conference will also be live streamed.
You can also download the full event programme on this page.