TRENDS Research & Advisory has announced the organization of its second annual Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, to be held in strategic partnership with the UAE Cybersecurity Council and 20 partners under the title Tech Diplomacy in the MENA Region.

The event will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the TRENDS Grand Conference Hall in Abu Dhabi, with the participation of researchers and experts from the U.S. Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), as well as speakers from Google, OpenAI, G42, GC REAIM, Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, New York University Abu Dhabi, and other scientific and academic institutions.

This was announced during a press conference held by TRENDS Research & Advisory at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, where it was revealed that the dialogue will take place on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the main TRENDS Conference Hall in Abu Dhabi. The speakers and partners were also announced, and Dr. Al-Ali expressed his gratitude for their valuable contributions.

Understanding the Realities of the Present Stage

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, stated that the dialogue, in which the UAE Cybersecurity Council participates as a strategic partner, will feature leading global technology companies from both the public and private sectors, five universities from the UAE, and experts and researchers from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for the first time in the Middle East.

The event will discuss key issues related to the latest developments in artificial intelligence and tech diplomacy through three main sessions that bring together an elite group of experts, decision-makers, and academics from around the world.

Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali emphasized the significance of the TRENDS Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, noting that the participation of researchers from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), which is one of the world’s leading American think tanks and is ranked first globally in defense and national security, adds significant value and momentum to the dialogue. He further stressed that this year’s conference marks a new qualitative milestone in TRENDS’ journey, taking place at a crucial time to address a highly significant topic: Tech Diplomacy.

He explained that this topic reflects advanced awareness of the realities of the present stage, in which artificial intelligence and emerging technologies have become pivotal forces shaping politics, economics, security, and international relations. He added that understanding these transformations is a strategic necessity for decision-makers and thinkers alike. Dr. Al-Ali also says that this event reflects TRENDS’ vision of supporting global dialogue on technology and policy, and reinforcing the UAE’s position as a leading hub in the future knowledge industry.

Three High-Level Sessions

Awadh Al Breiki, Senior Researcher and Head of the TRENDS Global Sector, explained that the dialogue opens with the first session, titled Powering Progress: The New Era of US-Gulf Partnerships, which explores opportunities for strategic cooperation between the two sides in innovation and advanced technology, and highlights the role of artificial intelligence in driving future partnerships.

The second session, Navigating the Geopolitics of AI, will highlight the implications of technological advancement on the global balance of power and the impact of artificial intelligence on international relations and policymaking.

The third session, Soft Power Through AI and Digital Infrastructure, will focus on how innovative technologies can be employed to enhance a nation’s positive image, foster civilizational communication, and promote sustainable development.

TRENDS’ 2nd Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence will conclude with a closing address summarizing the key ideas and recommendations developed throughout the sessions, aimed at supporting research and practical collaboration in the field of artificial intelligence at both regional and international levels.

Partners

The 2nd annual Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence enjoys a distinguished strategic partnership with a group of leading institutions from the private, public, and international sectors across cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, technology, media, and academic research. This collaboration reflects the conference’s status as a premier global platform for knowledge exchange and foresight on the future of tech diplomacy in the Middle East and North Africa.

The Cybersecurity Council, the conference’s strategic partner, and G42, the strategic partner for artificial intelligence, are participating in support of TRENDS’ efforts to strengthen research and practical collaboration in this vital field.

The dialogue also features a group of technology partners from leading private and public sectors, including CrowdStrike, Accenture, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, and Microsoft.

In addition, several academic partners from some of the UAE’s most prominent educational institutions are participating, namely the United Arab Emirates University, Rabdan Academy, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities, and Khalifa University. Their participation reinforces the integration between scientific research and practical application in the field of advanced technology.

At the media level, the event is supported by a group of prominent media partners, including the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Sky News Arabia, CNN Business, The National newspaper, Global Advisors Communications, China-Arab TV (CATV), Big Asia Media, and Viory Media , , and the US-UAE Business Council .