–Dr. Al-Ali: Intellectual Security is Everyone’s Responsibility… Intellectual Nakhwa is a Shield for Society

TRENDS Research & Advisory, represented by its CEO, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali, participated in a thought-provoking symposium titled “Intellectual Nakhwa: Immunity and Moderation”. The event was held at Majlis Al-Hawashim in Al Bahia as part of the 2025 Ramadan program for the guests of His Highness the President of the UAE.

The Concept of Nakhwa

At the beginning of his speech, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali discussed the concept of “intellectual nakhwa” (chivalry), explaining that it extends from the authentic Emirati values of honor and nobility while incorporating an intellectual security dimension. This approach strengthens the protection of youth and society from ideological deviations. He emphasized that this nakhwa fosters loyalty and national belonging while providing intellectual immunity against the negative influences of destructive ideologies.

Challenges

Dr. Al-Ali highlighted three major challenges threatening intellectual security in the UAE, namely extremist and destructive ideologies that fuel violence and terrorism, targeting stable societies; deviant ideas that seek to alter religious, moral and traditional Emirati values; and malicious media campaigns led by extremist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood.

Intellectual Immunity

Dr. Al-Ali stressed that intellectual immunity is the strongest weapon against extremism. He explained that terrorist groups attempt to detach their followers from their societies, instilling loyalty to organizations instead of the state, posing a severe threat to national stability.

To enhance intellectual security, he outlined several strategies, including: critically analyzing extremist ideologies and exposing their true nature, as TRENDS does through its research publications; promoting tolerance and coexistence as fundamental values for societal protection; developing moderate religious discourse to counter extremist narratives; engaging youth and university students to shield them from radical influences; integrating tolerance and moderation concepts into educational curricula; and strengthening media’s role in monitoring and combating extremist ideologies, with a focus on social media, which has the most influence on younger generations.

A Global Model

Dr. Al-Ali highlighted the UAE’s pioneering efforts in combating extremism, noting that the country is a global leader in fostering moderation. These efforts include enacting laws and regulations, establishing specialized institutions and centers, launching international initiatives, and incorporating values of tolerance and national belonging into school curricula.

The Role of Society

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that every individual in the society has a role in safeguarding intellectual security, including by reinforcing authentic religious and social values or through the efforts of media and educational institutions, which play a vital role in protecting future generations.

TRENDS and Combating Extremism

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali emphasized that TRENDS Research & Advisory plays a crucial role in countering extremism through publishing in-depth analytical studies that expose the dangers of extremist groups, such as the “Encyclopedia of the Muslim Brotherhood,” a comprehensive work consisting of 35 books translated into 15 languages; establishing international research partnerships with universities and research centers to combat extremism; organizing seminars and conferences to enhance intellectual awareness; and collaborating with international parliaments to unify efforts in confronting terrorist organizations, as seen in past engagements in London and Paris.

At the conclusion of the symposium, Dr. Al-Ali reaffirmed that intellectual security is a collective responsibility and that intellectual nakhwa serves as a shield to protect society. He highlighted the UAE as a global model of tolerance and extremism prevention, crediting the nation’s wise leadership and proactive policies in safeguarding society intellectually and culturally.