This autumn, the Finnish Institute in the Middle East (FIME) will spend the autumn in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the four-month visit, FIME’s personnel will deepen their knowledge of the Gulf region, strengthen academic networks and explore new opportunities for cooperation.
FIME will organise a range of activities in Riyadh, including two academic workshops, public lectures, and a student course focusing on the ancient history of Saudi Arabia.
The Embassy of Finland in Riyadh has generously offered FIME workspace for the duration of the visit. FIME was invited to Saudi Arabia by the Gulf Research Center, while the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Helsinki has assisted with the practical arrangements. The King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) will provide seminar facilities for FIME’s events.
FIME warmly thanks all the organisations involved for their support and for making the visit possible!
The visit to Riyadh follows a difficult spring in Lebanon. The deteriorating security situation prevented FIME from carrying out its activities in Beirut, and different options for securing the institute’s operations during the autumn were explored extensively. After Christmas, FIME’s personnel are expected to return to the institute’s home in Beirut.