TRENDS Research and Advisory has continued its active international presence by participating in the proceedings of the 6th German-Arab Gulf Dialogue on Security and Cooperation, which was jointly organized by the German-Arab Friendship Association (DAFG) and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) in Berlin under the theme “Deepening Mutual Understanding Between Europe and the Gulf”. This comes a few days after TRENDS has successfully participated in an event at the French Senate in Paris and another at the University of Montreal in Canada.

TRENDS was represented at the Dialogue, which was held at the AXICA Congress and Convention Center in Berlin, by Sultan Al-Rubaei, senior researcher and deputy head of the Research Sector, and Ahmed Al-Yafai, deputy head of the Human Resources Sector and director of the General Services and Support Department.

TRENDS’ participation was in the form of a contribution by researcher Sultan Al-Rubaei at the Young Leaders Forum, which was held on the sidelines of the Dialogue. The Forum brought together German and GCC youth with the aim of facilitating dialogue between young leaders, professionals and experts from GCC countries and Germany, enhancing relations between members of the next generation, and building a network that is based on mutual understanding between young leaders from Germany and the GCC.

Al-Rubaei praised this initiative. He said that it was innovative and aimed at enhancing exchange between young decision makers, professionals and experts from the GCC countries and Europe as well as building mutual understanding and cooperation between the next generation of leaders in those countries.

He said that dialogue constitutes a strong tool to build positive relations, resolve disputes and enhance understanding between individuals and societies. It is a fundamental pillar of scientific research and foreseeing the future.

In a comment on a research paper that was put forward for discussion under the title “Preparation for World Cup 2034: The Possibility of Closer Cooperation in Football between Saudi Arabia and Germany”, Sultan Al-Rubaei said that the research paper provides a comprehensive overview of the history and development of football in both Germany and Saudi Arabia. It also sheds light on potential areas of cooperation between the two countries in preparation for EURO 2024 and the World Cup 2034.

He added that the research paper discusses several important points, including the development of football for men and women, fans, volunteers and health. It provides specific recommendations on how to enhance cooperation between the two countries in various fields related to football.

Al-Rubaie concluded that the research paper provides a good analysis of the possibility of closer cooperation between Germany and Saudi Arabia in the field of football and highlights potential areas of cooperation. However, he explained that it would be useful to further discuss some of the potential challenges, taking into account the broader socioeconomic context.