-TRENDS and Khalifa University Sign MoU
On the sixth day of TRENDS Research & Advisory’s participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, the center’s pavilion was honored by the visit of H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, who explored the cultural elements that reflect the past and look forward to the future, along with TRENDS’ publications. He praised the pavilion’s concept of connecting the past with the present and future, and commended TRENDS for its active presence in cultural events both locally and internationally.
The pavilion also received Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, who toured its sections and learned more about TRENDS’ initiatives as the Platinum Sponsor of the fair.
Other distinguished visitors included Sheikh Dr. Salem bin Rakad Al-Ameri, former member of the UAE Federal National Council and Chairman of the Emirates Cancer Society; H.E. Saif Al-Nasseri, Undersecretary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi; and H.E. Antoine Delcourt, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to the UAE, who emphasized the importance of book fairs and cultural events in spreading knowledge and enhancing communication among nations.
TRENDS continued its diverse activities at the book fair through its AI-enhanced pavilion, which drew a large number of officials, authors, researchers, media professionals, and general visitors.
A Symposium Discusses the Challenges of Digital Media
As part of its activities during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, TRENDS Research & Advisory held a symposium titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Media: Between Empowerment and Bias – Opportunities, Challenges, Risks, and Neutrality,” with the participation of researchers and media professionals.
The symposium began with a virtual presentation by Dr. Aurika Shavtikova, ِAssociate Professor of Media at RUDN University (People’s Friendship University of Russia), who presented key findings from her recent research on impact of AI on media practices, published in collaboration with TRENDS.
Dr. Shavtikova highlighted the growing challenges posed by the rapid integration of AI technologies into newsrooms, noting that while these tools offer increased efficiency and speed in data processing, they remain limited in their ability to grasp complex social and cultural contexts. She also warned against algorithmic bias, which can reinforce patterns of discrimination and selectivity in media content, underscoring the need to raise critical algorithmic awareness among both media professionals and the public.
Dr. Shavtikova also addressed the future of human roles in journalism, particularly as reliance grows on AI-powered anchors. She stressed the importance of emotional and symbolic dimensions in human communication, affirming that human journalists will remain indispensable pillars of the media landscape, despite rapid technological advancements.
The symposium also discussed the absence of international regulations governing the use of AI in media, calling media institutions and governments to adopt clear regulatory frameworks to prevent digital colonization of the global media space.
TRENDS and Khalifa University Sign MoU
As part of its active participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, TRENDS Research & Advisory signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research at the TRENDS pavilion. The MoU aims to enhance research and knowledge collaboration between the two institutions and to broaden their partnership on issues of mutual interest.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, and H.E Prof. Ebrahim Al-Hajri, President of Khalifa University. It establishes a legal and formal framework for cooperation in research and knowledge fields, promoting joint efforts to produce original, evidence-based scientific research that supports decision-makers and serves the community.
Commenting on the signing, Dr. Al-Ali said: “We are proud to sign this MoU with Khalifa University at the TRENDS pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. This reaffirms our commitment to expanding collaboration with leading academic institutions in support of development goals and the advancement of knowledge and research in the UAE”.
For his part, Prof. Ebrahim Al-Hajri stated that the partnership marks an important milestone in Khalifa University’s journey to strengthen cooperation with advanced think tanks such as TRENDS, reflecting positively on research quality, community engagement, and the knowledge economy.
Both sides expressed their eagerness for the agreement to yield a series of joint initiatives, including research projects, workshops, and knowledge exchange, to foster greater synergy in driving innovation and shaping evidence-based policymaking.
