TRENDS Research & Advisory wrapped up its participation in the 34th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, leaving a strong mark as a Platinum Sponsor. Over ten vibrant days, the center achieved remarkable presence and intellectual momentum, offering a rich cultural journey that bridged heritage and future vision. The TRENDS pavilion attracted high-level officials, academics, researchers, and the general public, delivering a well-rounded cultural and knowledge-based experience.
Heritage Meets Aspiration
The TRENDS pavilion stood out with its unique design that seamlessly blended tradition and modernity, reflecting the nation’s deep-rooted past and its ambitious future. Visitors enjoyed an immersive interactive experience through the “The Era of Pearls: From Poverty to Prosperity” exhibition, which showed pivotal milestones in the UAE’s history, from its reliance on pearl diving to its emergence as a regional and global leader. The pavilion also featured a live demonstration of pearl farming, offering audiences a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of this ancient craft and its vital role in the Emirates’ heritage.
Vibrant Intellectual Engagement
TRENDS’ participation went far beyond showcasing and signing publications, it extended to organizing and contributing to over 13 panel discussions, symposiums, and workshops that tackled pressing issues and explored future strategic transformations. Among the standout events was “The Pearl Age: Lessons for a Post-Oil World”, which drew wide interest and highlighted the significance of this historical era for the UAE and the wider region. Another key event was a roundtable titled “Redefining Culture in the AI Era”, organized by the TRENDS Youth Council in collaboration with Abu Dhabi youth councils and researchers from the center. The discussion examined AI’s influence on the concept of culture, reading, and critical thinking skills. TRENDS also co-hosted a session titled “Initiative for Lifelong Learning, Training, and Continuous Development” with Abu Dhabi University’s College of Law and the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals. The aim was to promote a culture of lifelong learning in Emirati society. Additionally, a workshop titled “Media in Confronting Extremism: A Pivotal Role and Ongoing Challenges” and a forward-looking session on “Foresight into the Future of the Global Economic System” in collaboration with the Sea of Culture Foundation were held. Another major highlight was the symposium “Artificial Intelligence and Societal Changes: Understanding Transformations of Identity, Values, and Behavior in the Digital Age”, featuring H.E. Professor Ahmed Zayed, Director of Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Professor of Sociology.
Distinguished Publications
The TRENDS pavilion attracted significant interest for its latest research-based and scientific publications, which addressed current issues and anticipated strategic transformations across various fields. Many important book signings took place during the fair, including: “The Era of Pearls: From Poverty to Prosperity”; “AI and Cybersecurity – Balancing Innovation and Security in the Digital Age” by H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti; “The Role of the UAE Government’s Digital Media in Advancing Soft Power” by H.E. Dr. Adnan Hamad Al-Hammadi; “U.S. Security Assurance to the Gulf States: Navigating an Era of Strategic Competition” by researcher Awadh Al-Breiki; “Enhancing E-Service Quality in the UAE: A Roadmap for Smart Governance” by Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad; “The Role of External Actors as the Decisive Factor in Revolutions and Regime Continuity: Looking Through the Lens of Syria and Libya” by Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, “Foresight, Public Policy, and Decision-Making: A Guide to Transformational Change and Shaping the Future in a Turbulent World” by Dr. Nahla Al-Sebaie; “Anticipating the Future of the Muslim Brotherhood”, the 14th volume in TRENDS’ Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia; “Tolerance in the UAE: Heritage, Value, and Institutional Framework” by H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali; “Intellectual Security in the AI Age” by Senior Researcher Ayesha Al-Remeithi; “The Future of Banking: Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World” by Researcher Mouza Al-Marzooqi and Advisor Benjamin from the Cape Town Office; “Pressurized Irrigation System – Sprinkler Irrigation System” by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al-Hammadi; and “Between Permission and Criminalization: The Philosophy of Media Criticism” by H.E. Dr. Adnan Hamad Al-Hammadi.
These publications received widespread interest from visitors and thought leaders, underscoring TRENDS’ vital role in enriching Arabic-language knowledge production.
Strategic Partnerships
As part of its commitment to building impactful collaborations, TRENDS signed eight memoranda of understanding with prominent research and academic institutions to enhance cooperation in research, advisory, and knowledge dissemination, while promoting positive values. Key partners included: The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi Businesswomen Council, Global Arab Network, Mesbar News, The News Center for Strategic Studies in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These partnerships reflect TRENDS’ dedication to forging bridges of cooperation with key stakeholders, advancing public awareness, and serving the broader community.
Diverse Episodes of Trending Echoes
As part of its commitment to delivering rich and diverse knowledge content, TRENDS recorded several episodes of its podcast Trending Echoes during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. The episodes featured prominent Arab and international figures and covered a wide array of topics of interest to elites and public affairs observers. Guests engaged in in-depth discussions on pressing political issues and explored the evolving landscape and challenges of cybersecurity. The series also celebrated three winners of the Sheikh Zayed Book Award 2025, highlighting their creative achievements and cultural contributions.
High-Level Visits
The TRENDS pavilion drew significant interest and welcomed numerous high-level dignitaries throughout the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. These distinguished guests enriched the dialogue and praised the center’s impactful efforts. Notable visitors included: H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, who graciously inaugurated the book “The Era of Pearls: From Poverty to Prosperity; H.E. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; H.E. Saqr Ghobash, Chairman of the Federal National Council; H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President; H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al-Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, accompanied by H.E. Dr. Ghassan Salamé, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lebanon; H.E. Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office; H.E. Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President; H.E. Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; H.E. Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security in Dubai; H.E. Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al-Nuaimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Councill; and H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council. Ambassadors of China, Turkey, Pakistan, and the Dominican Republic also visited the pavilion, alongside other diplomats, officials, academics, and intellectuals. Visitors commended TRENDS for its research and knowledge-driven contributions to the regional and global cultural landscape, applauding its dedication to preserving national heritage and fostering intellectual advancement.
Honoring
On the final day of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, the organizer of the fair, honored TRENDS Research & Advisory as a Platinum Sponsor of the 34th edition of the event, praising its active role in disseminating culture and knowledge and supporting the scientific publishing industry.
Culture as the Cornerstone
At the conclusion of the fair, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, emphasized that TRENDS’ participation as a Platinum Sponsor stemmed from its deep belief in the vital role of culture and scientific research in fostering societal awareness and preserving national identity.
He noted that the TRENDS pavilion served as a space for reflection, exploration, and intellectual engagement, and expressed his appreciation to the organizers for establishing the book fair as a global cultural platform.
Dr. Al-Ali said: “TRENDS’ participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is rooted in our conviction that culture is the cornerstone of building societal awareness, and that documentation forms the foundation of national identity.” He added, “We aimed to make the TRENDS pavilion a platform for thought, reflection, and exploration.”
He further explained that the book “The Pearl Age”, graciously inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, tells a story of perseverance that serves as an inspiration to future generations. “Our other publications,” he said, “support digital transformation and provide foresight into the future of vital sectors. Knowledge, after all, is the bridge between the past and the future.”
Dr. Al-Ali concluded by praising the event organizers, affirming that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has transcended its local roots to become a global cultural beacon that fosters intercultural dialogue and facilitates access to knowledge.
