Panel Discussion: Water and Food Security as Strategic Imperatives

Rabdan Security and Defence Institute, in collaboration with the Observer Research Foundation Middle East (ORF ME), is pleased to invite you to attend a specialized panel discussion titled: “Water and Food Security as Strategic Imperatives: Resilience. Risk, and Response in the MENA Region.”

This panel explores the strategic nexus between environmental scarcity and national security across the MENA region. It examines how climate-induced pressures on water and food systems may fuel conflict, displacement, and instability — and how nations can mitigate these risks through foresight, innovation, and preparedness.

Moderator

1. Dr. Carlos Samuel, Assistant Professor – Rabdan Academy

Panelists

1. Mannat Jaspal, Director & Fellow – Climate and Energy, ORF Middle East
2. Dr. Khawla Saeed Al Hattawi, Assistant Professor – Rabdan Academy
3. Rabih Bou Rached, Founder & CEO – FEDS Drone-powered Solutions
4. Dr. Mohamed Dawoud, Senior Water Resources Advisor – Environment Agency Abu Dhabi