-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali: “TRENDS is committed to supporting informed discussions and providing in-depth analyses“

TRENDS Research & Advisory took part in the International Defence Conference (IDC) 2025, held alongside IDEX and NAVDEX, as a knowledge partner. Through its office in the United States, TRENDS organized and moderated several strategic sessions at the Emirates Palace, addressing global defense and security issues. The event brought together officials, experts, and defense and security companies from around the world to discuss the key challenges and opportunities in this strategic sector.

Global Disruptions and Defence Preparedness

TRENDS’ Washington office, represented by Bilal Saab, Senior Managing Director of the office, moderated the conference’s first session titled “Global Disruptions and Defence Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains”.

The session explored the challenges facing defense supply chains due to geopolitical and economic crises, emphasizing the importance of innovation and international collaboration to secure strategic supplies. Distinguished speakers included: H.E. General (Ret.) Hulusi Akar, Chairman of the National Defense Committee in the Turkish Parliament and former Turkish Minister of National Defense; Farook Al Zeer, Chairman of Logistics Cluster at Abu Dhabi Ports Group; Tim Cahill, President of Missiles, Fire and Control at Lockheed Martin; and Professor ManMohan S. Sodhi, Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Bayes Business School.

During the session, Bilal Saab emphasized that defense readiness requires enhancing innovation and integration between governments and the private sector to ensure the resilience and sustainability of critical supply chains. He also stressed the importance of international cooperation to adapt to emerging challenges.

Disinformation and Influence Operations in Modern Conflicts

TRENDS’ Washington office also contributed as a speaker in the second session titled “Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponisation of Information in Modern Conflicts”.

The session featured Vice Admiral (Ret.) Kevin Donegan, Senior Advisor at TRENDS’ Washington office and Former US NAVCENT & Fifth Fleet Commander, alongside other experts and officials. They explored the complex and evolving landscape of information warfare, highlighting how state and non-state actors exploit disinformation, manipulate narratives, and use targeted messaging to achieve strategic objectives without firing a single shot. The session also discussed mechanisms to counter disinformation campaigns and the role of technology in tracking misinformation sources and their impact on political and military decisions.

Space as a New Frontier for Defense and Security

TRENDS’ Washington office moderated the third session titled “The Sky is No Longer the Limit: Emerging Threats and Opportunities in Space”. The session featured leading experts who examined the latest advancements in space technology and their implications for global security and defense.

The discussion was moderated by Natasha Ahmed, Board Member of the Space Force Association and Senior Advisor at TRENDS’ Washington office. The panel covered topics such as the development of space situational awareness and missile defense technologies, enhancing secure satellite communications, and emerging threats from anti-space capabilities and their impact on the military and commercial use of space infrastructure.

TRENDS’ participation in the conference through its Washington office aligns with its vision as a knowledge partner to foster dialogue, provide accurate analyses, and deliver forward-looking insights.

Knowledge Pavilion

On the sidelines of the conference, TRENDS showcased its Knowledge Pavilion, featuring its latest publications on defense, security, artificial intelligence, and innovation. The pavilion also included Echo, TRENDS’ research robot, which attracted a significant number of officials and participants.

The TRENDS team welcomed visitors and introduced them to the center’s research activities, knowledge outputs, and contributions as a knowledge partner at the conference. Attendees praised TRENDS’ presence as a research center at the International Defence Conference, commending its diverse research publications and highlighting the role of scientific research in driving innovation and formulating strategic visions to address global challenges.

Providing Scientific Insights

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, emphasized that this partnership reflects the center’s commitment to fostering strategic dialogues and delivering the latest insights on relevant research and knowledge issues.

He stated that TRENDS’ knowledge partnership at IDEX and NAVDEX 2025 demonstrates its dedication to supporting informed discussions and providing in-depth analyses. Dr. Al-Ali added that through its role as a knowledge partner at the International Defence Conference, TRENDS aims to deepen and elevate discussions, ensuring a better understanding of the presented issues to enhance global stability. He also expressed his aspiration to collaborate with ADNEC Group to make this prestigious global event a success and to promote innovation in its various fields.

The International Defence Conference 2025 serves as a global platform to discuss future trends in security and defense. TRENDS Research & Advisory played a pivotal role in presenting strategic insights that reflect the challenges and future opportunities in the field.