In a captivating journey that combines the past’s charm with anticipating the future, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, inaugurated the book The Era of Pearls: From Poverty to Prosperity, the latest publication by TRENDS Research and Advisory, during his visit to TRENDS’ pavilion at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025.

TRENDS launched its participation in the 34th edition of the Fair as a Platinum Partner, with a distinguished pavilion reflecting the depth of heritage and the outlook for the future. Through the pages of The Era of Pearls, visitors embark on a vibrant journey from the days of pearl diving to the era of prosperity in the UAE and the Gulf region.

A Story of Challenge and Building

The book explores the stages of economic, social and political transformation in the UAE, from reliance on pearls as a primary economic resource to the discovery of oil and the building of the modern state. The author analyzes previous economic cycles, drawing strategic lessons to avoid repeating the recessions that historically followed periods of boom.

At its core, the book carries a vital message: how to face future challenges with confidence. It calls for celebrating the extraction of the last barrel of oil with enlightened awareness rather than fear of resource depletion, emphasizing the importance of embodying the values that shaped the Gulf character, such as patience, perseverance and solidarity.

An Interactive Experience

In a unique step, TRENDS dedicated a special interactive section within its pavilion that revives the atmosphere of the pearl diving era. This multi-sensory experience includes original heritage pieces that replicate traditional diving tools and marine life, alongside 3D visual displays of diving ships and maritime work methods.

This section aims to enhance awareness of both tangible and intangible heritage, reviving the values of unity, courage and resilience that have shaped the collective spirit.

Integrating Technology and Innovation

TRENDS’ participation this year embodies the spirit of innovation through integrating modern technologies into its pavilion, reflecting its commitment to utilizing artificial intelligence in its research work to serve culture and promote knowledge dissemination.

Visits

Since the opening of the Fair, the TRENDS pavilion has seen a significant influx of visitors, including a number of prominent figures, most notably His Excellency Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council, who explored the pavilion’s sections and browsed TRENDS’ latest publications; His Excellency Dr. Ali bin Tamim, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Center; Hussein Fahmy, actor and President of the Cairo International Film Festival; Mr. Mohamed Rashad, President of the Arab Publishers Association; and American researcher Roy Casagranda.

All expressed their admiration for the pivotal role played by TRENDS in promoting scientific research and supporting the cultural scene, commending the rich content and thematic diversity of its publications.

An Important Platform

On this occasion, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, stated that TRENDS’ participation as a Platinum Sponsor in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair stems from its profound belief that culture is the cornerstone of building societal awareness, and that documentation is fundamental to preserving national identity. He added that TRENDS aimed for its pavilion to be a platform for thinking, reflection and exploration.

Dr. Al-Ali emphasized that The Era of Pearls, kindly launched by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, embodies a story of struggle that serves as an inspiration for generations. Meanwhile, TRENDS’ other publications support digital transformation and foresight into the future of vital sectors, affirming that knowledge is a bridge between the past and the future.

He also expressed his appreciation for the event organizers, affirming that the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has evolved beyond a local event into a global cultural beacon that fosters intercultural dialogue and facilitates access to knowledge.