TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its Dubai Office, held discussions with the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), the region’s leading academic and research institution specializing in public administration and policy, to explore avenues for research and academic cooperation. The discussions took place during a dialogue session hosted at MBRSG’s headquarters in Dubai.
During the session, both sides reviewed prospects for future partnership in joint academic publishing, training, and sustainable professional development. These efforts aim to strengthen knowledge production, support evidence-based policymaking in the region and globally, develop joint research and academic programs, and promote the exchange of expertise. The cooperation aims to create young cadres capable of innovation and leadership.
The dialogue forms part of both institutions’ efforts to advance purposeful knowledge in support of sustainable development, align institutional efforts, and integrate roles in producing rigorous research and studies that analyze and address current regional and international challenges. Particular focus was placed on governance, leadership, policy, sustainability, digital transformation, innovation, and public administration.
Building the Knowledge Economy
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, said that MBRSG is a strategic partner in building the knowledge economy and plays a pivotal role in shaping public policy, preparing young national talent, and developing their strategic planning and decision-making skills through its diverse academic programs and training courses, which enrich intellectual and creative capacity.
He noted that TRENDS and MBRSG share broad horizons for cooperation in producing applied research that addresses real-world challenges and delivers practical solutions, transforming ideas into actionable projects in training and futures studies, and strengthening young leadership capacities. These efforts, he added, create unique opportunities to generate tangible impact in development and governance policies at both regional and international levels.
Training Cooperation
Dr. Al-Ali explained that both parties have identified key areas of cooperation, including collaborative academic publishing through specialized studies and reports, cooperation in publishing scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and the design and implementation of advanced training programs in partnership between MBRSG and the TRENDS International Training Institute. Plans also include organizing a series of workshops targeting policymakers and future leaders in both the public and private sectors.
Preparing Future Leaders
H.E. Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al-Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, commended TRENDS Research & Advisory’s global research mission and its vision in advancing scientific research at regional and international levels. He emphasized the importance of integrating the roles of think tanks and academic and research institutions in delivering research and educational programs that help prepare a new generation of young leaders. He added that both sides also intend to launch initiatives supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and to organize academic and research events to exchange expertise and knowledge on future studies, sustainability, leadership, and innovation, among other fields.
Dr. Al-Marri affirmed that discussions on cooperation with TRENDS reflect MBRSG’s commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships with leading research institutions. He noted that, through its mission to develop leadership and governance capabilities, MBRSG sees collaboration with TRENDS as a valuable means of advancing the research and knowledge ecosystem through joint programs and initiatives that enrich public dialogue and help prepare cadres to lead sustainable development pathways.
