The Finnish Institute in the Middle East (FIME) is an academic institute that conducts research on the classical and contemporary languages, cultures, religions, and societies of the Middle East. The institute not only supports Finnish Middle Eastern studies and organises education in cooperation with universities in Finland, but also promotes and maintains academic and cultural cooperation between Finland and the countries of the Middle East. In addition, the institute brings research-based views to the public discussion about the Middle East in Finland.
FIME’s area of activities covers the whole region of Middle East. The institute is located in Beirut, Lebanon and has a representative office in Cairo, Egypt. The Institute is maintained by the Foundation of the Finnish Institute in the Middle East which is located in Helsinki, Finland.
FIME is one of the four Finnish academic institutes that are located outside of Finland, and it is a member of the Finnish Cultural and Academic Institutes network. The Institute’s activities are funded by the Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture, private foundations, NGOs, and private donations.