Middle East crisis poses global security, economic and energy challenge: Experts warn

Abu Dhabi: Experts, officials and diplomats from the UAE and Italy have warned that the Middle East crisis has evolved beyond a regional conflict and now represents a multidimensional global challenge affecting international security, economic stability, energy supplies, supply chains and cyber security. The assessment emerged during a high-level dialogue organised by TRENDS Global, through its Virtual Office in Italy, in cooperation with the Embassy of the UAE in Rome and the Italian Centre for International Studies (CeSI). Held under the title "The Crisis in the Middle East: Perspectives from the United Arab Emirates and Italy," the event brought together diplomats, researchers and specialists in strategic studies, economics and cyber security to examine the geopolitical and economic implications of the crisis, as well as mechanisms for strengthening Gulf security and international cooperation. Participants emphasised that addressing current challenges requires stronger international partnerships, expanded research cooperation and greater diplomatic coordination to build a more resilient framework capable of supporting global security and stability. Opening the session, Abdulla Ali AlSubousi, UAE Ambassador to Italy, said the event reflected the strong UAE-Italy relationship and their shared commitment to dialogue and addressing regional and international challenges. He highlighted the UAE's response to recent regional developments, noting that the country's institutions had demonstrated resilience and effectiveness in managing crises. He said the UAE Armed Forces had successfully intercepted and destroyed more than 97 percent of missiles and drones launched during hostile Iranian attacks. AlSubousi also pointed to the UAE's economic resilience, noting that the non-oil sector accounts for approximately 75 percent of GDP, while sovereign wealth funds are valued at around US$2.49 trillion and foreign reserves exceed AED1 trillion. Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Group, said the Middle East crisis now extends beyond political and military dimensions, affecting global trade, food security, energy markets and cyber security. He noted that the UAE has adopted an approach based on diplomacy, dialogue and de-escalation, while investing in resilient systems capable of responding to emerging challenges. Al-Ali added that cooperation between the UAE and Italy serves as a model of strategic partnership extending beyond economic and political ties to include research, artificial intelligence, cyber security and strategic studies. Fabrizio Lobasso, Deputy Director-General for Growth and Export Promotion at Italy's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the economic consequences of regional instability, stressing that tensions in the Middle East have had an immediate impact on global and European economies. Sarah Al Neyadi, Senior Researcher and Director of Strategic Studies at TRENDS Group, said the crisis has fundamentally altered the regional security landscape and requires broader security concepts that incorporate economic, food and cyber security considerations. Marco Di Liddo, Director-General of CeSI, warned that the current ceasefire remains fragile and argued that European security is increasingly linked to developments in the Middle East, Gulf region and Mediterranean, particularly regarding maritime security. Khaled Al Jarman, Counsellor at the UAE Embassy in Rome, reviewed the development of bilateral ties between the UAE and Italy, highlighting cooperation in diplomatic coordination and future opportunities in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, clean energy, advanced industries and space technologies. Dr Luigi Martino, Director of the Cybersecurity Academy at Khalifa University, focused on the cyber dimension of modern conflicts, noting that cyber attacks and disinformation campaigns have become increasingly important tools in contemporary warfare. In closing remarks, Andrea Margelletti, President of CeSI, stressed that increasingly complex global challenges require stronger cooperation between research institutions and policymakers, as well as expanded international dialogue. The session concluded with a call for sustained strategic engagement, stronger research partnerships and enhanced international cooperation to address rapidly evolving regional and global challenges, while supporting security, stability and sustainable development.