The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council) announces a leadership transition as Dr. Tarik M. Yousef, who has led the institution since its inception, steps down from his role as Director. Effective August 1, 2025, Dr. Khalid al-Jaber will assume the position of Director, bringing with him a distinguished record in public policy research, media, and institutional leadership across the Middle East and beyond.
Dr. Yousef has been at the helm of the ME Council since its launch, following the transition from the Brookings Doha Center in 2021, where had served as Director and Senior Fellow since 2016. Under his visionary leadership, the Council has grown into a trusted, respected, and high-performing institution. What began as an ambitious endeavor during the COVID-19 pandemic has exceeded expectations, establishing the Council as a leading voice in regional and global policy discourse.
Reflecting on this transition, Dr. Yousef stated:
“When we launched the ME Council, the future was uncertain, but we were full of hope and determination. Today, I am proud of what we have built together—a thriving institution with a capable and committed team. While I step down from the directorship, I remain deeply engaged as a Senior Fellow and will continue to support the Council’s mission.”
Dr. Khalid al-Jaber brings a wealth of experience to the ME Council. He previously held leadership roles at Al-Sharq Studies & Research Center and as Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula, Qatar’s leading English-language daily newspaper. A scholar of Arab and Gulf Studies, Dr. al-Jaber’s research spans political science, public diplomacy, international communications, and international relations. He is the author and editor of several books and numerous scholarly articles.
Dr. al-Jaber holds a PhD from the United Kingdom, an MA from the United States, and postgraduate diplomas from Fordham University, Stanford University, and Georgetown University.
“I am honored to join the ME Council at this exciting moment in its journey,” said Dr. al- Jaber. “I look forward to working with this exceptional team to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and further establish the Council as a premier think tank in the region and beyond.”
This transition reflects the ME Council’s growing role in shaping public policy and its rising stature in the global think tank community. It is a step forward in the Council’s path toward becoming the leading policy research institution in the Middle East.
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