As part of the Rihla Initiative’s ongoing efforts to deepen collaboration and foster cross-regional dialogue, we have introduced six thematic Focus Groups. These groups are designed to offer Policy Council and Implementation Council members across the Gulf and the four regions—Middle East and North Africa, Central Asia and the Caucasus, South and Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa—structured opportunities to engage with one another, share insights, and contribute to the development of practical ideas that can strengthen Gulf investments in green economic growth across the Global South.

Closed-door focus group meetings involving members of the Policy and Implementation Council from the Global South and Gulf Committee members are scheduled throughout 2026. These exchanges will enable participants to explore region-specific insights and priorities within each thematic area, laying the groundwork for further collaborative activities. In addition to these meetings, each focus group will contribute to a range of outputs, such as insight articles and policy briefs identifying regional trends, priority areas, and innovative investment models. 

The six Focus Groups:

·       Blue Economy

·       Green Hydrogen

·       Sustainable Agriculture

·       Green Industrialisation

·       Green Urban Development

·       Competition and Cooperation with China