About me
and my work

I have taken on a new role as Senior Fellow for Geopolitics at the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Middle East (wef January 2026). I am now based in Dubai. Please do reach out if you are in town.

Previously, I was — for almost 6 years — research fellow at the Middle East Institute, within the National University of Singapore. At MEI I covered the affairs of the Gulf Arab states, ranging from regional geopolitics to domestic politics and society.

Some of the interesting, government-sponsored projects that I have undertaken recently include looking at the social and legal reforms in regional states such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the communication strategies deployed by Qatar. I also provide various consultancy services to government and business entities.

My current role puts me close to my research subjects across the Gulf, as opposed to frequent travel to the regional states in a ‘previous life’.

Professional consulting & public outreach

Part of my work entails the delivery of briefings to diplomats, government entities, and businesspeople. It also involves forging synergies between different entities, whether these are research/educational outfits, government agencies, or the private sector.

I also ran a public outreach series named Bridging the Gulf at MEI previously, comprising webinars that shed light on different aspects of the Gulf Arab states. The series now has 18 sessions and recordings can be found here.

What I am up to now

Besides my commentaries and papers for various outlets, my latest academic endeavours are also concentrated on a book project focusing on the Kuwaiti diwaniyya circuit. These are places of gathering — a male preserve — where men sit and discuss a variety of issues, including politics.

In 2023, I received a Faculty Research Grant from the Al Qasimi Foundation in Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE. The funding is channeled towards a project on the emirate’s tourism strategy and vision, notably the Wynn Resort deal.