The Gulf region and Scandinavia have a deep and long-lasting ties. In contrast to the Gulf region, where cooperation is based on more formalised structures, Scandinavia has been  characterised by both formal and informal cooperation. Thus, formal cooperation between the  Gulf and Scandinavia has historically been limited. Previous engagements have mainly been  bilateral rather than part of more structural efforts, which refer to those factors concerning  societal conditions and systems that affect people’s everyday lives. This cooperation has  primarily involved economic and technological exchanges, with a focus on energy, trade and  investments. Indeed, the launching of a strategic partnership with the Gulf in 2022 was made  by the EU and partly driven forward by Sweden: the so-called “strategic partnership with the  Gulf”.

However, during the 21st century, collaboration between the regions has been evolving in a  new direction. A key area for future cooperation is cultural exchange, particularly educational  collaboration. These types of exchanges have generally received limited attention in the past,  but are expected to play a vital role in fostering mutual understanding in the future. Both the  Gulf region and Scandinavia have recently placed greater emphasis on education. The focus  on this topic by both regions at a regional level means that a potential cultural exchange is  now possible. A greater educational focus could therefore be seen as a current shared interest  from which both regions could benefit. This mutual interest could motivate greater  cooperation in the future.

The Gulf states have lately increased their education budget to over 20% of public spending,  indicating their growing interest in and commitment to the field. However, there are some  challenges that could hinder educational cooperation between the Gulf states and Scandinavia.  One of the most prominent issues is the language barrier. Students from the Gulf still  predominately prefer studying in English-speaking countries, particularly the UK, rather than  in other European countries, including Scandinavian ones. Therefore, Scandinavian  universities and policymakers must continue offering programmes in English to encourage  people to study in the region. Saudi Arabia and Sweden have established a scholarship  programme for their master’s degrees, which is an example of an existing initiative. This  programme enables Saudi students to undertake a two-year study period in Sweden. It is  funded by ABB, a global technology company aiming at creating products and solutions  within electrification and digitalisation in cooperation with the Swedish Embassy in Saudi  Arabia. This illustrates how collaborative efforts can facilitate academic exchange and deepen  educational relations.

Discussions about knowledge exchange and academic freedom within universities have  continued to spark significant global interest recently, especially from the Americans.  Adversely, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that he intends to restrict the use  of certain terms and concepts that he deems incompatible with his political agenda. He has  also proposed and implemented policies aimed at limiting opportunities for international

students to study in the US. Such potential barriers underscore the opportunity and importance  of reprioritising knowledge exchange in other geographical arenas, opening the door to educational cooperation between Scandinavia and the Gulf.

Recent geopolitical developments, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in  Ukraine, have created potential for greater collaboration between these two regions.  Specifically, there is a greater emphasis on security and defence, as well as culture and  education. However, it could be argued that these events have also drawn direct attention to  energy, which suggests that the focus on collaboration between the regions should remain on  energy. Indeed, right now the focus is on energy efficiency and savings, key to both sides.  This reasoning suggests a shift within the energy sector, which goes from an economic focus  to a more sustainable one. This shift requires a greater educational focus, bringing the two  regions together. Environmental sustainability within the energy discussion could thus  encourage greater cooperation between the regions, emphasising education and knowledge  exchange.

Prioritising such collaboration faces growing geopolitical challenges in the context of  different theatres of war, whether that be ongoing Russian hostility against Ukraine, or the  uncertainty surrounding the future of the Iran war. Frameworks to try and best safeguard  against such threats are therefore key, an example being the GCC’s ‘Vision for Regional  Security’. This affords an environment to help foster long-term energy security and stability,  creating opportunities for the Gulf and Scandinavian countries to work together as true  strategic partners with expertise in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.