Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*
Think tanks combine science, expertise, wisdom, and knowledge to shape the future paths of nations and their aspirations by monitoring risks and providing insights that support the goals of development, prosperity, and stability. Serving as hubs for knowledge and incubators for innovative ideas, think tanks develop policies and recommendations that guide informed decision-making and generate nonconventional forward-thinking visions that are based on science and research.
Additionally, they raise public awareness about contemporary issues in the midst of the rapid knowledge and technological revolution that is sweeping all sectors worldwide.
As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of TRENDS Research & Advisory, we reflect on our founding objectives of analysing geopolitical, economic, and knowledge opportunities and challenges through a strategic, evidence-based approach. Our mission has always been to offer objective insights that foster a comprehensive understanding of both present and future challenges while encouraging innovation to yield fruitful outcomes that keep the future in view and the present reality in context.
Understanding the importance of partnerships and research collaboration, we work with a diverse network of global research centres, international organisations, and academic institutions to address the complex challenges facing our modern world.
Through solution-oriented exploration, hosting a variety of scientific events, and participating in global dialogues, we keep a strong focus on the international scope of our activities, goals, and research interactions. From the beginning, we have acknowledged the importance of global dialogue in establishing security and stability and the dissemination of human and civilisational values that are essential for sustainable development across all nations.
As a knowledge incubator for creative minds and ideas, TRENDS embraces a policy of international cooperation in its research endeavours from its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, TRENDS engages globally, contributing to the development of solutions that acknowledge ongoing changes and align with reality. The Centre draws on expertise from cities such as Dubai, Cairo, Rabat, Amman, Cape Town, Seoul, Beijing, Moscow, Montreal, and others, where its international offices are located. Our aim is to expand partnerships, open channels for dialogue and communication with global research and academic institutions, and enhance cooperation among researchers and experts across various fields of specialisation. In doing so, we seek to fulfil the knowledge and cultural requirements necessary to expand TRENDS’ global reach as a bridge for disseminating knowledge across the world.
To empower future leaders and deepen their understanding of current and emerging challenges, TRENDS offers advanced training programmes in scientific research in collaboration with universities and institutions at the local, regional, and international levels. The centre also strengthens the role of “TRENDS Youth Council,” emphasising the importance of investing in youth as the cornerstone of progress. By enhancing the skills of young researchers and providing the community and academics with insightful research, TRENDS enables them to analyse contemporary regional and global issues, anticipate future trends, and contribute to shaping the future through research that offers practical, applicable solutions.
In line with this vision and marking its 10th anniversary, the Centre launched the “TRENDS International Training Institute” as a distinctive initiative aimed at improving the training ecosystem. This initiative recognises training as vital for empowering the new generation in scientific research, ensuring youth leadership, keeping pace with growth, meeting labor market demands, and fulfilling the aspirations of the community and the UAE.
Media is also a key focus for the Centre, as it plays a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and extending the impact of research. To this end, TRENDS established the “Media Communication Office” and the “TRENDS Smart Lab” to enhance engagement across traditional and new media, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence. These efforts aim to extend TRENDS’ global reach and influence, while its “Global Barometre”provides a platform for gauging public opinion through surveys and field studies.
TRENDS’ achievements over the past decade are a testament to its success and the prominent position it now holds among international think tanks. The Centre has produced hundreds of books, translations, scientific series, studies, situation assessments, and policy papers, offering in-depth analysis and forecasts of international issues and developments across the Arab, regional, and global landscapes, in both Arabic and English. Its network of research partnerships has expanded to include more than 260 partnerships spanning all continents, making it a true platform for global research and knowledge exchange.
TRENDS also prides itself on a wide network of experts and researchers from diverse fields and nationalities, all dedicated to upholding its “Code of Ethics for Content and Scientific Research.” This code underscores the importance of professional values, credibility, and excellence, aiming to promote a culture of peace, coexistence, and openness. The centre works toward national and global progress by creating an environment that nurtures innovation and connects academia with policymakers.
In recognition of its contributions, TRENDS has received numerous prestigious awards, most notably the “UAE Award for Leadership in the Labor Market” and set Guinness World Records. It has earned ISO certification for quality and, within just two years of its establishment, was ranked among the top ten globally for emerging think tanks. Additionally, TRENDS ranked in the top ten worldwide for its contributions to COVID-19 policy support. These achievements reflect the centre’s commitment to professional excellence, a thorough understanding of global risks and challenges, and the provision of forward-thinking insights into both current and future issues.
Since its inception as an independent think tank, TRENDS has pledged to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of rigorous scientific research in the Gulf region, the Middle East, and beyond. By providing reliable databases and analyses, TRENDS has focused on addressing evolving contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital warfare, sustainable economy, and renewable energy. Over the past decade, the centre has made numerous contributions to intellectual discourse through its 16 research programmes, covering a wide range of fields and publishing studies on extremism, terrorism, regional security, economic and strategic issues, artificial intelligence, climate change, and digital transformation.
Think tanks serve as a compass for future trajectories, generating ideas, monitoring public policy, and providing intellectual resources for policymakers to avoid crises and expand growth opportunities. Their goal is to build knowledge-based Arab societies capable of confronting contemporary challenges. As TRENDS marks the end of its first decade, its journey continues with a forward-looking vision that excels in research, studies, and consultancy across various sectors. The centre is committed to forging strong strategic partnerships with global think tanks and international organisations, guided by principles of progress, modernity, readiness, and a global outlook in every step to foresee the future through knowledge.
On this occasion, the centre emphasises that its success is rooted in the globally competitive work environment of the UAE, which has been a key, if not the primary, factor in all its research achievements. This success is owed to the steadfast support of the UAE’s wise leadership, which fosters talent and skill among institutions and individuals alike. We also acknowledge the vital role of our partners and collaborators, both domestically and internationally, whose support has driven our progress and inspired us to strive for greater achievements for the benefit of people and nations everywhere.
*The author is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory