Tareq Alotaiba

Tareq Alotaiba is a Fellow at the Middle East Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School, where his work focuses on the United Arab Emirates. His research explores structural and historical foundations that shape competitiveness and innovation in the region.

Based in Washington, D.C., Tareq is a geopolitical analyst and writer whose work addresses regional security challenges and the impact of emerging technologies on economic and strategic developments in the Middle East.

Previously, Tareq served at the UAE Supreme Council for National Security, and before that, held positions at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Court and the Department of Economic Development. His government work focused on policy, international affairs, and national security. He also represented the UAE on the OECD’s informal working group on education.

Tareq runs a boutique advisory that advises state actors and companies on general geopolitical risk as well as strategic engagement in the GCC. He was formerly a board member of the UAE defense firm International Golden Group.

Tareq is currently in the Security Studies Program at Georgetown University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of British Columbia.