-Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali affirms that the Accords represent a foundational vision and that dialogue and coexistence form a “solid ground” for building peace.

TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the Abraham Accords Conference: Lessons Learned, Pathways, and Avenues for Regional Cooperation, hosted by the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi in collaboration with the Regional Cooperation Forum. TRENDS Research & Advisory – the conference’s strategic partner – delivered an opening address, outlining a comprehensive framework for understanding the importance, challenges, and prospects of these Accords.

Dr. Mohammed Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS, affirmed in the speech delivered on his behalf by Abdulaziz Ahmed Al Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at the Center, that the Abraham Accords, signed in September 2020 by the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Israel, and the United States – and later joined by Morocco and Sudan – were more than temporary political arrangements. Instead, they constituted “a pivotal moment in regional politics.”

He explained that the foundation of these Accords lies in a key vision: that the values of dialogue, tolerance, and coexistence among the peoples of the region form a “solid ground” indispensable for building just and lasting peace and achieving sustainable development and prosperity across the Middle East. In this sense, the Accords carry within them the real potential to “lay the groundwork for a new era in the Middle East.”

The CEO of TRENDS also emphasized the civilizational and spiritual dimensions of the Accords, noting their recognition of a shared Abrahamic heritage among the signatory states, which represent diverse civilizations. He stressed that this common heritage offers an authentic gateway to “interaction and cooperation” instead of “discord and conflict.” He described the concept of a shared Abrahamic heritage among Islam, Christianity, and Judaism as a “creative idea” that could serve as the foundation for a broader cultural project linking the peoples of the Arab-Islamic and Judeo-Christian civilizations. In doing so, it would become “a firmly rooted universal human foundation and a heritage for all.”

Dr. Al-Ali also highlighted the symbolic importance of the patriarch Abraham, peace be upon him, in upholding the values of human fraternity, tolerance, and cultural diversity. He cited the Document on Human Fraternity, signed in Abu Dhabi in February 2019 by the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, and Pope Francis. He affirmed the inspiring vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, who has emphasized that “the universe accommodates all of us, diversity is a source of wealth and not a cause of conflict or strife.”

Dr. Al-Ali noted that the Abraham Accords mark the beginning of “a new regional chapter” built on a collective vision of shared prosperity. He explained that as trade relations deepen, the bonds between nations and peoples grow stronger. Within this framework, the Accords open the door to vast opportunities that could help drive a thriving regional economy valued at an estimated one trillion dollars over the coming decade.

He also underscored the significant challenges facing the Accords, stressing the need for governments, parliaments, think tanks, and cultural and economic institutions to work together to maintain momentum. He warned against attempts by elements of the Israeli far-right seeking to eliminate the idea of a Palestinian state and undermine the two-state solution. He emphasized that achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution is in the interest of all parties. He highlighted the United States’ critical role in halting initiatives that threaten the future of the Abraham Accords.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali stressed that the conference represents “an invaluable academic and research opportunity” to review progress on the agenda of tolerance and coexistence, provides “a meaningful space to assess regional security challenges,” and serves as a research platform for assessing the course of the Abraham Accords and envisioning their future and how best to ensure the realization of their goals. TRENDS researchers took part in several conference sessions, presenting contributions that emphasized the importance of deepening research cooperation and exchanging expertise as essential pillars for ensuring the sustainability of the Abraham Accords and achieving their intended outcomes.