TRENDS Research & Advisory affirmed that the United Arab Emirates stands as a global role model in combating extremism and promoting a culture of tolerance and moderation, thanks to the vision of its wise leadership and its ongoing efforts to strengthen intellectual resilience and instill values of loyalty and national identity.

These insights were shared at Um Ghafah Majlis, held on May 24, 2025, under the theme “Intellectual Nakhwah”, where Mohammed Al-Salmi, Senior Researcher and Head of Research Sector at TRENDS, delivered the center’s address on behalf of Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory.

In his address, Al-Salmi explained that the concept of intellectual nakhwah represents a crucial pillar of intellectual security. It is rooted in the UAE’s core values of dignity, responsibility, and honor, which are deeply embedded in Emirati society and have been actively reinforced by the country’s leadership. He added that this concept provides a strong line of defense for youth and society against deviant ideologies and extremist narratives.

Al-Salmi outlined three major challenges to intellectual security in the region: extremist ideologies promoted by terrorist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood; imported ideas that seek to erode religious and moral values; and malicious media campaigns aimed at tarnishing the UAE’s image abroad.

He emphasized TRENDS’ belief that intellectual resilience is the first line of defense against these threats, and noted that the UAE leads global efforts through strict legislation, educational curricula that promote moderation and national identity, and institutional initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of tolerance and openness.

Al-Salmi also highlighted TRENDS’ pioneering role in this field through its international research partnerships and in-depth analytical studies that deconstruct extremist ideologies. Chief among them is the Muslim Brotherhood Encyclopedia, a 35-volume research project, 14 of which have been published and translated into 15 global languages. He also pointed to the center’s active participation in international research forums, its outreach to parliaments around the world to rally support against terrorism, and its organization of intellectual forums aimed at safeguarding youth and enhancing their awareness.

He concluded by emphasizing that combating extremism is a collective responsibility, starting with families, educational institutions, and media, and extending to researchers, thinkers, and think tanks. He reaffirmed TRENDS’ ongoing commitment to playing a vital role in building awareness and strengthening intellectual security in the UAE and globally.