The Regional Vision Team
MENA2050 was established as a MENA civil society organization that seeks to solve the region’s problems and formulate and implement development projects that allow MENA’s citizens to live better and more dignified lives. It has members from almost every MENA country, including Arab and non-Arab states. MENA2050’s key characteristic is its homegrown and pan-regional status, which distinguishes it from external civil society efforts, or those that are from within the region but have limited membership.
Most of MENA2050’s members live in the region, and many live in the countries most acutely affected by the ongoing Gazan War. This has created a strong intrinsic desire to prepare for the day when the War ends by proposing and analyzing projects that could contribute to a lasting and prosperous regional peace. A project team has been assembled for this purpose.
The basic idea of the project is to use extensive stakeholder engagement (via interviews) to develop a list of major post-crisis regional reforms that merit consideration by the major powerbrokers in the region’s conflict. The findings will be released in a series of biweekly newsletters (research notes) that report what the research team has learned from the interviews conducted in that period. At the end of the six months allocated to the project, and after conducting approximately 100 interviews and publishing around 10 research notes, a full report will be produced, along with an accompanying policy brief.
MENA2050 happily notes that many organizations are exerting parallel efforts to make post-Gaza visions for the region. The complexity of the problems that the region faces means that many minds need to be put to work in developing solutions, and the value of such efforts is amplified by having a diverse range of stakeholders involved. Nevertheless, it is worth highlighting what distinguishes MENA2050’s efforts: its simultaneously homegrown and inclusive nature, as almost all ethnicities, religions, confessions, and nations have representation in the project and the organization. While externally-led projects are welcome additions to the collective efforts directed toward the region’s future, homegrown initiatives have to be at the heart of any long-term solution if it is to be legitimate and viable.
The target audience for the research notes and final report is – first and foremost – any MENA resident who wishes to contribute to a more prosperous future for the region. Moreover, we also hope that policymakers, practitioners, and the broader research community will find our output useful. Naturally, given how interconnected the world has become, those from beyond our shores with an interest in the MENA region may also find value in our output.
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli
Omar Al-Ubaydli is the President of the Bahrain Economist Society. He is also an affiliated associate professor of economics at George Mason University; an affiliated senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center; a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington; and a non-resident fellow at Trends, UAE. His research interests include political economy, experimental economics, and the economics of the GCC countries. Al-Ubaydli previously served as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia's Joint Advisory Board of Economists and a Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. He regularly publishes his research in international peer- reviewed academic journals, and his mainstream media articles appear in Arabic and English- language newspapers and blogs such as AlHayat, The National, Forbes Opinion, and US News. Al-Ubaydli earned his BA in economics from the University of Cambridge, and his MA and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.
Omar Al-Ubaydli is the President of the Bahrain Economist Society. He is also an affiliated associate professor of economics at George Mason University; an affiliated senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center; a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington; and a non-resident fellow at Trends, UAE. His research interests include political economy, experimental economics, and the economics of the GCC countries. Al-Ubaydli previously served as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia's Joint Advisory Board of Economists and a Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. He regularly publishes his research in international peer- reviewed academic journals, and his mainstream media articles appear in Arabic and English- language newspapers and blogs such as AlHayat, The National, Forbes Opinion, and US News. Al-Ubaydli earned his BA in economics from the University of Cambridge, and his MA and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.
Omar Al-Ubaydli is the President of the Bahrain Economist Society. He is also an affiliated associate professor of economics at George Mason University; an affiliated senior research fellow at the Mercatus Center; a non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington; and a non-resident fellow at Trends, UAE. His research interests include political economy, experimental economics, and the economics of the GCC countries. Al-Ubaydli previously served as a member of the Commonwealth of Virginia's Joint Advisory Board of Economists and a Visiting Professor of Economics at the University of Chicago. He regularly publishes his research in international peer- reviewed academic journals, and his mainstream media articles appear in Arabic and English- language newspapers and blogs such as AlHayat, The National, Forbes Opinion, and US News. Al-Ubaydli earned his BA in economics from the University of Cambridge, and his MA and PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.
Dr. Jason Olson
Dr. Jason Olson is a scholar specializing in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region. He has received research grants to study the Abraham Accords, focusing particularly on how they align with U.S. interests. He collaborates with various ambassadors to expand the successful peacebuilding model of the Abraham Accords to other Muslim-majority countries.
Jason earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University in 2016. His first book, America’s Road to Jerusalem: The Impact of the Six-Day War on Protestant Politics, was published by Lexington Books in 2018. In this work, he examined the rise of Christian Zionism and its impact on U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests in the Middle East and North Africa. His second book, The Burning Book, won a national award in creative nonfiction. His most recent article, From Arab-Israeli Conflict to Arab-Israeli Integration: A New Curriculum to Understand the Contemporary Middle East, was co-published in the Journal of the Middle East and Africa.
