Welcoming Two New Non-Resident Fellows
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 23, 2025
GULF INTERNATIONAL FORUM WELCOMES NEW NON-RESIDENT FELLOWS
Washington, DC: The Gulf International Forum, headquartered in Washington, DC, is proud to announce the addition of two distinguished scholars to its Non-Resident Fellowship Program. The newest members, Dr. Dr. Zarqa Parzev and Dr. Yousuf Hamed Al Balushi, bring extensive expertise on GCC states’ economic plans, FDI, national identity, gender studies and governance. Their diverse insights and unique professional experiences will significantly enrich the Forum’s scholarship and discussions.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Al Balushi and Dr. Parvez to our fellowship,” said Gulf International Forum Executive Director Dr. Dania Thafer. “Both individuals have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields, and we are excited about the perspectives they will bring to our mission of fostering understanding and dialogue about the Gulf region.”
The Non-Resident Fellowship Program, established in 2018, seeks to expand the conversation on the politics, economics, and societal dynamics of the Gulf region. Fellows collaborate with the Forum on research and publications and contribute to its events and initiatives.
The New Fellows:
Dr. Yousuf Hamed Al Balushi is the Founder Smart Investment Gateway. Dr. Al Balushi is a leading economist in Oman. He has over 25 years of professional experience at the Central Bank of Oman and at the Supreme Council for Planning, Oman Vision 2040 office and was appointed as an advisor on Foreign Direct Investment working in the International Monetary Fund. Acted as an Advisor for Oman to IFC. He obtained his PhD in Economics from King’s College London (University of London). In his thesis he examined the impact of FDI on the efficiency of the private sector and economic development in Oman. In addition to FDI, his interests cover monetary and fiscal policies, foreign trade, and private sector development.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Yousuf Hamed Al Balushi.
Dr. Zarqa Parzev is a Visiting Researcher in International Politics at Georgetown University in Qatar, where she was previously a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Humanities and Social Sciences with a focus on gender studies. Dr. Parzev has held teaching and research roles at several institutions, including Adjunct Assistant Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar, Adjunct Lecturer at Northwestern University in Qatar, Lusail University, and Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), where she also served as a Researcher, Instructor, Academic Advisor, and Research Assistant within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Her academic work and teaching span a range of subjects, including nationalism and identity in the Gulf, gender and politics, and the intersection of digital media and cultural narratives. She has also contributed extensively to academic service, serving on university committees, advising MA programs, and coordinating academic conferences and student engagement initiatives.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Zarqa Parvez.
About Gulf International Forum
About Gulf International Forum
Gulf International Forum is an independent Washington-based institute that aspires to enhance peace, progress, security, and stability in the Gulf and greater Middle East region through the open proliferation of ideas.
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