–Dr. Mohamed Al-Ali: A vision based on building bridges, dialogue and cooperation

TRENDS Research & Advisory commenced its knowledge tour to the United States with intensive research dialogues in Washington, D.C. These included meetings with the U.S. Department of State, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the UAE Embassy in Washington.

These discussions featured the exchange of perspectives on key research and knowledge-related issues of mutual interest, in line with TRENDS’ ambitious vision to broaden the horizons of research collaboration and reinforce its position as a leading global research center.

U.S. Department of State

At the U.S. Department of State, TRENDS met with senior officials and advisors from the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, organized by TRENDS’ U.S. office. The two sides discussed regional issues and exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between the United States and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to promote stability and prosperity.

The meeting also addressed the role of scientific research in interpreting events and developing forward-looking perspectives in light of rapid technological and AI advancements. The TRENDS delegation presented a brief overview of the center’s global research work and international mission.

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

During the first day’s activities, the TRENDS delegation held a dialogue session with several CSIS officials, including Brielle Hill, Associate Director at CSIS, and Laura Caroli, Senior Fellow at the Center at the CSIS headquarters in Washington, D.C. The dialogue focused on exploring potential areas of cooperation in research, particularly in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence, and the future implications of these emerging technologies.

Discussions also addressed developments in the region, the future of U.S.-Gulf cooperation in the AI field, and exploring collaboration opportunities in joint media initiatives.

During the meeting, the TRENDS delegation gave a presentation on the center’s research areas and its vision based on fostering international partnerships, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening collaboration with globally influential think tanks.

The delegation was also briefed on the work of CSIS as a center dedicated to strategic studies and analysis of political and economic issues worldwide, focusing on international relations, trade, technology, finance, energy, and geostrategy.

Both sides discussed prospects for future cooperation in research and strategic analysis, aiming to develop innovative solutions for global challenges.

The UAE Embassy in Washington

Concluding the first day’s activities, the TRENDS research delegation paid a knowledge visit to the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington. In the presence of Colonel Staff Pilot Khalid Al Marzouqi, the UAE’s Military Attaché, a dialogue session was held with several Embassy members.

The session highlighted the vital role that think tanks play in shaping policy and knowledge-based strategies. It also emphasized the importance of empowering young researchers and encouraging them to engage in scientific research while discussing ways to enhance TRENDS’ engagement and cooperation with leading international institutions.

Opportunities for collaboration were explored in consultancy services and student training courses organized through the TRENDS International Training Institute.

Embassy members commended TRENDS’ research efforts and its active global presence, particularly the opening of its office in Washington.

Global Dialogue

Commenting on the three dialogues, Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, stated that the center’s dialogues in the U.S. capital are guided by a research vision founded on building bridges, fostering engagement, and promoting cooperation.

He affirmed that one of the most critical roles of think tanks is contributing to international dialogue, helping shape perspectives, delivering sound insights, and offering future-focused readings. They also act as regional and global platforms engaged in “think tank diplomacy,” disseminating knowledge, supporting development efforts, and addressing challenges.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that TRENDS’ dialogues, meetings, and partnerships in Washington aimed to open new avenues of conversation with the U.S. scientific and research community and collaborate with peer institutions in various fields, particularly technology and artificial intelligence, as key drivers of the future global landscape.