-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: A new a gateway for the exchange of expertise, talent and knowledge collaboration

TRENDS Research and Advisory has launched a new virtual office in São Paulo, Brazil. This move aims to strengthen research and academic ties with institutions in Latin America. The launch took place during TRENDS’ participation as a Diamond Sponsor in the Brazil-Africa Forum 2024 in São Paulo.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, stated that this step constitutes a launching point that facilitates the exchange of expertise and talent, as well as collaboration in scientific and knowledge production. It also supports intellectual communication between think tanks both regionally and internationally, in line with the Center’s comprehensive research strategy, which aims to generate impactful knowledge, particularly in the field of foresight studies.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali explained that the establishment of the virtual office is part of TRENDS’ ongoing tour in Latin America, which will also include Argentina. He emphasized that TRENDS’ global research tours are based on a vision of building bridges, communication and collaboration between think tanks and research and scientific institutions. This is driven by the belief that one of the key roles of research centers is to contribute to international dialogue, thus forming solid perspectives and providing forward-looking insights into the future. He further mentioned that these research centers act as regional and international platforms with a continuous role in “think tank diplomacy”, disseminating knowledge, supporting development efforts, and addressing global challenges.

Al-Ali highlighted that the new virtual office in Brazil is aimed at opening up new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships between TRENDS and research institutions, academic bodies and think tanks, especially in Brazil and Latin America in general. He also noted that the office will serve as a platform and link between the research community in Latin America and TRENDS’ head office in Abu Dhabi.

Effective Partnerships

Awadh Al-Breiki, Researcher and Head of TRENDS Global Sector, explained that the launch of the virtual office in São Paulo strengthens TRENDS’ efforts to expand its reach and achieve its strategic goals. He described the office as a global knowledge bridge and a connection point between think tanks in the Arab world and the Gulf region and similar institutions worldwide. Al-Breiki emphasized that the new virtual office would support the head office in Abu Dhabi by contributing research, studies and reports across TRENDS’ various areas of work. This will reflect the diverse academic cultures and knowledge perspectives that the Center seeks to explore through its research.

Portuguese-Language Index

In its first activity, the São Paulo Office launched the Portuguese version of the Muslim Brotherhood International Power Index, marking the first such effort globally. This is part of TRENDS’ commitment to raising awareness among Portuguese-speaking communities about the dangers posed by the Brotherhood, and to promoting international cooperation in combating its extremist ideas. Additionally, a panel discussion was held to present the key findings of the index, which aims to measure the Brotherhood’s influence across various geographic regions and to serve as a rigorous methodological tool for monitoring and understanding developments related to the Brotherhood at the political, economic and media levels.