During his doctoral studies, Jason held fellowships with prestigious research centers, including the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, the Hertog Global Strategy Initiative at Columbia University (focused
Dr. Jason Olson is a scholar specializing in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region. He has received research grants to study the Abraham Accords, focusing particularly on how they align with U.S. interests. He collaborates with various ambassadors to expand the successful peacebuilding model of the Abraham Accords to other Muslim-majority countries.
Jason earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University in 2016. His first book, America’s Road to Jerusalem: The Impact of the Six-Day War on Protestant Politics, was published by Lexington Books in 2018. In this work, he examined the rise of Christian Zionism and its impact on U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests in the Middle East and North Africa. His second book, The Burning Book, won a national award in creative nonfiction. His most recent article, From Arab-Israeli Conflict to Arab-Israeli Integration: A New Curriculum to Understand the Contemporary Middle East, was co-published in the Journal of the Middle East and Africa.
During his doctoral studies, Jason held fellowships with prestigious research centers, including the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, the Hertog Global Strategy Initiative at Columbia University (focused on religious violence/terrorism), and the American Jewish Archives, among others. In 2013, he served as a teaching fellow at the Summer Institute for Middle East Studies at Brandeis, where he taught an international group of scholars in both Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Through his academic and fieldwork, Jason aims to foster dialogue and peacebuilding in the region by studying political and diplomatic models that promote better relations between countries and contribute to regional stability in the Middle East
Dr. Jason Olson is a scholar specializing in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region. He has received research grants to study the Abraham Accords, focusing particularly on how they align with U.S. interests. He collaborates with various ambassadors to expand the successful peacebuilding model of the Abraham Accords to other Muslim-majority countries.
Jason earned his Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University in 2016. His first book, America’s Road to Jerusalem: The Impact of the Six-Day War on Protestant Politics, was published by Lexington Books in 2018. In this work, he examined the rise of Christian Zionism and its impact on U.S. foreign policy and strategic interests in the Middle East and North Africa. His second book, The Burning Book, won a national award in creative nonfiction. His most recent article, From Arab-Israeli Conflict to Arab-Israeli Integration: A New Curriculum to Understand the Contemporary Middle East, was co-published in the Journal of the Middle East and Africa.
During his doctoral studies, Jason held fellowships with prestigious research centers, including the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, the Hertog Global Strategy Initiative at Columbia University (focused on religious violence/terrorism), and the American Jewish Archives, among others. In 2013, he served as a teaching fellow at the Summer Institute for Middle East Studies at Brandeis, where he taught an international group of scholars in both Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Through his academic and fieldwork, Jason aims to foster dialogue and peacebuilding in the region by studying political and diplomatic models that promote better relations between countries and contribute to regional stability in the Middle East
Noora Alozaibi
Noora Alozaibi is an Emirati residing in the UAE. She is currently a student at New York University Abu Dhabi, and is expected to graduate with a BA in political science and social research and public policy in 2024.
Noora Alozaibi is an Emirati residing in the UAE. She is currently a student at New York University Abu Dhabi, and is expected to graduate with a BA in political science and social research and public policy in 2024.
Noora Alozaibi is an Emirati residing in the UAE. She is currently a student at New York University Abu Dhabi, and is expected to graduate with a BA in political science and social research and public policy in 2024.
Noor Elgallal
Noor Elgallal is a dual Libyan/UK citizen
residing in the UK.
She is a student at the University of Leeds, and is expecting to graduate with
an LLB in 2024.
Noor Elgallal is a dual Libyan/UK citizen
residing in the UK.
She is a student at the University of Leeds, and is expecting to graduate with
an LLB in 2024.
Noor Elgallal is a dual Libyan/UK citizen
residing in the UK.
She is a student at the University of Leeds, and is expecting to graduate with
an LLB in 2024.
Layal Alghoozi
Layal Alghoozi is a Bahraini legal humanitarian professional with experience working in international organizations in policy, research, legal, and advocacy roles. She has experience working at the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and other organizations like Amnesty International and Oxfam. She is the MENA Regional Coordinator for the Journal on the Use of Force in International Law. She has a Masters in International Law and Security from the University of Glasgow, specializing in the laws of armed conflict, the laws and processes of the UN, and law enforcement (human rights).
Layal Alghoozi is a Bahraini legal humanitarian professional with experience working in international organizations in policy, research, legal, and advocacy roles. She has experience working at the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and other organizations like Amnesty International and Oxfam. She is the MENA Regional Coordinator for the Journal on the Use of Force in International Law. She has a Masters in International Law and Security from the University of Glasgow, specializing in the laws of armed conflict, the laws and processes of the UN, and law enforcement (human rights).
