Hili Forum 2026 is set to be one of the biggest diplomatic and strategic events in the Gulf region this year. The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) have jointly announced the third edition of the annual forum, taking place on 7 to 8 September 2026 in Abu Dhabi. More than 55 speakers and over 1,000 participants from 35 countries will attend.
What Is Hili Forum 2026?
Hili Forum is a yearly event where senior officials, diplomats, experts and business leaders come together to talk about major issues facing the Gulf region. The theme for this year is “Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction.” The forum will be held at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi.
ECSSR and AGDA are both respected institutions in the UAE. They focus on strategic research, diplomacy and policy. This shared mission is why they run the forum together. The event looks at how big changes around the world, including regional tensions, economic shifts and fast-moving technology, are affecting the Gulf’s future.
Who Will Speak at Hili Forum 2026?
The list of speakers at Hili Forum 2026 is impressive. Key names include H.E. Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President, and H.E. Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, will also speak.
International voices include H.E. Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden, and H.E. Vuk Jeremic, former Foreign Minister of Serbia. H.E. Yoo Jeh Seung, former South Korean Ambassador to the UAE, is also on the list. H.E. Lieutenant General Stefano Mannino, who leads the Centre for Higher Defence Studies of Italy, will join too. H.E. Jean-Yves Le Gall, former President of the International Astronautical Federation, rounds out the high-level group.
Why Does This Matter for the Region?
The Gulf region is going through a lot of change right now. There are ongoing conflicts nearby, new trade deals being made and very fast growth in technology like artificial intelligence (AI). AI means computer systems that can learn and make decisions on their own. Events like Hili Forum 2026 help leaders and experts share ideas and find better ways forward.
For Pakistan and the wider region, this kind of forum is important. Many Pakistani professionals work in the Gulf, and Gulf trade and investment affects Pakistan’s economy directly. Understanding how Gulf countries plan for the future can help businesses and policymakers here too.
Scale and Reach of the Forum
The numbers show how big this event really is. Over 1,000 participants will come from more than 35 countries. They include government officials, think tank representatives, academics and business leaders. This mix means the forum covers both policy thinking and real-world business concerns.
The forum is organised with support from communications firm VIOLA.AE, which handled the press outreach for this announcement.
About ECSSR and AGDA
The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) was set up to support research on political, economic and social issues. It is based in Abu Dhabi and works closely with UAE government bodies. The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) trains diplomats and promotes diplomatic education in the UAE and beyond. Together, they bring strong credibility to Hili Forum 2026.
Key Details at a Glance
- Event: Hili Forum 2026, Third Edition
- Date: 7 to 8 September 2026
- Venue: The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi
- Theme: Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction
- Speakers: 55+
- Participants: 1,000+ from 35+ countries
- Organisers: ECSSR and AGDA
For anyone interested in Gulf diplomacy, security policy or regional business trends, Hili Forum 2026 is an event worth watching closely. The discussions there could shape how Gulf countries respond to some of the biggest challenges of our time.
