TRENDS Research & Advisory launched its participation in the 17th edition of IDEX and the 8th edition of NAVDEX 2025, reaffirming its position as a knowledge partner in the fields of strategic research and analysis of defense and security issues. This comes as part of its efforts to promote the role of scientific research in providing in-depth analyses of geopolitical and technological developments.

The events of both exhibitions saw the participation of experts from TRENDS’ U.S. office in several strategic dialogue sessions. Bilal Saab, Director of the office, contributed to a session discussing global challenges associated with weapons of mass destruction and strategies for addressing them through advanced technology and international cooperation.

During the session, Saab, along with other experts, explored ways to enhance rapid response to such threats through cutting-edge innovations, ultimately strengthening security and preparedness against emerging risks in this domain.

Vice Admiral (Ret.) Kevin Donegan, Senior Advisor at TRENDS’ Washington office and former US NAVCENT and Fifth Fleet Commander, and Natasha Ahmed, Board Member, Space Force Association DC and Senior Advisor at TRENDS’ Washington office, are also participating in sessions at the two exhibitions, where they will present a scientific research perspective on key strategic issues related to developments in the defense and security sector. They emphasized the importance of scientific research and future foresight in supporting policymakers, academics, stakeholders, and researchers, enabling them to make informed and effective decisions to tackle challenges.

Enhancing Research Cooperation

In line with strengthening its role as a knowledge partner, the TRENDS research team, led by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, held a series of dialogues with senior officials and experts. Among the notable figures was H.E. Mohammed bin Mubarak Al-Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defense Affairs, where both sides discussed the role of scientific research in forecasting future events. H.E. Al-Mazrouei expressed his appreciation for TRENDS’ knowledge partnership in the conference. The TRENDS team also met with Lt. Col. Staff Pilot Sheikh Zayed bin Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Director of the Special Patrols Department and General Supervisor of the Police Heritage at Abu Dhabi Police, to review the importance of scientific research in international exhibitions and conferences.

Moreover, TRENDS discussed with Dr. Nasser Al-Nuaimi, Secretary-General of the Tawazun Council, areas of cooperation at the International Defence Conference and the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, focusing on the importance of integrating roles to enhance knowledge capable of shaping the future.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, emphasized that the participation in IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 reflects the center’s commitment to providing robust research that contributes to understanding global shifts in the defense sector. He stated that IDEX and NAVDEX are among the key events in the defense industries sector, showcasing technological developments in the field. These events also contribute to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for conferences and exhibitions, supporting sustainable economic growth and driving innovation in the defense sectors.

Abdullah Al-Hamadi, Head of the Projects Sector at TRENDS, stressed the importance of scientific research in these events, noting that the center, through its knowledge partnership at both exhibitions, will provide in-depth analyses of the latest trends in defense and security sectors. TRENDS will also offer innovative insights and knowledge-based consultations on the key discussion topics and main themes of the conference, moderating dialogue sessions, and preparing reports and final recommendations, including the conference’s White Paper that addresses the latest developments in the defense sector.