This two-day workshop—Revisiting State Capitalism in the MENA-region—brings together an international group of scholars to explore the evolving nature, strategies, and implications of state capitalism in the region. Through a series of thematic panels, the workshop investigates topics such as historical trajectories, sovereign wealth funds, energy transitions, elite networks, and future development visions.

Organised by Farid Boussaid (ACMES Director), Gertjan Hoetjes (Lecturer, Faculty of Humanities), and Aly Amer (Coordinator), the event offers a rich platform for academic exchange, critical reflection, and collaborative dialogue.

Program Highlights

Day 1 – April 8:

• Opening by Prof. Justus Uitermark

• Panels on the evolution of state capitalism, sovereign wealth funds, development models, and the energy transition in the region

• Case studies include Morocco, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE

• Evening networking drinks and workshop dinner

Day 2 – April 9:

• Panels examining political elites, state-business networks, and speculative futures

• Concluding roundtable with Farid Boussaid, Gertjan Hoetjes, Milan Babic, and guests

• Final reflections and closing remarks

Confirmed Participants

The workshop will feature contributions from leading scholars across Europe, North America, and the MENA region, including researchers from the University of California, University of Oxford, Harvard Kennedy School, Waseda University, LSE, and more.