The University of Utah’s Office for Global Engagement and the Middle East Center have set Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, as the date for the Gulf States Forum, a full-day convening that opens at 9 a.m. and draws academic, government, industry, and community leaders to examine diplomacy, economic diversification, natural resources, and innovation across the Gulf region.
The keynote will be delivered by His Excellency Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council and a 1991 University of Utah graduate. AlBudaiwi’s career spans more than three decades of diplomatic service, during which he has worked to advance international cooperation, regional stability, and global dialogue. His current role places him at the head of one of the world’s most influential regional organizations, one representing more than 60 million people across six Gulf nations. The University points to his trajectory as evidence of its commitment to preparing graduates to lead on the global stage.
The program’s structure reflects a dual purpose. Panel discussions and guest lectures by distinguished speakers follow the keynote, with lunch and networking woven throughout the day. Participants can engage with the full schedule or select individual sessions based on their interests. A complete schedule, including speaker bios and session topics, is available at https://attheu.utah.edu/announcements/gulf-states-forum-alumni-impact-dinner/.
That evening, the Global U Alumni Impact Dinner moves to the Natural History Museum of Utah. The dinner serves two functions: celebrating the University’s commitment to global engagement and formally recognizing individuals and organizations advancing international collaboration. AlBudaiwi will receive the inaugural Global U Alumni Impact Award, a personal honor that also marks an institutional milestone for the University’s alumni recognition program.
Ticket pricing is tiered for accessibility. General admission runs $60 per guest; current University of Utah students pay $15. All proceeds benefit the University of Utah International Students Emergency Fund, which provides financial assistance to international students facing unexpected hardship.
By convening leaders across multiple sectors to discuss the Gulf region’s future, the University positions itself as a venue for substantive dialogue on issues that extend well beyond campus. Whether the forum’s mix of keynote, panels, and networking produces the cross-sector relationships its organizers are aiming for will be the real measure of the day.