*** Gulf Security Tied to Global Tensions | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Gulf Security Tied to Global Tensions

Derasat CEO Speaks at Cambridge Gulf Research Meeting

Regional security concerns took centre stage as Abdulla Mohamed Al Ahmed, CEO of Bahrain's Derasat think tank, addressed the 16th Gulf Research Meeting at Cambridge University, warning that Gulf security cannot be separated from wider global instability.

Around 50 policymakers and experts from the Gulf, Europe and Asia attended the closed-door event. Al Ahmed told a high-level roundtable that recent geopolitical shocks had tested — and proven — GCC defence systems and partnerships. He called for deeper cooperation, including joint defence industries and shared investment in research and technology.

In a separate opening panel on how conflicts strain Gulf societies, Al Ahmed said disruptions to shipping lanes and supply chains exposed vulnerabilities, making Gulf unity essential to keeping goods flowing.

He urged Gulf states to shift from reacting to crises toward early preparedness — stronger logistics networks, early-warning systems, and follow-through on commitments made at the Extraordinary Jeddah Summit to shore up regional stability.