A Bahraini researcher currently working as a Junior Fellow in Geopolitics at Observer Research Foundation (ORF) – Middle East in Dubai, specialising in the Arab Gulf States and examining their economic competitiveness, political institutions, and diplomacy. I have had an interest in Middle Eastern socio-economics ever since the Arab Spring, which prompted my focus on current affairs in the region. My 5+ years of professional experience started in 2021 and has encompassed three years of economic policy research within the Bahraini government (mainly at the Bahrain Economic Development Board with a short term at the Prime Minister’s Office), one year of political risk analysis in a security consultancy (Le Beck International), and my current think tank role which I began in February 2025, bringing together thought leadership on economic and political topics.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in Economics and Politics from the University of Essex, a master’s in Policy Analytics from the University of Exeter (where I was awarded the Department’s Excellence Scholarship in recognition of my quantitative expertise) as well as a second master’s in Practical Ethics from St Cross College, University of Oxford, focusing on ethical dilemmas in political contexts. Looking ahead, I am exploring Part-time PhD opportunities in the Social Sciences and/or Humanities.