Doha, Qatar, November 8, 2026: The Middle East Council on Global Affairs (ME Council), based in Doha, has been named among 55 research institutions worldwidein the Think Tanks to Watch 2026 list, published by On Think Tanks (OTT). The recognition reflects the Council’s growing international presence and its contributions to policy research and discussions on Middle Eastern affairs and global developments.
As an independent research institution, the Council plays an important role in advancing public policy debates and fostering engagement between researchers and policymakers. Amid rapid political, security, and economic transformations across the Middle East, it continues to provide research-based perspectives that connect regional developments to broader global trends.
The Council’s inclusion also reflects growing international interest in research produced within the region and its contributions to understanding the Middle East’s complex dynamics and interactions with the wider world. Through its research and policy engagement, the Council provides insights into emerging regional and global trends, helping inform policy discussions and future decision-making.
The ME Council was selected as part of the annual Think Tanks to Watch initiative organized by On Think Tanks (OTT), a UK-based international platform established in 2010. OTT supports think tank development through specialized research, capacity-building initiatives, and international collaboration.
The Think Tanks to Watch 2026 initiative highlights research institutions whose contributions, practices, and institutional experiences merit international attention. Based on nominations and assessments from the global think tank community, the list is not a competitive ranking but an opportunity to recognize institutions making valuable contributions to policy research, public debate, and the development of the think tank sector.
Previous editions of the initiative have featured prominent international research institutions, including Chatham House, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), and the Brookings Institution. This reflects the initiative’s geographical and institutional diversity and its recognition of research organizations from different regions, regardless of their size or history.
The Council’s inclusion also reinforces Doha’s position as a hub for research and international dialogue. It highlights the growing role of research institutions based in the Middle East in contributing to global policy discussions, positioning the region not only as a subject of international analysis but also as a source of knowledge, perspectives, and policy solutions.
From Doha, the ME Council continues to strengthen its regional and international engagement through research publications, policy papers, specialized analysis, and conferences and dialogues that bring together leading researchers, experts, and policymakers. The Council also actively participates in international forums and expands its partnerships with research and academic institutions worldwide, creating opportunities for dialogue on issues affecting the region’s security, stability, and international relations.
The recognition marks another milestone in the Council’s development and reinforces its commitment to producing rigorous, policy-relevant research, expanding its international partnerships, and contributing meaningfully to public debate. It also reflects the Council’s belief that the true value of think tanks lies not in their media visibility, but in their ability to produce rigorous research and meaningfully inform policy decisions.