Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari’s Vision for Regional Trade Empowerment

In the dynamic and rapidly evolving trade landscape of the Middle East, few figures have contributed as significantly as Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari. With over 25 years of experience as an academic, policy advisor, and author, Dr. Alaskari has positioned himself as a leading architect of regional trade empowerment—connecting the physical infrastructure of ports with the intellectual infrastructure of trade policy.

From his early research on GCC ports to his current role at Khalifa University as a professor and the head of the Center for Trade and Financial Innovation (CTFI), Dr. Alaskari’s career has been defined by a unique blend of practical insight and visionary leadership.

Ports as Engines of Progress

Dr. Alaskari’s PhD dissertation, “The Role of GCC Ports in Modernizing Regional Trade Corridors,” completed at United Arab Emirates University in 2007, laid the foundation for much of his future work. In it, he examined how strategic investments in port infrastructure could transform the Gulf into a critical logistics and trade hub—not just for oil and gas, but for diversified, sustainable trade.

According to Dr. Alaskari, ports are not just entry points for goods—they are catalysts for policy, technology, and human capital development. “A port must be seen not as an endpoint,” he says, “but as the beginning of a value chain that extends across borders and communities.”

This perspective continues to inform his research and advocacy for smarter, more integrated trade ecosystems in the GCC.

Connecting Infrastructure to Policy

While many professionals specialize in either physical logistics or policy development, Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari moves fluidly between both worlds. His work with the UAE’s Ministry of Economy focuses on turning infrastructure investments into long-term national advantages through trade policy reform, regulatory modernization, and economic diversification.

By advising on initiatives such as smart customs systems, trade facilitation platforms, and green logistics strategies, Dr. Alaskari ensures that the UAE’s ports and trade corridors are not only physically advanced but intellectually optimized for the demands of the 21st century.

Educating the Region’s Future Trade Leaders

As an academic, Dr. Alaskari has long believed in the power of education to shape economies. Through his roles at the University of Sharjah and now at Khalifa University, he has trained a generation of trade professionals in the disciplines of international payments, customs compliance, trade finance, and regulatory ethics.

More than just teaching theory, he emphasizes real-world applications, helping students understand how policy decisions at the national level influence shipping lanes, port throughput, and regional cooperation.

Dr. Alaskari also mentors young entrepreneurs in the fintech and logistics sectors through Hub71, an innovation hub in Abu Dhabi. Here, his advice helps bridge the gap between startup enthusiasm and the regulatory complexities of cross-border trade.

Thought Leadership Across Sectors

Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari is also a respected author and commentator. His books—including “Desert Deals: Trade Logistics in the GCC” and “Beyond Borders: Financial Instruments for the Modern Middle East”—explore how the Gulf can leverage its geographic and financial strengths to redefine its global role.

In articles published in The Emirati Economist, he frequently discusses the need for ethical frameworks in trade and finance, arguing that economic strength must be matched by social responsibility and environmental awareness.

A Holistic Vision for the GCC

At a time when many regions are focused on digital transformation and rapid expansion, Dr. Alaskari’s vision for trade empowerment is notably balanced, strategic, and inclusive. He envisions a GCC that is not only a logistical powerhouse but also a global model for smart, ethical, and community-focused trade systems.

As he puts it: “True trade empowerment is not just about goods moving faster—it’s about people moving forward.”

Through his work, Dr. Abbas Sharif Alaskari continues to inspire policymakers, academics, and innovators alike to build a future where trade is a tool for shared success—not just economic, but human.