TRENDS Research & Advisory and the Sea of Culture Foundation have renewed their strategic partnership agreement to expand cooperation on cultural and social issues. The renewed agreement seeks to enhance the United Arab Emirates’ soft power and support in-depth studies with societal impact.

The renewal took place during a visit by a delegation from the Sea of Culture Foundation to TRENDS Research & Advisory’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The delegation was led by Sheikha Sheikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Foundation. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on TRENDS’ key achievements, research models, and knowledge programs.

The agreement was signed on behalf of TRENDS Research & Advisory by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, and on behalf of the Sea of Culture Foundation by Sheikha Sheikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Vice Chairperson of the Foundation, which is chaired by Sheikha Rawda bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan.

Dr. Al-Ali welcomed the renewal of the partnership and commended the strategic relationship with the Sea of Culture Foundation. He emphasized that the agreement provides a framework for developing in-depth research and studies in social, cultural, literary, and artistic fields, in line with the UAE’s national priorities and strategic directions.

He noted that the next phase will witness high-impact partnerships, particularly in major cultural events such as book fairs, that strengthen integration between research and cultural engagement and serve the needs of Emirati society at both social and cultural levels.

Dr. Al-Ali concluded by highlighting the importance of the visit, describing it as a new starting point for a meaningful and sustainable partnership between the two sides.

Sheikha Al-Hussan, Member of the Board of Directors of the Sea of Culture Foundation, affirmed that renewing the agreement reflects the continuity of a long-standing relationship between the two institutions. She noted that this cooperation represents one of the key avenues for strengthening the UAE’s soft power and underscores the importance of cultural and social research within the national development framework.

She added that the Sea of Culture Foundation, chaired by Sheikha Rawda bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, is keen to align its programs with the national themes announced by His Highness the President of the UAE, pointing out that upcoming cooperation with TRENDS will include work related to the “Year of the Family,” through leveraging literature and the arts to address the needs of the Emirati family and enhance its role in society.