16/10/2023

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Issa Al Jaber visits SOAS, meets Vice Chancellor Adam Habib and Lina Khatib, MBI Al Jaber Chair of Middle East Studies

Sheikh Mohamed made a visit to SOAS to meet Director Adam Habib and to discuss future plans for the London Middle East Institute (founded more than 20 years ago with funding from the MBI Al Jaber Foundation and recently renamed the SOAS MEI)) with the new Institute Director and holder of the MBI Al Jaber Chair of Middle East Studies, Dr Lina Khatib.

The SOAS Middle East Institute was founded in 2002 as a dynamic, interdisciplinary academic hub, and is a world leader in promoting innovative engagement on the Middle East through research and outreach, shaping the future of scholarship, policy, and practice in the region. Originally a charity based at SOAS, the Middle East Institute has now become part of the University itself, and will be relaunched in the new year.

Sheikh Mohamed, founding donor of the Institute, articulated his vision for the renamed SOAS Middle East Institute, saying: "We believe in the power of education, research, and informed dialogue to drive positive growth and development in the Middle East. The MBI Al Jaber Foundation is proud to continue its support for the SOAS Middle East Institute, and we are excited about the Institute's goals to foster dialogue, promote cultural understanding, and facilitate innovative solutions for the MENA region."

Professor Lina Khatib, known internationally for her expertise in Middle East studies, directs the SOAS Middle East Institute as the MBI Al Jaber Chair in Middle East Studies. She expressed her enthusiasm for this new phase in the Institute’s story, stating, "The SOAS Middle East Institute is at the forefront of innovation, bringing together scholars, practitioners, and students to address the most pressing challenges facing the Middle East. Our commitment to rigorous research, open dialogue, and collaborative solutions will pave the way for a brighter and more inclusive future for the region."

The SOAS Middle East Institute represents a notable milestone in the university’s commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The SMEI has been dedicated to fostering scholarly and public interest in the MENA region for 20 years. Now, in its new incarnation, the Institute is more prepared than ever to facilitate a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of this complex and diverse region.

The SOAS Middle East Institute's workstreams encompass a wide array of subjects critical to the region, including culture, history, environment, economics, policy, and politics. By merging these areas of focus, the Institute aims to address key global challenges pertinent to the Middle East and North Africa in a comprehensive manner.

Sheikh Mohamed was joined at the meeting by Trustees Sir Tim Lankester, Mohsen Al Jaber and Foundation Director Carolyn Perry.


Main image: Sheikh Mohamed, accompanied by Trustees Sir Tim Lankester, Mohsen Al Jaber and Foundation Director Carolyn Perry meets SOAS VC Adam Habib and Lina Khatib, MBI Al Jaber Chair, and members of the SOAS Advancement Team

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