Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali:

• TRENDS has expanded its reach, reinforcing its global vision
• The Center won 20 awards throughout its journey
• We work on youth empowerment, based on the principle that investing in youth is an investment in the future

In a new milestone along its knowledge journey, TRENDS Research & Advisory today celebrated its 11th anniversary, showcasing a rich record of achievements that have established its position as one of the most prominent think tanks in the region and the world. The celebration coincided with an honor bestowed upon TRENDS by the Meeting of Muslim Religious Leaders of BRICS Countries, where its CEO, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, was awarded the title of “Person of the Year 2025,” in recognition of his significant role in building bridges of cooperation through research, academic, and scholarly development and innovation, and in strengthening the role of thought in serving humanity.

With its forward-looking research vision, TRENDS has secured an advanced position among international research institutions in just a few years. It combines depth of scientific output, strong global presence, and commitment to youth empowerment while building partnerships across continents. During this short period, it strengthened its standing as a leading intellectual institution at regional and international levels, gaining the trust of researchers, institutions, and media outlets and an active global presence.

An Ambitious Vision and a Human Mission

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, affirmed that the achievements will begin a more ambitious journey in the upcoming phase. He noted that the Center has become a strategic partner in building a better future for the region and the world.

Dr. Al-Ali expressed pride in what has been accomplished, emphasizing that TRENDS, with its team, aspires to more and seeks to consolidate its position as a global reference in strategic research related to future issues, confronting extremism in all its intellectual forms, as well as sustainability, innovation, and artificial intelligence.

He stressed that these successes would not have been possible without the team’s efforts and the support of research, media, governmental, and private partners. He added that the Center today represents a model of a successful institution that serves the nation while also contributing to enriching global knowledge.

He also highlighted his pride in that most TRENDS employees are young Emirati men and women who have proven their capabilities in various research and administrative fields. This embodies the Center’s motto: Investing in youth is investing in the future.

Rich Research Output

Academic research is the backbone of TRENDS’ work, a fact reflected in remarkable figures over the past years: 1,688 reports and special studies on regional and international issues; 1,183 research papers; 1,143 articles and studies published externally; 343 scholarly publications, including 51 original books in Arabic, English, and French; 14 studies in the Encyclopedia of the Muslim Brotherhood series; 95 translated books into 15 global languages, underscoring worldwide knowledge dissemination; 183 academic series, including 57 strategic trends, 23 economic trends, 60 policy papers, and 27 studies on political Islam, in addition to specialized series on artificial intelligence.

This work formed a vital knowledge base that analyzed complex regional and international issues and provided forward-looking insights. These figures confirm that TRENDS has succeeded in establishing itself as a rich research reference addressing a global audience of academics, researchers, decision-makers, and media professionals.

Youth Empowerment

TRENDS places special importance on empowering youth, with Emiratization exceeding 52%, reflecting its commitment to developing national talent. Empowerment initiatives include training recent graduates and refining their skills, supporting youth-led research, and organizing workshops and specialized seminars to build capabilities. TRENDS has thus become a genuine platform for preparing a generation of researchers capable of competing and innovating internationally.

Empowerment Arm

The TRENDS International Training Institute is a key driver in developing human capacity. In partnership with leading global institutes and universities, it offers training programs that combine theory and practice to meet the demands of a changing labor market. The Institute aims to be a pioneering training hub, delivering integrated programs that merge academic knowledge with practical application, meet labor market demands, and enhance institutional and individual competencies.

TRENDS’ Global Reach

On the international level, TRENDS expanded its research partnerships to 342 academic, media, governmental, and private institutions across more than 45 countries—including 22 partnerships in the United States, 13 in the United Kingdom, 12 in France, and seven each in China, Japan, and South Korea.

TRENDS also opened 22 physical and virtual external offices in Moscow, Washington, São Paulo, Cape Town, Seoul, European and American capitals, Cairo, Rabat, and Amman. These offices strengthen research cooperation, facilitate collaboration with institutions, support scientific data collection, deliver specialized consultancy, and promote TRENDS’ publications and activities across continents.

Activities and Participation

Active engagement in academic events is one of TRENDS’ defining features. The Center organized 298 scientific events, including conferences, symposia, and lectures, such as its annual conference. It also participated in 74 international book fairs (from China and Germany to Morocco, Korea, and India) and 461 conferences and forums addressing sustainable security, extremism, youth talent, and development.

TRENDS’ most notable participations included the World Economic Forum in Davos; the 6th International Conference – Spiritual Silk Road: The Role of Moral Values in Bridging Nations and Continents — in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; the 5th German-Arab Dialogue on Security and Cooperation in Berlin; NATO’s Maritime Security Conference in Istanbul; the Conference on Extremism Leading to Violence at the University of Lyon in France; the BRICS conferences in Moscow and Brazil; the UAE–Republic of Korea Strategic Dialogue in Seoul; the Academic Conference of the Korean Association of Middle East Studies in Seoul; the China–Arab States Cooperation Forum: 20 Years of Giving and Cooperation at the League of Arab States; the 6th Annual GCC International Conference in the United States; the King’s College Geopolitics Forum in London; and the organization of a symposium the French Senate under the title Toward Concerted Efforts to Stop the Financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities.

