-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: Achievements reflect the spirit of teamwork and organizational integration
Expressing and outlining a renewed commitment toward research excellence and knowledge leadership, TRENDS Research & Advisory held its Smart Research Retreat at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The retreat reviewed key achievements in the first half of 2025 and outlined its strategic outlook for the coming period.
The retreat, chaired by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, brought together sector heads, department directors, team leaders, researchers, and experts. It reviewed six months of dedicated work in research, conference management, strategic partnerships, distribution, and exhibitions, underscoring TRENDS’ commitment to its role as a leading think tank.
Future Outlook
Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that the retreat is a strategic platform for assessing performance and setting the course ahead, noting that what has been accomplished reflects a spirit of teamwork and organizational integration. TRENDS conducted over 600 research and intellectual activities in six months, including reports, surveys, local and international events, and cooperation agreements.
He noted that TRENDS has solidified its status as an independent think tank with a clear vision, contributing to understanding regional and global transformations. The center served as a knowledge partner at major summits such as the AI Summit and conducted European tours in Paris, Berlin, and Rome as part of its smart expansion strategy.
Dr. Al-Ali highlighted p flagship projects, such as the Youth Index and the field survey on food insecurity, which serve decision-makers through rigorous scientific methodologies. He emphasized that this year’s research retreat is not merely a moment to reflect on figures. It is an opportunity to understand the impact behind the numbers and to reinforce the core values that define TRENDS: innovation, integration, and excellence. He affirmed that the next phase would see the launch of new initiatives, the expansion of research partnerships, and a strengthened presence in key strategic regions.
Publications: Rich Output
TRENDS released 29 publications in the first half of 2025, including 18 original books (some in translation or under review) and 13 translated works. These included the Strategic Trends, Economic Trends, Political Islam Trends, Artificial Intelligence Trends series, political papers, and two volumes of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia.
The publishing pipeline includes 42 new publications and five translated volumes of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia. TRENDS is also preparing for the Al Ain Book Fair and the Sharjah International Book Fair 2025 and collaborating with external entities to supply them with new research content.
Research Achievements
TRENDS produced 101 research papers in six months: 40 in Arabic and 61 in English. Affiliate researchers and partners contributed 29 papers (12 in Arabic, 17 in English).
The Political Islam Studies Section shared its 2025 plans, including updates to the Muslim Brotherhood Power Index, new volumes in the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia (Volumes 13–16), eight Political Islam Trends studies, monthly insights, and a practical guide for countering extremist ideologies in collaboration with the General Authority for Islamic Affairs. The department will host the Fifth Annual TRENDS Forum on Political Islam in September 2025.
New Products and Launches
TRENDS launched a new Advanced Political Studies Department, which will introduce Snapshots, a rapid-analysis product on political developments, and a new journal — AI and Political Science Journal. Other initiatives include the Thoughtism Hub Podcast and the Fikromology Series.
Global Reach and Media Engagement
More than 15 insights were published through TRENDS platforms and global networks, with over 15 articles or excerpts republished by international media. TRENDS appeared on more than 30 news and media platforms, and its experts were featured in interviews and news bulletins. TRENDS organized or participated in over 12 global events, delivered workshops and lectures and signed MOUs with numerous partners.
Future Trends Awards
As part of the TRENDS Youth Council’s efforts to promote a culture of research and innovation among youth, the Council has launched the new edition of the Future Trends Awards. The initiative aims to empower students across the United Arab Emirates to showcase their talents in research writing and academic creativity. This unique platform enables young people to express their future visions innovatively and scientifically, opening up broad horizons for excellence and positive impact in society.
Global Barometer and International Activity
TRENDS Dubai office recorded 608 activities in six months, ranging from specialized reports to events, surveys, MOUs, official visits, policy briefs, and newsletters. The Global Barometer contributed 544 projects, including global and local surveys and a Public Opinion Trends bulletin. TRENDS Dubai office also carried out 64 initiatives, including the BRICS Era conference, a roundtable, an academic visit to Indiana University, and the production of a white paper.
TRENDS’ international presence expanded across 12 countries. Key achievements included participation as a knowledge partner in the AI Summit and conducting the 2024 Food Insecurity Experience Survey and a series of opinion polls under the Youth Index.
International Offices and Strategic Partnerships
TRENDS opened three new offices in 2025: TRENDS USA, TRENDS Latin America, and its virtual office in Belgium bringing the total to 21 offices worldwide.
Looking ahead, TRENDS aims to establish strategic partnerships with research institutes, academic institutions, and investment firms. Targets include signing 22 new MOUs and launching 25 joint research projects.
Thought Leadership from Abu Dhabi to Europe and South Asia
In the first half of 2025, TRENDS organized 48 major events, including the TRENDS Fifth Annual Intellectual Forum in Abu Dhabi and the TRENDS European Tour in Italy and Germany (October 2025).
The second half of the year will feature activities in July, September, November, and December, as well as participation in global book fairs in Sharjah (Nov 8-16), Frankfurt (Oct 15-19), and Beijing (June 18-22).
Training Sector
TRENDS International Training Institute aims to become a global leader in training and development. It seeks to create an innovative training environment that meets the community’s needs and the job market, enabling individuals to achieve their aspirations.
The retreat highlighted recent training programs and international partnerships, including a media training course with RT, an agreement with The Business School for the World, and a workshop with the Global Arab Network.
The summer program with Johns Hopkins University is underway in Abu Dhabi, Washington, and Seoul. Collaboration invitations have been sent to 75 global institutions.
The institute is pursuing new partnerships and training programs in AI and will host students from Como University (Fall 2025) and the Geneva School of Diplomacy.
Advisory Sector
TRENDS’ Advisory Sector delivered three specialized advisory projects in strategic, research, and evaluation areas. Looking ahead, the sector aims to expand advisory services, attract new clients, and organize specialized workshops and events at international conferences and exhibitions.