Layal Alghoozi is a Bahraini legal humanitarian professional with experience working in international organizations in policy, research, legal, and advocacy roles. She has experience working at the International Committee of the Red Cross, the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and other organizations like Amnesty International and Oxfam. She is the MENA Regional Coordinator for the Journal on the Use of Force in International Law. She has a Masters in International Law and Security from the University of Glasgow, specializing in the laws of armed conflict, the laws and processes of the UN, and law enforcement (human rights).
Arnon Bersson
Arnon Bersson is a researcher in the fields of Middle East energy security and geopolitics with a focus on the Arab Gulf States.
He has worked as a researcher and analyst for several Israeli companies in the Hi-tech and energy industries. Arnon is a frequent contributor to the "Israel and the Arab Gulf Program” at the Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations. He earned his BA in political science and Middle Eastern Studies and his MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Bar Ilan University, Israel.
Arnon Bersson is a researcher in the fields of Middle East energy security and geopolitics with a focus on the Arab Gulf States.
He has worked as a researcher and analyst for several Israeli companies in the Hi-tech and energy industries. Arnon is a frequent contributor to the "Israel and the Arab Gulf Program” at the Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations. He earned his BA in political science and Middle Eastern Studies and his MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Bar Ilan University, Israel.
Arnon Bersson is a researcher in the fields of Middle East energy security and geopolitics with a focus on the Arab Gulf States.
He has worked as a researcher and analyst for several Israeli companies in the Hi-tech and energy industries. Arnon is a frequent contributor to the "Israel and the Arab Gulf Program” at the Abba Eban Institute for Diplomacy and Foreign Relations. He earned his BA in political science and Middle Eastern Studies and his MA in Middle Eastern Studies from Bar Ilan University, Israel.
Ben Grisheff
Ben Grischeff is a recent graduate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Cambridge. His studies retained a close focus on political economy, security studies and development in the MENA region. He has published research papers with other think tank organisations recommending socio-economic policy to combat climate-induced risk, and works with a collaborative and analytical mindset.
Ben Grischeff is a recent graduate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Cambridge. His studies retained a close focus on political economy, security studies and development in the MENA region. He has published research papers with other think tank organisations recommending socio-economic policy to combat climate-induced risk, and works with a collaborative and analytical mindset.
Ben Grischeff is a recent graduate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Cambridge. His studies retained a close focus on political economy, security studies and development in the MENA region. He has published research papers with other think tank organisations recommending socio-economic policy to combat climate-induced risk, and works with a collaborative and analytical mindset.
Dr. Omar Al-Ubaydli
Bahrain
Bahrain
Omar Al-Ubaydli is the President of the Bahrain Economist Society. He is also an affiliated associate professor of economics at George Mason University; an affiliated senior research fellow at the Mercatus
Noora Alozaibi
UAE
UAE
Noora Alozaibi is an Emirati residing in the UAE. She is currently a student at New York University Abu Dhabi, and is expected to graduate with a BA in political science and social research and
Noor Elgallal
Libya, UK
Libya, UK
Noor Elgallal is a dual Libyan/UK citizen
residing in the UK.
She is a student at the University of Leeds,
and is expecting to graduate with
an LLB in
Layal Alghoozi
Bahrain
Bahrain
Layal Alghoozi is a Bahraini legal humanitarian professional with experience working in international organizations in policy, research, legal, and advocacy roles. She has experience working at the International Committee of the Red Cross,
Arnon Bersson
Israel
Israel
Arnon Bersson is a researcher in the fields of Middle East energy security and geopolitics with a focus on the Arab Gulf States.
He has worked as a researcher and analyst for several Israeli
Ben Grisheff
UK
UK
Ben Grischeff is a recent graduate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Cambridge. His studies retained a close focus on political economy, security studies and development in the MENA region. He
Dr. Jason Olson
US
US
Dr. Jason Olson is a scholar specializing in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean region. He has received research grants to study the Abraham Accords, focusing particularly on how they align with U.S. interests.
Dive into the Regional Vision Team Notes
- Research note 0: An Introductory Note
- Research note 1: Can the Middle East Emulate Europe’s Success in Using Economic Integration as a Vehicle for Peace?
- The Executive Summary
- Research note 2: Encouraging MENA Think Tanks to be More Proactive Contributors to the Public Discourse on a Postwar Regional Vision
- Note 0: An Introductory Note
- Note 1: Can the Middle East Emulate Europe’s Success in Using Economic Integration as a Vehicle for Peace?
- Note 2: Encouraging MENA Think Tanks to be More Proactive Contributors to the Public Discourse on a Postwar Regional Vision
- Note 3: Leveraging OPEC to Enhance MENA Cooperation