Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
TRENDS Research & Advisory continued its successful participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 on its third day, establishing itself as a dynamic platform for intellectual engagement and knowledge exchange through its innovative pavilion, which is equipped with AI technologies that link the intellectual heritage of the past with the future.
The pavilion has attracted a distinguished array of officials, authors, researchers, media professionals, and a knowledge-seeking public.
Media workshop
The third day featured a vibrant set of activities, notably a valuable workshop titled 'Media in Confronting Extremism: A Pivotal Role and Ongoing Challenges', moderated by Ghassan Ibrahim, media expert and CEO Founder and CEO of Global Arab Network. The workshop, attended by Abdullah Aqeedah Al Muhairi, CEO of the National Counseling Center, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Shamiri, Editor-in-Chief of Al Watan newspaper, along with researchers and media professionals, addressed the pivotal role of media in shaping awareness and combating extremist ideologies. It also discussed proactive media strategies in this context, along with the major challenges media faces in countering extremism, including the spread of fake news, difficulty in reaching target audiences, and the evolving rhetoric of extremist organisations.
The workshop further highlighted the growing role of technology and social media in conflict, and emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration to achieve effective results.
Research collaboration
In line with its efforts to strengthen cooperation and build strategic partnerships, TRENDS signed two Memorandums of Understanding, the first with the Global Arab Network, aiming for collaboration in research, consultancy and strategic studies. It was signed by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, and journalist Ghassan Ibrahim, Director of the Network.
The second MoU was signed with the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity to promote cooperation in areas of training, the adoption of initiatives that serve society, and advance the values of human fraternity, reinforce the role of scientific research, and promote values of tolerance, coexistence, dialogue, and intercultural understanding. This MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali and H.E. Dr. Khaled Ghanem Al-Ghaith, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity.
Game theory
A signing ceremony was also held at the TRENDS pavilion for the book titled 'Using Game Theory to Develop Counterterrorism Strategies: Approaches and Objectives', authored by Dr. Khaled Rashed Al-Zayoudi and published by TRENDS. The book presents an in-depth analysis of the significance of game theory in countering terrorist threats.
Additionally, a special podcast episode was recorded, featuring Professor Kai Gallagher and hosted by Meera Al-Zaabi, adding to the rich lineup of discussions hosted at the pavilion.
Knowledge visits
TRENDS' pavilion was visited by Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, who browsed the center's latest research publications and praised its efforts in supporting and empowering young researchers.
It also received Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council; Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai; Lütfullah Göktaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the UAE; Yasser Al-Gargawi, Director-General of Sandooq Al Watan; Saeed Hamdan Al-Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center; Professor Ahmed Murad, Acting Vice Chancellor of the UAE University; Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage; Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research; Dr. Sultan Al-Amimi, Chairman of the Emirates Writers Union; Salem Humaid Al Marri, Director General of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre; Mohammed Al Hammadi, Acting Director-General of the Emirates News Agency (WAM); Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, CEO of Aletihad News Center; Naama Al Mansoori, former member of the Federal National Council; and Dr. Amal Al Mesafri, consultant in talent development strategies.
The guests expressed great interest in the center’s research outputs and its role in enriching the intellectual and knowledge landscape at both regional and international levels. They were introduced to the various activities and events organised by TRENDS at the fair and praised the center’s efforts in producing in-depth research and studies that contribute to understanding contemporary issues and offering valuable insights to policymakers, researchers, and the general public. They commended the center's role in promoting a culture of scientific research and knowledge, building bridges of collaboration with different institutions and concerned entities, and stressed the importance of integrated efforts between research institutions and think tanks in spreading the culture of research and supporting the knowledge society.
