Balancing Post-Conflict Connectivity and Economic Security in the Middle East

• The panel examines how resilience can be hardwired into maritime trade and multimodal corridors in the context of recent regional disruptions.
• Assesses the role of national development programs, the private sector, and emerging connectivity platforms in diversifying global economic, energy, and trade architecture.

Moderator:

Samriddhi Vij, Associate Fellow, Geopolitics, ORF Middle East

Speakers:

•  Nader Itayim, Mid East Gulf Editor, Argus Media

•  Mouza Hasan Almarzooqi, Senior Researcher and Director of Economic Studies Department, TRENDS Research & Advisory

•  Mahdi Ghuloom, Junior Fellow, Geopolitics, ORF Middle East

• The panel analyses how conflict disruption has accelerated new approaches to energy security, including protection of critical assets, alternative export routes, strategic reserves, naval coordination, and long-term cooperation.
• Explores the future of food security across MENA–Global South corridors, including resilient agricultural trade, storage and logistics, investment in food value chains, and the integration of energy, water, transport, and food supply planning over the coming decade.

Moderator:

Mannat Jaspal, Director and Fellow, Climate and Energy, ORF Middle East

Speakers:

•  Colby Connelly, Head of Middle East Content, Energy Intelligence | Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute

•  Bachar El-Halabi, Senior Energy Markets Correspondent, Argus Media; Non-resident Fellow, Middle East Council on Global Affairs

•  Fadi Sbaiti, Vice President and General Manager, Khalifa University