About the Fellowships

To further expand Fiker Institute’s current and existing research activities, the Institute announces the launch of the third edition of its Senior Fellowship program for selected Arab and regional scholars, as well as the second edition of its Al-Khaleej Fellowship program. The Fellows will be affiliated with the Institute for the duration of one year, with the possibility of extending the partnership on a mutually agreed upon basis.

Fellowship Objectives

The Senior Fellowship program is open to applicants from all Arab League States. The program is intended to:

Empower Arab and regional thought-leadership on key global issues and debates;
Diversify Fiker Institute’s policy publications across its regional and thematic programs;
Expand Fiker Institute’s network of Arab regional talent and expertise;
Support established scholars in producing policy research and analysis through interdisciplinary and context-sensitive frameworks;
Provide research, programming, and conference opportunities for the participating Fellows

The Al-Khaleej Fellowship program is open to applicants from all Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. The program is intended to:

Advance research and programming as it relates to the GCC’s foreign affairs, trade and economy, public policy, defense and maritime security, AI and technology, and climate and sustainability;
Provide opportunities for Gulf-led initiatives in light of ongoing regional developments impacting Gulf states;
Develop a network of international affairs experts from GCC states and to provide them with platforms for policy discussions, debates, and exchanges

Expected Deliverables

For the duration of the Fellowships, each Fellow is expected to complete a minimum of one in-person speaking event and two publications for the Institute.

Policy Priorities for the Senior Fellowship

Global governance & institutional reform
Middle powers & mediation
Foreign aid & international development
Middle East foreign policy & security
US domestic and foreign policy
Politics of the European Union
Interventionism & sovereignty

Policy Priorities for the Al-Khaleej Fellowship

Gulf states’ foreign policy & alignments
Defense & security
Water, food & energy
Evolution of the GCC
Maritime security
Gulf mediation & diplomacy
Gulf trade corridors & economic connectivity

Selection Criteria

Both Senior Fellows and Al-Khaleej Fellows are expected to have:

Extensive experience in policymaking, consulting, or academia;
Alignment with Fiker Institute’s core mission and values;
Notable knowledge of at least one of Fiker Institute’s research programs;
Awareness of key debates and questions in their field;
Willingness to participate in Fiker Institute’s future programming or project opportunities;
Clear evidence of skills and scholarship to carry out proposed research;
Advanced writing, editorial, and research skills;
Track record of publications (academic or policy-oriented works) in relevant proposed themes
PhD holders or candidates will be prioritized; however, applicants holding a Master’s degree with relevant experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Payments

Both Senior Fellows & Al-Khaleej Fellows will be provided with payments on a deliverable-by-deliverable basis. For in-person events, Fiker Institute will cover all costs associated with the Fellows’ participation.

Submission Requirements & How to Apply

CV
Research Proposal (500 words, which include proposed research themes and how they align with the program’s priorities)
Two writing samples that demonstrate the ability to produce and analyze research in the field
Commitment to refrain from the use of artificial intelligence tools
All applications must be submitted through the submission form here

Call for Applications: 2026-2027 Fiker Institute Fellowships