-TRENDS Youth Council Examines the Relationship Between Emirati Youth, Language, and Books
As part of the program of TRENDS’ pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the TRENDS Cultural Salon held a specialized workshop titled “Artificial Intelligence and Its Legal Applications”. Organized in collaboration with the College of Law at Abu Dhabi University and the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals, the workshop drew strong attendance from researchers, academics, and those interested in the intersection of technology and law.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, opened the session with welcoming remarks in which he emphasized the importance of exploring the legal dimensions of emerging technologies. He noted that integrating AI into the justice system is no longer optional but a necessity, yet one that requires deep dialogue to overcome challenges and ensure responsible use.
The workshop was moderated by researcher Eissa Al-Mannaei and featured legal advisor Dr. Abdullah Ghanem Al-Nasser, Advisor to Dr. Abdullah Al-Nasser Law Firm and Head of the Artificial Intelligence Team at the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals. Dr. Al-Nasser discussed the legal and legislative challenges arising from the use of AI in judicial practices. He noted that while AI offers promising capabilities in data analysis, accelerating legal procedures, and drafting documents, it cannot replace human expertise in judicial decision-making or in safeguarding justice.
Dr. Al-Nasser presented a real-world example of AI application in drafting a bail request. The model was customized based on legal and human considerations, including the defendant’s background, personal circumstances, and the presiding judge’s inclinations, highlighting the critical need for merging technology with deep legal understanding.
The workshop witnessed dynamic engagement by the audience, who raised questions on ethical considerations, judicial accountability in AI-supported decisions, and the readiness of the Arab world’s legal systems to keep pace with such technological advancements. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants agreed on the urgency of updating legislative frameworks to align with technological developments, stressing that the optimal path to justice lies in integrating AI tools with human legal reasoning to ensure both efficiency and sustainability.
The Relationship Between Youth, Language, and Books
As part of its mission to empower youth and enrich their cultural and linguistic awareness, the TRENDS Youth Council hosted a special intellectual session titled “Emirati Youth: Between Language and Books”, in collaboration with the Specialized Libraries Department at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre. Held at the TRENDS Research & Advisory’s pavilion at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, the session sought to spark an open dialogue among young people on the significance of the Arabic language as a marker of identity and culture, and its role in shaping social awareness and creative thinking, particularly amid today’s digital transformations and cultural challenges. The discussion also explored the evolving relationship between youth and books, especially with the rise of digital platforms and diverse sources of knowledge. A group of young researchers and activists in the fields of language, publishing, and education participated in the session, sharing their varied perspectives on the future of the Arabic language in a tech-savvy generation. The dialogue touched on the challenges facing traditional reading habits and emphasized the importance of striking a balance between preserving cultural heritage and embracing modern knowledge tools.
The speakers emphasized that Arabic is not merely a tool of communication, but a mirror of national identity and a bridge that connects generations to a rich past and a dynamic present. They highlighted that supporting Arabic digital content, producing engaging books for younger audiences, and ensuring the presence of Arabic in modern technologies are all essential steps to strengthening young people’s connection with their mother tongue. The session also explored how to revive the role of the printed book as a tool for reflection and deep thinking, rather than just quick information consumption. It stressed the importance of developing public and university libraries into interactive hubs that combine culture, creativity, and technology to attract youth.
The session drew enthusiastic engagement from the audience, particularly students and those interested in cultural and linguistic issues. Participants contributed to the discussion with questions and ideas on how to revive reading habits, integrate Arabic in work and tech environments, and promote youth role models as advocates for linguistic and cultural awareness.
At the conclusion of the session, participants emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between cultural, educational, and media institutions on one hand, and youth on the other, to build a generation that is conscious of its language, proud of its culture, and open to the world with a balanced perspective. They praised the role of TRENDS and its Youth Council in creating these dialogue platforms that empower young people to shape a new cultural discourse rooted in their reality and aspirations.
