About Us

The Observer Research Foundation Middle East (ORF ME) is a policy research think tank based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Established in 2024, ORF ME is committed to addressing the evolving policy challenges and opportunities emerging across the Middle East, the Indian sub-continent, Africa, and their global partners in an era of profound economic, geopolitical, and technological transformation.

Our work in the UAE focuses on four core areas: geopolitics, trade and connectivity, climate and energy transitions, and emerging technology policy. Through rigorous research, high-level convenings, and the development of strategic and diverse networks, ORF ME serves as a platform for generating actionable insights and advancing inclusive, cross-regional policy dialogue.

ORF ME engages actively with stakeholders across governments, industry, multilateral organisations, and civil society to shape effective and future-ready policy solutions. Along with ORF America, it serves as an overseas affiliate of the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)—India’s premier policy think tank.