National Defence College Delegation Attends the Third Edition of Hili Forum 2026

As part of its commitment to connecting theoretical knowledge with practical applications for National Defence Course participants, the National Defence College organized an academic visit to the third edition of Hili Forum 2026, hosted in Abu Dhabi on 7–8 September. The visit aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of domestic, regional and international issues and give them firsthand exposure to strategic discussions bringing together decision-makers, officials, diplomats, academics and experts from around the world.
The College delegation, led by Major General Staff Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi, Commandant of the National Defence College, faculty members, a number of College staff and participants of the 14th National Defence Course for academic year 2026–2027, attended several forum sessions and discussions. These addressed regional security, geopolitical shifts, rapid technological developments and their implications for the balance of power and international relations.
The participation of the 14th National Defence Course reflects the importance of engaging with specialized intellectual and strategic platforms and benefiting from a forum for dialogue that brings together diplomatic experience, academic thought and strategic analysis presented by leading officials and experts in strategic and diplomatic affairs.
The third edition of Hili Forum 2026, held under the theme “A Window for All,” was jointly organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy.
The forum assumed particular significance this year amid rapid changes in the region and the international order, especially in the Arabian Gulf. The Gulf occupies a vital position as a strategic crossroads where political, security and economic considerations intersect, alongside the growing role of regional states in shaping regional and international balances.