Analysis, debate & all that's happening in the Middle East & North Africa.

Explore CMEC's mission and heritage

Podcasts

Defence & Security — 27 May 2026

UK - Gulf FTA: CMEC speaks to Simon Penney CMG - former HM Trade Commissioner to The Middle East

Simon Penney CMG was the key instigator of the UK-Gulf Free Trade Agreement in 2022, as then-UK Trade Commissioner to the Middle East. Now the FTA is finally completed, he tells us how the negotiations started, and what this means for the UK and The Gulf.

Insights

Defence & Security — 30 Apr 2026

Ambassadors give Parliamentary Briefing on Iran Conflict and wider implications
Podcasts

Defence & Security — 28 Mar 2026

Business as Usual? Expats' view from The UAE: Former UK-Middle East Trade Commisioner Simon Penney CMG & International Lawyer, Marcus Booth
Podcasts

Defence & Security — 3 Mar 2026

From Dubai: Gareth Browne on Iran conflict regional impact

Insights

Defence & Security — 10 Mar 2026

Five Scenarios for the Gulf: What Businesses Should Watch as Regional Tensions Evolve

The UK former Trade Commissioner to the Middle East, Simon Penney CMG outlines five scenarios for the Gulf that businesses should watch as regional tensions evolve. Members Only Content.

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Members content

Forthcoming and recent CMEC events

28 Apr 2026 17:00

Ambassadors give CMEC Parliamentary Briefing
17 Mar 2026 18:30 to 21:30

CMEC's Nowruz Celebration (By Invitation Only)

Members content
5 Oct 2025 15:30 to 7 Oct 15:30

CMEC at The Conservative Party Conference 2025
15 Jul 2025 17:30 to 18:30

Briefing: The MENA Security Situation, with Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon

Members content

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