On the sidelines of its participation in the UAE–China Think Tank Summit, organized by the UAE Embassy in Beijing, TRENDS Research & Advisory held two extensive dialogue sessions with the Xiaomi Technology Center and Tsinghua University. These sessions aimed to deepen the strategic partnership and foster intellectual and academic collaboration between the two countries.

Overseen by the TRENDS Beijing office, the sessions marked a culmination of the center’s ongoing efforts to open new horizons of cooperation with leading Chinese think tanks, academic institutions, and technology centers, reflecting its role as a strategic partner in the summit.

Dialogue Session with Xiaomi

The first session, held with the Xiaomi Technology Center, the research and development arm of the global company Xiaomi, focused on prospects for cooperation in digital innovation and technological transformation. The two sides discussed ways to exchange expertise and research in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, as well as how to utilize them to serve sustainable development goals and promote economic growth. Participants underlined the importance of partnerships between think tanks and technology companies in addressing complex global challenges.

Dialogue Session with Tsinghua University

The second session, held in collaboration with Tsinghua University, a world-renowned institution, focused on opportunities for academic and research cooperation in global thought and political studies. Discussions covered ways to share research and scientific expertise, as well as the possibility of implementing joint research projects that serve the shared strategic interests of the UAE and China, while also contributing to a deeper analysis of regional and international issues.

TRENDS was represented in both sessions by Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of Research Sector, and Sultan Al-Rubaei, Senior Researcher and Head of the TRENDS International Training Institute. They presented TRENDS’ perspectives on the importance of strengthening tripartite cooperation among think tanks, universities, and technology innovation centers.

The university was represented by Dr. Hu Angang, Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Tsinghua University, Honorary Dean and Director of the Institute for Contemporary China Studies (ICCS), who emphasized the importance of research cooperation.

Both speakers emphasized that these dialogues are not merely passing events but rather embody TRENDS’ strategy to establish its position as an active knowledge partner in international forums. They also highlighted the center’s commitment to making meaningful contributions to advancing UAE–China research cooperation. This step also reflects TRENDS’ dedication to enhancing the UAE’s intellectual and scientific presence on the global stage and building strategic partnerships that support the shared vision of both countries for a more prosperous future.