The Gulf Research Centre

Overview

The Gulf Research Center (GRC) is a prominent, privately funded, non-partisan think tank and consultancy specializing in research and analysis of the Arabian Gulf region. Its mission is to provide in-depth, academically rigorous research and strategic recommendations on the political, economic, security, and social dynamics of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and their neighbors, including Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. The GRC aims to address the imbalance in regional studies by amplifying Gulf perspectives and making its research widely accessible through publications, conferences, and educational initiatives457.

Location

The GRC is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with additional offices in Geneva and Brussels. It previously maintained a significant presence in Dubai from 2000 to 2010235. This multi-location structure enables the GRC to operate both within the Gulf region and internationally.

History and Establishment

The GRC was established in July 2000 by Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Sager, a Saudi businessman and scholar. Dr. Sager founded the center to fill a gap in high-quality, regionally grounded research on the strategic Gulf area, encompassing not only the GCC states but also Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Since its inception, the GRC has evolved into a leading independent research organization, recognized for its multidisciplinary approach and commitment to public knowledge dissemination357.

Founders and Financial Sponsors

• Founder: Dr. Abdulaziz Othman Sager is the founder and current chairman of the GRC. He has been the primary driving force behind the center’s vision and operations37. • Financial Sponsors: The GRC is primarily funded through private contributions, with Dr. Sager himself being the main financial sponsor. The center also generates revenue from projects, consultancies, and conferences. According to consolidated financial statements, the majority of its funding has come from Dr. Sager’s contributions, supplemented by income from its various activities3.

Website and Contact Information

• Website: www.grc.ae • Contact Information: While specific contact details are not listed in the provided sources, the official website offers contact forms and further information for inquiries.

Perspective Relevant to Iran

From an Iranian perspective, the GRC is notable for including Iran within its research scope, alongside the GCC states, Iraq, and Yemen. Its commitment to independent, regionally focused analysis means that its research often addresses issues of direct relevance to Iran’s geopolitical, economic, and security interests in the Gulf7. The GRC’s open-access philosophy ensures that Iranian scholars, policymakers, and the public can benefit from its publications and events.