TRENDS Research & Advisory continues its active presence at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 with a dynamic program of research and intellectual activities that explore the profound transformations shaping the contemporary world. For the fourth consecutive day, the TRENDS pavilion has attracted visitors and those interested in research and culture, offering a wide range of publications.
The pavilion welcomed several high-level visits, most notably that of 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. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, also visited the pavilion, where he reviewed the latest publications and studies, and stopped by the heritage corner, which highlights the story of UAE pearls. He praised the center’s efforts in preserving and documenting national heritage.
Another notable visitor was H.E. Dr. Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, who commended the intellectual and research role that TRENDS plays in supporting the cultural landscape both regionally and internationally.
The pavilion also received Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Ali bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, who explored key recent publications and praised the richness of the center’s content and its contribution to advancing thought and knowledge.
Sheikha Maisoon Al Qasimi also visited the pavilion, where she was introduced to TRENDS’ research strategy and its broad knowledge services. She praised the quality of its publications, describing them as a valuable addition to Emirati and Arab culture.
As a Platinum Sponsor of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, TRENDS affirms its commitment to promoting intellectual dialogue, supporting rigorous scientific research, and serving culture and thought in the UAE and the wider region.
Culture in the AI Era
TRENDS Youth Council organized a roundtable titled “Redefining Culture in the AI Era,” held at the center’s pavilion with the participation of members from Abu Dhabi youth councils and TRENDS researchers. The session explored a number of vital themes, most notably how AI is reshaping the concept of culture and reading, and whether it enhances critical thinking and analytical skills or instead fosters dependence on ready-made tools that may reduce deep thinking. The discussion also raised important questions about whether AI encourages genuine reading or creates a generation reliant on fast browsing and auto-generated summaries without true comprehension.
Participants expressed diverse perspectives. Some saw AI as a powerful tool that expands learning opportunities and provides rapid, efficient access to vast amounts of information. Others voiced concerns that overreliance on such tools could lead to a decline in critical thinking skills and deep reading comprehension. They stressed that culture is not measured by the number of pages read, but by the depth of understanding and analysis.
Under a theme dedicated to education, the session discussed how educational institutions are responding to digital transformation and the need to update curricula to include cultural AI skills, such as source verification, critical reading, and ethical use of technological tools. Attendees emphasized the importance of striking a balance between using technology and strengthening core human skills like creativity, reflection, and expressive writing.
The ethical dimension of AI use was also discussed, particularly in light of the widespread adoption of summarization, translation, and writing tools. Youth participants examined how they can cultivate knowledge habits that ensure they remain active thinkers rather than passive recipients. Calls were made to raise awareness about the risks of total dependence on AI and to reinforce the importance of thoughtful reading and independent analysis.
The session concluded with youth recommendations calling for a redefinition of “culture” to include digital literacy and creative interaction with technology, without abandoning the foundational values of human knowledge. The recommendations highlighted the need to encourage smart reading platforms and develop school and university programs that integrate AI within balanced and responsible educational frameworks.
New Releases
As part of its ongoing activities, TRENDS launched two new publications that add to its growing body of research. The first book, titled “Tolerance in the UAE: Heritage, Value, and Institutional Framework,” is authored by H.E. Abdullah Majed Al-Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives. It explores the UAE’s model of tolerance, from its historical roots to its modern institutional policies, analyzing the role of the wise leadership and Emirati diplomacy in embedding tolerance as a core human value and a pillar of the nation’s soft power.
The second book, “Anticipating the Future of the Muslim Brotherhood,” is the 14th volume of the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia. It examines the evolution of political Islam following the Arab Spring, questioning whether the world is witnessing the “end of Islamism” or a structural transformation toward new forms of political and advocacy presence.
