TRENDS Research & Advisory, for the second day in a row, remained at the forefront of the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, captivating the exhibition attendees with its special pavilion. Visitors explored numerous titles from its diverse research publications, delving into analyses and forecasts of contemporary issues. Concurrently, a panel discussion saw the unveiling of Book No. 12 of the Encyclopedia on the Muslim Brotherhood, titled: “The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of Nonconformists”.
Within the bustling atmosphere of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, the pavilion of the TRENDS Research & Advisory served as a hub or a focal point for the signing of two pivotal research partnership agreements. These agreements bolster the Center’s leading position in the realms of research and advisory, reinforcing its mission to disseminate knowledge and foster a culture of innovation within society.
At the helm of the TRENDS pavilion stood French Senator Nathalie Goulet, the esteemed guest of honor, alongside Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Zayed Hegab, Director of the Alexandria Library. They were joined by renowned Journalist and TV Anchor Hala Sarhan, the TRENDS Ambassador for the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, and His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, Executive Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. Collectively, they lauded the distinct publications and intellectual contributions of TRENDS, acknowledging its significant impact on research and knowledge dissemination.
Partnership between “Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development” and TRENDS
Kicking off the second day’s proceedings at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development and TRENDS Research & Advisory sealed a memorandum of understanding to further advance research in economic intelligence. This collaboration seeks to generate knowledge aligned with the strategic objectives of both entities, thereby fostering economic development, bolstering its advancement, and fortifying competitiveness.
The agreement was formally inked by H.E. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, at the Department’s headquarters. Notable dignitaries from both entities were present at the signing ceremony.
Partnership with Gloria Training Company
Simultaneously, TRENDS forged a partnership agreement with the Gloria Training Company, a frontrunner in delivering training and professional development services. The alliance aims to deepen collaboration between the two entities in crafting and executing specialized training programs tailored to the diverse needs of sectors, aligning with international best practices.
Dr. Mohammad Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, affixed his signature to the memorandum, while Ms. Manal Al Khatib represented Gloria Training Company in signing the agreement.
Book No 12 of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia
As part of its ongoing scientific activities at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, TRENDS hosted a panel discussion on Book No. 12 of the Encyclopedia on the Muslim Brotherhood, titled: “The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of Nonconformists”. The session explored four crucial themes. Mr. Omar Al-Bashir Al-Turabi, editor-in-chief of the Al-Misbar Center for Studies and Research, led a discussion in the first segment on “The Muslim Brotherhood and various ideological perspectives of the Group’s thinkers”. Dr. Moataz Abdelfattah, a Professor of Political Science at Cairo University, then delved into “The Muslim Brotherhood: Rejection of Tolerance and Exclusion of Nonconformists” in the second segment, exposing a pragmatic facade concealing the Group’s true intentions. Dr. Rashid Al-Khayoun, a researcher in Islamic philosophy, tackled the third topic, “The Muslim Brotherhood and others in the West”, highlighting Brotherhood’s Taqiyya (concealment of true religious identity) at its peak. Lastly, Dr. Radwan Al-Sayed, Dean of the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research at the Mohammed bin Zayed University for Human Sciences, discussed “The Muslim Brotherhood and others: the case of the Arab Maghreb”. The panel was expertly moderated by Hamad Al Hosani, a researcher in the Department of Political Islam at TRENDS.
The speakers emphasized that the book represents a significant addition to the list of TRENDS Research & Advisory’s research endeavors which are aimed to comprehend the Group’s discourse and uncover its practices that undermine tolerance and coexistence among different sectors of society. They highlighted the book as a pivotal achievement within the Center’s series of publications on extremist group discourses, seeking to provide an in-depth analysis of the Muslim Brotherhood’s perception of the “other” and its social impacts. They underscored that the book conveys a critical message: “the Muslim Brotherhood poses a threat to tolerance and coexistence in Arab and Islamic societies, warranting resistance by all means necessary”.
This volume continues the Center’s series of publications analyzing extremist Islamic groups, delving into their discourse, ideology, and methods of operation. It specifically addresses an essential intellectual and ideological facet of the Muslim Brotherhood concerning its stance on the “other” who differs from them, whether in religious affiliation or otherwise.
Moreover, the book scrutinizes the ideas of the Group’s prominent theorists regarding the “other,” juxtaposing them with practical applications observed in Arab countries where Brotherhood ideologies have taken root, as well as in the broader Western context, where the Group’s presence has expanded in recent decades.
Offering a critical examination of the Muslim Brotherhood’s approach towards diversity, the book concludes that the Group eschews tolerance and coexistence with those different from them, seeking instead to marginalize and exclude them. Drawing from various sources, including the writings of the Group’s theoreticians and leaders, their public statements, and their actions across different countries, the book provides insights into effective strategies for dealing with the Muslim Brotherhood. These include exposing its extremist rhetoric and highlighting the dissonance between the tolerance it espouses and its exclusionary practices, thereby thwarting its endeavors.
Navigating Emerging Threats and Major Challenges
During the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, TRENDS hosted a notable event in its pavilion: the signing ceremony for the English edition of the “Security: Navigating Emerging Threats and Major Challenges” book, authored by His Excellency Staff Major General Pilot Eng (Rtd.) Abdullah Al Syed Al Hashemi, who also serves as the Vice President of the Emirates Golf Federation. The event garnered the attendance of several dignitaries and media personalities.
Major General Al Hashemi highlighted the book’s illumination of contemporary global security challenges, emphasizing security’s pivotal role in advancing societal progress and civilization-building. He underscored the dynamic nature of these threats, their evolution, diversification, and the emergence of new non-traditional forms. Key issues include securing food chains and energy sources, addressing climate change risks, and combating the spread of epidemics. Al Hashemi stressed that security now requires a multifaceted approach beyond traditional notions of brute force.
Furthermore, Al Hashemi articulated the need for a meticulous reevaluation of the geopolitical and cultural identity of the Middle East. He advocated for Middle Eastern nations to embrace strategic overhauls, including redefining international policies towards the region and developing a comprehensive roadmap. This strategic reevaluation incorporates a reassessment of the Emirati vision for the Middle East’s future trajectory.
TRENDS Podcast Spotlight
During the Abu Dhabi Book Fair, the “Trending Echoes” podcast presented an exceptional episode delving into the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence within the aviation sector. This enlightening discussion featured a distinguished guest: Engineer Marwa Al Mamari, hailed as the first Emirati aerospace engineer.
Under the adept moderation of Researcher AlYazia Al-Hosani, Director of the Media Communication Office at TRENDS, Engineer Al Mamari explored various significant facets. She recounted pivotal moments in her career and reflected on how her groundbreaking status as the first Emirati aerospace engineer influenced her perspective on the integration of artificial intelligence in aviation.
Furthermore, Engineer Al Mamari shared firsthand experiences of witnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence within aviation practices, narrating live examples from projects or initiatives that vividly showcased its profound impact.
