ABOUT US

Creating New Ground for Understanding

 New Ground Research is an independent foundation and think tank with two offices— A non-profit foundation in Granada, Spain, and an advisory office in Doha, Qatar.

New Ground Research bridges global divides through expert analyses, collaborative action and developing groundbreaking initiatives. The foundation’s flagship and multi-year initiative focuses on combatting Islamophobia and antisemitism (GIIA) through the Granada Declaration of Principles framework with a diversity of experts, insights and initiatives. New Ground also works on illuminating Mediterranean exchange past and present, towards a nuanced understanding of the networks of exchange and the interconnectedness of the Mediterranean by exploring areas such as trade, war, architecture, art, knowledge exchange and other areas. New Ground Research also provides expert analyses and nuanced geoeconomic and geopolitical insights that deepen understanding and provide clarity on Middle East and GCC politics, security and geoeconomic dynamics and trajectories. 

OUR MISSION

The Mission of New Ground Research is to explore and pursue new pathways and frameworks to bridge global divides and create a new ground for dialogue through in-depth historical and geopolitical analysis and understanding of emerging narratives. 

OUR VISION

To inspire a global community of academics and policymakers who work together through dialogue, diplomacy, and evidence-based research to counter divisive narratives and their real-world implications. Our vision is grounded in the belief that a shared and responsible future requires collective action, mutual understanding, and a commitment to global stewardship.

Towards a Shared and Responsible Future

At the heart of New Ground Research lies a commitment to "A Shared and Responsible Future." This vision guides New Ground initiatives and pursuits. The approach is rigorous and grounded, beginning with a historical deep dive into the origins of today’s most polarising issues by tracing their roots, examining the geopolitical context, and the layered dynamics that shape them. We interrogate not only the frameworks currently in play but also identify the blind spots and gaps where deeper understanding and action are most needed. The aim is not simply to generate analysis or advance new perspectives, but to bring insight, experience, and diverse expertise into a shared framework for engagement, collaboration and understanding.

The Global Initiative for Countering Islamophobia and Antisemitism (GIIA) develops collaborative responses to Islamophobia and antisemitism while respecting the distinct histories and experiences of both communities.

The Mediterranean Intercultural Narratives Initiative (MEDINA) explores the Mediterranean as a shared space of exchange and interconnected histories, rather than a divide, and how these histories can better inform present regional and global narratives around exchange and future dialogue.

The Next Middle East Initiative (NMI) provides forward-looking analysis of changing Middle East political and security dynamics and adaptation, focusing on dialogue, de-confliction, de-escalation, and regional confidence-building. It also encourages looking at the Middle East not as a problem to be solved, but challenges us to think deeper about regional dynamics and paths forward in diplomacy and politics.

Together, these initiatives connect rigorous research with dialogue and practical collaboration, helping to reduce barriers, widen understanding, and identify more constructive paths forward.

CROSSROADS Research examines the intersection of climate politics, geoeconomics, and geopolitical change to understand how global issues are interconnected and require collaborative efforts and solutions.

CORE ACTIVITIES

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    Research

    FOUNDER Conducting comprehensive research, analyses and foresight on Middle East and GCC geopolitics, geoeconomics and other areas relevant to our GIIA and MEDINA initiatives. 

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    Roundtables & Engagements

    Annual roundtables on convening experts on combatting antisemitism and Islamophobia, as well as historians and experts on contemporary networks of dialogue and exchange across the Mediterranean. Our roundtables and exchanges also include initiatives focusing on regional geopolitics, economics, and security. 

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    Policy Recommendations

    We develop and promote policy recommendations. 

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    Collaborations & Partnerships

    We collaborate and partner with leading institutions, organizations, and experts from around the world aligned with our mission.

Leadership & Core Team

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    Khalid Al-KHATER

    President & Founder 

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    Barbara GALLARDO

    Board Member

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    Ismael SANCHEZ

    Board Member

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    José Miguel Puerta

    Board Member

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    Julio YANEZ

    Board Member

  • A man with short dark hair and a light brown complexion, wearing a dark blazer and light shirt, looking to the side indoors.

    Mohamed EL KOUKHI

    Principal Researcher

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    Luciano ZACCARA

    Principal Researcher 

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    Suad AHMED

    Communications & Research Associate

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    Jana Al OKAR

    Research Associate

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    Arian Villena

    Office Coordinator

Project Leads & Advisors

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    Dalia Fahmy

    GIIA Initiative Advisor

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    Dov Waxman

    GIIA Initiative Advisor

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    Ahmed Shaheed

    GIIA & GD Project Lead