For their final assignment in the course, ESM auditors travelled to the United Arab Emirates for a full immersion in the geopolitical, security, economic and cultural dynamics of the region.
The programme began with a series of high-level exchanges, notably at the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, where Dr Narayanappa Janardhan, Director of Research, offered an in-depth analysis of the geopolitical balances in the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. The auditors were also welcomed at the National Defence College, where they were able to discover the specificities of the Emirati curriculum and share their experience at the IHEDN.
To gain a better understanding of France's strategic posture in the region, they met advisers from the French embassy and visited two of the French military bases located in the Emirates. At the naval base, they were able to talk to members of the staff of the Indian Ocean maritime zone as well as soldiers from the 5e régiment de cuirassiers. The visit continued at the 104 Al Dhafra air base, where there were fruitful discussions with the commander and staff.
The economic dimension was addressed during a visit to Orbitworks, a Franco-Emirati company specialising in satellite technology, followed by a round-table discussion at the French residence with representatives of French companies operating locally.
On the cultural side, the auditors were welcomed at the Sorbonne Abu Dhabi for several round tables led by professors Yann Rodier, Derek Elzein and Kosmas Pavlopoulos, on maritime issues in the Emirati context. The mission concluded with a visit to the Louvre Abu Dhabi - a powerful symbol of Franco-Emirati cultural cooperation - and the Abrahamic House, an emblematic site of inter-religious dialogue. Professor William Guéraiche shared his thoughts on the contemporary challenges of living together. A visit to the Sheikh Zayed mosque rounded off this rich programme.
