RUSI Qatar launched in Doha

The Royal United Services Insititute opens its first international office in the Middle East.

The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) launched the activities of its Doha office on 10 December 2007. The office was inaugurated at the British Embassy in Doha and it marks the first establishment of a branch outside London since the founding of the Institute in 1831.

Opening with the outstanding support of His Excellency Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jabr Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the establishment of the RUSI office in Doha is part of the Institute’s strategy to expand its defence and security research activities to key regions of the world. 

Attending the launch reception as Guests of Honour were HE Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Rumaihi, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Follow Up Affairs for the State of Qatar, Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean, former British Foreign Office Minister, and the Rt. Hon. Bob Ainsworth MP, the UK Minister for the Armed Forces.

Present from RUSI were Sir Paul Lever, the Chairman of the Council; Professor Michael Clarke, the Director of the Institute; Dr Jonathan Eyal, the Director of International Security Studies, and Colonel The Hon. Alastair Campbell, the Director of the new office.

RUSI Qatar will seek to promote a deeper debate between military and security communities in the region and the West about the current and future threats faced and the opportunities for overcoming them.  It will aim to increase understanding by decision makers and practitioners, and serve as a link between people with expertise on the region, on military affairs, international relations, and homeland security.

About RUSI (Qatar) >