–TRENDS at the Frankfurt Book Fair for the fourth time

TRENDS Research and Advisory has announced an ambitious plan to expand its global operations by opening a series of new offices in key cities worldwide. This move aims to strengthen TRENDS’ position as a leading international think tank and expand its relations with research, academic and political institutions. TRENDS has also announced a series of research and dialogue activities to be held in various countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Germany and Russia.

Expanding Knowledge Presence

In a media briefing under the slogan “TRENDS in October: Expanding its Knowledge Presence Across Continents”, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, revealed the details of this strategic move, emphasizing the importance of the Center’s presence at the heart of global decision-making hubs.

Dr. Al-Ali stated that the opening of TRENDS’ Washington Office, set to officially launch at a global conference early next year, marks a new chapter in the Center’s journey, future vision and primary goals, including enhancing dialogue with U.S. research and academic institutions and contributing to building global knowledge bridges.

He also confirmed that the launch of the office and its visual identity is part of TRENDS’ plan with regard to external offices, and that this office, together with TRENDS’ offices in a number of global capitals, as a significant support for TRENDS’ head office in Abu Dhabi.

Dr. Al-Ali highlighted that the new offices in Washington, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Berlin and Moscow will focus on studying the political, economic and social dynamics in their respective regions, with a special focus on the ties between those regions and the Middle East.

He added that these offices will play a key role in enhancing cooperation with think tanks, universities and government institutions in those countries, providing in-depth analysis of pressing global issues.

United States

Bilal Saab, Senior Managing Director of the Washington Office and Head of TRENDS’ U.S.-Middle East Practice, emphasized the significance of this event. He pointed out that the new office will work to strengthen cooperation and partnerships between Washington and the Middle East by conducting strategic analysis and leveraging TRENDS’ extensive partner network. The office will specialize in political, defense and security issues between the U.S. and its Middle East partners, aiming to offer a competitive edge through a diverse team with broad expertise in dealing with various issues.

Brazil On a related note, Awadh Al-Breiki, Senior Researcher and Head of TRENDS Global Sector, announced that TRENDS will open an office in São Paulo, Brazil, adding to its growing network of global offices designed to support the Center’s head office. He noted that this proximity to key global regions will strengthen TRENDS’ role and impact.

Additionally, TRENDS will participate as a Diamond Sponsor in the Brazil-Africa Forum 2024 and present a working paper at the event. On the sidelines of the Forum, TRENDS will organize a symposium on October 15 in São Paulo, titled “Sustainable Prosperity: A Governance Approach to Boosting Investment in African Infrastructure”, featuring a number of experts and specialists.

Argentina Awadh Al-Breiki announced that as part of its global expansion, TRENDS will conduct an intensive research tour in Argentina on October 16-18 during which it will hold important discussions with several research institutions and inaugurate a new TRENDS office in Buenos Aires.

Germany Nasser Mohammed Al-Ali, Head of Administrative Affairs Sector at TRENDS, stated that as part of its commitment to active presence in global forums, the Center will launch its Berlin office. It will also participate for the fourth time in the Frankfurt International Book Fair, showcasing more than 300 of its publications. The media team will also record podcast episodes with distinguished guests at the Book Fair.

Russia Fahad Al-Mahri, Senior Researcher and Head of TRENDS Dubai Office, said that TRENDS, as part of its global vision, will open its Moscow office and organize the First Annual Think Tank Conference for BRICS Countries on October 23, 2024. The conference will be held at the Kremlin in Kazan, Russia, with wide participation from research institutions and think tanks worldwide. The Think Tank Summit aims to enhance research cooperation among BRICS countries and develop innovative strategies for sustainable development.

Al-Mahri highlighted the importance of this event in supporting research collaboration and foresight while strengthening the role of BRICS in the international system. The conference agenda will feature two sessions: one on the role of think tanks and media in developing economic, cultural and geopolitical policies of BRICS countries, and the other on the role of think tanks in boosting BRICS’ soft power.

Media Partnership

Elyazia Al-Hosani, Director of Media Department at TRENDS, said that Aletihad News Center will be the media partner for these global events. She noted that TRENDS, through its various platforms, will provide comprehensive coverage of all activities, adhering to the highest professional and technical standards. She underlined that the media team has finalized its preparations for this new research tour.