The Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the French Research Centre of the Arabian Peninsula (CEFREPA), on Sunday, 24 August 2025, as part of its efforts to interact and network with peer academic institutions in the region and around the world.

The MoU, signed by Haider Saeed, Head of the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Unit, and Makram Abbès, Head of CEFREPA, reflects the Parties’ commitment to Gulf societies and their interests. These include the development of objective knowledge about the region and its history based on rigorous methodological standards and a commitment to studying available documents. The agreement seeks to foster continuous and structured connections between Arab and international academic and research institutions and members of the concerned academic community.

The MoU mentions implementing a joint cooperation plan, convening periodic meetings to monitor the implementation of this agreement, and assigning a dedicated committee to each agreed project.

The Parties intend to establish organized cooperation in exchanging academic and research expertise and collaborating in publishing and translation. This includes joint research projects on topics of mutual interest, enriching each Party’s peer-reviewed scientific journals through research contributions and publications, as well as exchanging experts, consultants, and researchers. According to the MoU, both Parties shall hold joint training programs, specialized seminars, and scientific conferences in their fields of interest.