Abu Dhabi: The third edition of Hili Forum 2026 has begun in Abu Dhabi, bringing together policymakers, government officials, diplomats, academics, business leaders and international experts to discuss key issues shaping the Gulf region and the wider international landscape.

Jointly organised by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), the forum is being held at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort under the theme "Gulf at Crossroads: Conflict, Consequences and Course Correction."

The two-day event is expected to attract more than 1,000 participants, over 75 speakers and representatives from more than 35 countries.

The agenda is organised around three main pillars: geopolitics, geoeconomics and geotechnology.

According to organisers, discussions throughout the forum will focus on regional security architectures and deterrence, the resilience of trade and energy corridors, geoeconomic shifts, the growing convergence of technology and geopolitics, and the role of middle powers in shaping the future international order.

Day one of the forum features sessions on regional security, strategic deterrence, freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, geoeconomic transformations and the Gulf's role in a changing global order.

Among the featured speakers are Dr Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council; Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade; Carl Bildt, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden; and Vuk Jeremić, former Foreign Minister of Serbia.

Watch the live proceedings of Day One:

The forum continues on 8 September with discussions covering artificial intelligence, cyber security, Iran and regional developments, maritime security, water security, space infrastructure and the role of middle powers in a changing global order.

Hili Forum 2026 begins in Abu Dhabi with focus on Gulf security, economy and technology