Researchers represented TRENDS during the event at the invitation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Arab-German Friendship Association.
TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the Seventh Forum for the German-Arab Gulf Dialogue on Security and Cooperation, organized by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in collaboration with the Arab-German Friendship Association in Berlin, the German capital.
Senior Researcher Mohammed Al-Dhahouri, Director of the Advanced Policy Department, and Researcher Eissa Al-Mannaei, a specialist in Artificial Intelligence, represented TRENDS at the forum. Their participation took place in two main sessions that addressed regional and international security issues and cooperation between the Gulf states and Germany.
Realities of the International System
During the session – Building Resilient Futures: GCC-German Security Relations – in which Mohammed Al-Dhahouri participated alongside prominent figures such as H.R.H. Prince Turki Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Al-Dhahouri examined the dynamics of the international system, questioning whether it remains multipolar or is shifting toward unipolarity.
He emphasized that available evidence supports the persistence of an international system dominated by the United States. He explained that recent developments in the Middle East—particularly the tensions between Iran and Israel and the prominent role played by the United States—clearly illustrate this dynamic, as Washington continues to lead the international order without the emergence of any international force capable of altering or constraining its policies.
Al-Dhahouri also emphasized the importance of security relations between Germany and the Gulf states, highlighting the historical and economic ties that bind the two sides. He presented several proposals to strengthen these relations in the future, including investment in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and the establishment of initiatives to ensure the sustainability and practical implementation of joint projects. In addition, he emphasized the importance of the Gulf–American partnership and underscored the Gulf states’ commitment to avoiding regional conflict, asserting that any violation of the security of a Gulf state—such as an attack on Qatar—is entirely unacceptable.
AI and International Relations
In the second session, Researcher Eissa Al-Mannaei addressed the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the modern era, emphasizing its expanding role in strengthening international relations and supporting the work of research centers. He advocated for increased investment in the development and application of artificial intelligence to enhance regional and international security, noting that it has become a critical component in advancing global partnerships and diplomatic engagement.
Opportunities for Collaboration
On the sidelines of the forum, the TRENDS delegation met with several prominent figures, including His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies; Dr. Otto Wiesheu, President of the Arab-German Friendship Association; Luigi Di Maio, European Union Representative for the Gulf Region; Björn Heinrichs, Executive Director of the Arab-German Friendship Association; Urs Onkov, Advisor to the Virtual Office of TRENDS Research and Advisory in Germany and Federal Managing Director of the Federal Association for Economic Development and Foreign Trade; Philipp Dienstbier, Director of the Regional Program Gulf States at the Konrad Adenauer Foundation; Mustapha Adib Abdul Wahed, Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon and Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps in Germany; Jan St. Pierre, CEO and Counter-Terrorism Advisor at the Modern Security Group; Daniel ten Brinke, President of the German Federal Association for Migration Consultation and Foreign Trade Support; Mr. Saad Al-Tami, President of the Diwan Organization; and Mr. Abdullah Al-Mulla, content and media creator.
These meetings were followed by discussions on the topics raised during the dialogue sessions, as well as an in-depth examination of the role of scientific researchers in providing optimal support and identifying opportunities for collaboration among medical researchers in the Gulf states, Germany, and the European Union.
