The National Center for Middle East Studies was established in 1989 with the aim of providing a scientific research platform based on the elements of rationality and objectivity in its work, and relying on the cognitive experience of the most prominent experts, specialists, and thought and opinion makers in Egypt, so that the center would be an intellectual and scientific institution whose role is not limited to following events only, but also providing in-depth analyses and foresight of internal, regional, and international developments, based on a well-studied scientific methodology, in addition to building national cadres in the field of scientific research, contributing to much research, cognitive, political, and strategic fields.

The founders of the center, who were political, strategic, and economic figures, had in mind from the first moments the importance of the center integrating with the state’s institutions and its general plan and approach, as well as establishing extended communication with other research institutions, internally and externally, in order to exchange experiences and opinions, and the ability to build a multi-vision and comprehensive towards issues that enjoy advanced priority in the agenda of the Egyptian state’s interests, and its internal, regional, and international priorities.

Throughout its history since 1989, the National Center for Middle East Studies has been able to form a distinct research identity and a unique organizational culture that has enabled it to achieve internal and external dissemination and influence, as the center has been able to open up and strengthen ties with all Egyptian state institutions, and build bridges of communication with prestigious research and academic institutions in many influential Arab, regional and international countries, especially Iraq, Turkey, and Israel, as well as the United States, Russia, China and the European Union.

Since the Middle East and the world are exposed to rapid and successive political, strategic, economic, and technological developments that have produced different types of opportunities and challenges, which has imposed on the center the importance of keeping pace with these developments and examining them critically, with renewed thinking and diligent work.

The National Center for Middle East Studies is keen to maintain effective and close communication with other research centers, so that we can anticipate prominent trends and events, confront emerging challenges and risks, and propose non-standard and innovative solutions to the crises facing the region and the world that are disrupting stability. I take this opportunity to thank the Center’s current and former staff, leadership and researchers, for their efforts and contributions spanning more than 35 years, and for the solid research, knowledge and organizational legacy they have built, which has contributed to making the National Center for Middle East Studies one of the most important think tanks in Egypt, and even the Middle East region as a whole.