MBRSG Repository
Research Repository at MBRSG
Welcome to MBRSG Policy Research Repository
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- This community represents student dissertations and publications by the academic community.
- Policy research conducted by the Department of Policy Research that includes proceedings, reports, articles, and policy briefs on wide ranging contemporary issues.
Recent Submissions
Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards 2026: Financing sustainable development in the Arab region
(Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG) and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), 2026-02-05) Zakzak, Lama.; Qiblawi, Zeid.; Luomi, Mari; Subramani, Keertana; Fuller, Grayson; Salem, Fadi; Lafortune, Guillaume
The Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2026 provides a comprehensive assessment of the region’s progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), offering key insights into sustainable development trends, regional challenges, and pathways to resilience-building.
The Arab region’s overall SDG score stands at 60.6, with Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, and the UAE achieving at least two-thirds of the total score. However, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and conflict-affected nations continue to fall below the regional average. The report highlights stark disparities, underscoring the need for targeted efforts to close development gaps and build resilience.
Key challenges include SDG 5 (Gender Equality), where all Arab countries score low, and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions), which remains significantly impacted by regional conflicts. SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) presents concerns related to nutrition and unsustainable agricultural practices, while SDG 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth) highlights persistent unemployment in several countries, particularly among the youth.
Despite these challenges, progress is observed in SDG 9 (Industries, Innovation & Infrastructure), driven by digital infrastructure growth, and SDG 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), with improvements in basic water services. However, water stress and environmental sustainability remain pressing concerns, with SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) requiring urgent interventions. Encouraging trends in SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing) reflect improvements in child health. Persistent data gaps remain particularly in SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality) and SDG 1 (No Poverty), highlighting the need for stronger national statistical systems. The Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards 2026 is a vital tool for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to develop evidence-based strategies for advancing sustainable development.
Network Decentralized Governance: Examples, Risks, Benefits, and Applications
(Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, 2025-12-01) Esposito, Mark.; Morini, Massimo
This review explores the current landscape of decentralized governance as enabled by blockchain technology, examining its development, implementation, risks, benefits, and applications. We survey key case studies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tezos, Cardano and Algorand, assess
the governance models of DAOs, and consider emerging regulatory frameworks such as the U.S. Financial Innovation and Technology Act. We also
explore how decentralized governance interfaces with AI and operational resilience. The review concludes by identifying future directions and
conditions necessary to realize effective decentralized systems.
المؤتمر العالمي لتنويع الاقتصاد 2024
(Springer Nature, 2026) سالم، فادي.; سعيد، حامد.; سوبرماني، كيرتانا.
Proceedings of the Global Conference on Economic Diversification 2024
(Springer Nature, 2025) Salem, Fadi.; Saeed, Hamid.; Subramani, Keertana.
Bridging the AI Divide: inclusive governance innovation & competitiveness in the MENA region
(Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, 2025-10) Alkhoudi, Salma; Shaer, Sarah; Salem, Fadi
The report provides an in-depth examination of the state of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and competitiveness across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. It captures how Arab countries are adopting AI technologies, building digital infrastructure, and shaping regulatory frameworks to keep pace with global developments. Based on extensive fieldwork covering 327 AI and digital SMEs across ten countries, the study offers valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping the region’s AI ecosystem. Findings reveal that the UAE and Saudi Arabia are emerging as regional leaders in AI readiness, supported by strong infrastructure, investment, and policy direction, while other MENA countries continue to navigate fragmented regulations, limited funding access, and talent gaps. Despite these disparities, the report highlights growing optimism among businesses and a shared recognition of the role of AI in driving innovation and economic growth. By emphasizing responsible governance, ethical frameworks, and regional cooperation, the report calls for strengthening AI education, research, and investment to bridge the AI divide and position the MENA region as a competitive and inclusive contributor to the global AI landscape. The study was developed in partnership with Google.org.