-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali:

• The award has gone beyond traditional competition to become a successful investment in intellectual capital.
• TRENDS Hub Award has inspired researchers to explore the latest AI developments.

TRENDS Research & Advisory has announced the winners of the second edition of the TRENDS Hub Scientific Research Award, dedicated this year to studies on artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications. The award seeks to promote innovation and leadership, support academic excellence, and empower researchers while fostering healthy competition at both regional and international levels.

The award’s advisory committee selected three winners from among 82 submissions, which underwent a rigorous review process based on the significance, impact, and methodology of the research.

AI at the Core

First place went to researcher Shawkat Barakat for his study “A Comparative Analysis of Algorithmic Personalization Using Ethical and Unethical AI: Impacts on Filter Bubbles and Critical Thinking Among Arab Youth Across Cultural Contexts.”

Second place was awarded to Dr. Iman bint Ali Al-Mohammadi for her study “The Use of AI Technologies to Detect Suicidal Ideation in Online Communities.” Third place went to Iman Al-Mutawa for her study “Towards an AI-Based Educational Model for Integrating Students with Special Needs into Mainstream Education.”

The three winners received certificates of recognition and financial awards of $5,000, $3,000, and $2,000 respectively. Their research will be published across TRENDS’ digital platforms and social media channels. They will also be eligible to apply for a TRENDS research fellowship and receive priority access to the center’s training programs.

Supporting Innovative Research

On the occasion, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, stressed that the award was designed to motivate researchers to examine the evolving tools and applications of AI, while also addressing the ethical and social challenges it poses.

He underlined that AI has become one of the key strategic pillars for economic growth, sustainable development, and digital transformation. “The award has gone beyond traditional competition to become an investment in intellectual capital and a practical step toward building a knowledge-based economy,” he said, emphasizing the central role of research in advancing the technology revolution.

Dr. Al-Ali added that dedicating this year’s edition of the award to AI created a healthy competitive environment that raised the quality and depth of submissions, facilitated knowledge exchange, and revealed promising research talent expected to lead future scientific inquiry.

A Knowledge Incubator

Fahad Al-Mahri, Head of TRENDS – Dubai Sector, described the award as a “knowledge incubator” and a bridge for connecting forward-looking thinkers in the field of AI. He said it has given rise to valuable research projects offering practical, actionable solutions for harnessing the rapid advances in AI to serve humanity.

He noted that the winning research covered diverse areas such as AI ethics, the impact of technology on youth critical thinking, the use of AI to prevent suicide, and its role in integrating people of determination into society. “The award has achieved its goal of fostering academic excellence, serving communities, and supporting sustainable development,” he concluded.