Reinventing the Sheikhdom: Clan, Power and Patronage in Mohammed bin Zayed's UAE

Matthew Hedges' expert focus on authoritarian regimes, takes us on a riveting journey exploring Mohammed bin Zayed’s regime and security strategy, illustrating the network of alliances that seek to support his reign and that of his family.

The Emirates’ political evolution has largely been accredited to Abu Dhabi’s crown prince, Mohammed bin Zayed. His reign has been characterised by the rise of the security apparatus and a micromanaged approach to governance. Mohammed bin Zayed’s strategy of fortification has focused on pre-empting threats from the UAE’s native population, rather than from expatriates or foreign actors. As a result, he has consolidated power, distributing its administration among his tribal and kinship allies. Mohammed bin Zayed has driven modernisation in order to strengthen his grasp on power.

Join us for this compelling examination of how MBZ has exploited personal networks in his drive for power in the UAE.

About the Speaker:

Dr Matthew Hedges is an academic focusing on authoritarian regimes, with an emphasis on the monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula. While conducting fieldwork research for his PhD in the UAE, he was arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment under the charge of espionage. He was awarded his doctorate by Durham University.

With a Response form Dr Mira Al-Hussein

Dr Mira Al Hussein is Alwaleed Early Career Fellow in Authority in the Globalised Muslim World. She researches and writes extensively on topics related to state-society relations, citizenship, women and migrants in the Arab states of the Gulf.

Mira’s research interests and area expertise broadly covers the Middle East, with a focus on the Arabian Peninsula. She is currently researching the migratory patterns and experiences of Arab Gulf citizens, and the formation of diasporic political agency in host countries. She will be teaching a course on Gulf histories, cultures and societies.