The TRENDS Barometer: Over 130 Polls Tracking Public Opinion

TRENDS’ Global Barometer Department has conducted over 130 surveys and polls addressing political, economic, social, and cultural issues. These topics ranged from local and global affairs to youth perspectives, climate change, the digital economy, and community-related matters such as education, health, and volunteerism. These surveys have helped build a broad and reliable database that captures shifts in public opinion and reflects changing priorities, reinforcing TRENDS’ role in providing rigorous scientific insights that enrich academic and research discussions on today’s most pressing challenges. The Department works with ten partners at the local, federal, and regional levels, providing them with studies on both a monthly and annual basis to support informed decision-making.

Recognition of Excellence

In recognition of its achievements, TRENDS has won several prestigious awards, including:

• The Emirates Labor Market Award, in its first edition (2023), under the Future Readiness Category – Diamond Classification for distinguished and pioneering establishments in the labor market.
• In its second edition (2024), the Emirates Labor Market Award is in the Scientific and Technological Innovations Category. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation also awarded TRENDS the Diamond Category classification.
• Personality of the Year 2025: The Meeting of Muslim Religious Leaders of BRICS Countries honored TRENDS Research & Advisory, represented by its CEO, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, in recognition of his scientific and research efforts in supporting the Sustainable Development Goals.
• The 2025 Tolerance Award from the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence.
• The Peace Award from the World Islamic Council.

• The Leading Institution in Counter-Extremism Award from the UK Foreign Office.
• The Sustainability Award at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
• Recognition by the University of Pennsylvania as one of the top ten rising think tanks globally, and a top-ranked center for disseminating accurate knowledge on COVID-19.
• The Best Global Pavilion Award at the Nairobi International Book Fair.
• The Arab Global Network presented the Best Research Center Award (2024) at the UK Parliament.
• A Guinness World Record for the largest participation in research-related activities, and ISO certification maintained for over six consecutive years.
• The Best Pavilion Award at the 2025 America International Culture and Arab Book Fair in Dearborn, Michigan.

TRENDS has also recorded unique achievements, such as setting Guinness World Records and earning more than 260 honorary medals.

Innovative Platforms and Modern Identity

On the media front, with the creation of its Media Sector, TRENDS developed a comprehensive communication system: 4,513 periodic bulletins and reports (daily, weekly, monthly); and 19,018 digital posts, achieving more than 36.6 million views and interactions. TRENDS also launched the TRENDS Research smart application as an innovative gateway to facilitate access to its publications and events. The TRENDS Podcast is a creative knowledge platform offering scientific insights by hosting several intellectual and academic figures from various countries. The Knowledge WhatsApp platform (with over 2 million followers) and the TRENDS Artificial Intelligence Community represent an interactive knowledge platform highlighting AI and advanced technology. TRENDS also publishes the TRENDS AI Journal.

Additional achievements include establishing the TRENDS Grand Conference Hall and redesigning its website with a modern, AI-integrated, youth-driven interface. Using the most advanced techniques, the TRENDS Smart Lab has become the technical hub for producing and showcasing outputs—ranging from infographics, designs, and videos to filming, recording, and creative production.

Supporting Advisory and Academic Councils

TRENDS relies on two councils—an Advisory Council and a scientific and academic Council—composed of leading experts from diverse disciplines and nationalities. These councils guide the Center, ensuring adherence to best global practices and enhancing the credibility of its research.

TRENDS Youth Council

As part of its commitment to advancing research and empowering youth, TRENDS Research & Advisory established the TRENDS Youth Council and its Advisory Council, embodying a forward-looking vision that positions youth as future leaders in research. The Council provides a stimulating environment to refine their skills, encourages innovative contributions, injects fresh perspectives, and empowers young researchers to shape the future of research and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Media Presence

TRENDS has become a recognizable voice in international media. Its researchers contribute articles and analyses to newspapers such as Aletihad, Asharq Al-Awsat, The Washington Post, The Hill, and Gulf News, and frequently appear on TV channels like Abu Dhabi TV, Sky News Arabia, Al Arabiya, CNN, Al Hurra, as well as numerous local and international radio stations.

Future Readiness

TRENDS Research & Advisory adopted a strategic human resources plan to prioritize Emirati talent, achieve Emiratization targets, and win the Emirates Labor Market Award for two consecutive years.

The Center also updated its organizational structure and implemented governance policies and periodic reporting to strengthen its institutional character and ensure sustainability.

Conclusion

Eleven years since its founding, TRENDS Research & Advisory stands solidly as a national research institution with a global mission. It has successfully combined rigorous scientific research, youth empowerment, openness to international partnerships, and innovation in media and training tools. Its cumulative achievements affirm that TRENDS is no longer just a research center but a knowledge and human bridge connecting the UAE to the world, contributing to shaping the local, regional, and international future.