Geopolitical rupture
The Gulf region stands at a historic breaking point. Its security order and international relationships are being redefined.
About the Dialogue
A trusted forum for strategic cooperation
Across eight editions, the German-Arab Gulf Dialogue has connected actors from Germany, Europe and all six GCC states. At a historic moment, this established trust becomes a strategic asset: the Gulf region is undergoing a geopolitical rupture that presents all partners with new questions. The forum therefore links security policy with energy, business, technology and institutional cooperation, creating a space where different perspectives can be translated into concrete cooperation.
Mission
Connecting strategic interests
The Gulf region is undergoing a geopolitical rupture. Security arrangements, alliances, energy flows and trade routes are being reshaped. Germany and Europe are directly affected and face the task of developing their role and cooperation with the GCC states under changing conditions. This is where the German-Arab Gulf Dialogue comes in: it brings together experts, senior representatives and decision-makers to exchange interests openly, connect perspectives and turn established relationships into a shared capacity to act.
Principles
What defines the Dialogue
Developing Europe’s role
What happens in the Gulf region affects vital European interests. Germany and Europe therefore face the task of developing their strategic role in close partnership with the GCC states.
Strategic partners
For Germany and Europe, the GCC states are not only suppliers and investors, but also important markets and increasingly strategic partners.
Turning shared interests into action
Europe and the GCC states should state their geostrategic and geoeconomic interests openly, explore opportunities for cooperation and develop a shared capacity to act.
Dialogue with an outcome
Dialogue is not an end in itself: it must clarify priorities, enable partnerships and provide direction for decisions.
Dialogue history
Built as a continuing dialogue
Revisit leading voices and explore selected conversations, films and photographs from previous editions of the German-Arab Gulf Dialogue.
Past editions →Organiser
Organised by DAFG
The German-Arab Gulf Dialogue on Security and Cooperation is organised by the German-Arab Friendship Association (DAFG). The platform connects stakeholders from Germany, Europe and the six member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The 2026 edition will take place in Berlin on 21–22 September.
Visit the DAFG website ↗