Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
TRENDS Research and Advisory has started the South African leg of its global African tour with the official opening of its physical office in Cape Town. This initiative is part of TRENDS' commitment to African issues and continues the international expansion of its offices to support its headquarters in Abu Dhabi with research, studies, and insights.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, welcomed attendees, including officials, leaders, and representatives from several think tanks in the Middle East and Africa. “TRENDS' important research tour in South Africa, in media partnership with Aletihad Center, is part of our global efforts to promote constructive dialogue and research collaboration, aligning with our goals as a think tank,” he said.
Noting that this is TRENDS' first physical office outside the UAE, he explained that the Cape Town office serves as TRENDS' gateway to the resource-rich and opportunity-laden region of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasised the importance of collaboration between think tanks, which TRENDS prioritizes. He noted that the new office will enhance knowledge exchange and foster new avenues of cooperation between think tanks in Africa and the Middle East.
Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, Chief Aletihad News Center Officer, congratulated TRENDS Research and Advisory on the opening of its office in Cape Town. He noted that this milestone represents a significant step towards strengthening Arab research presence in Africa and expanding prospects for cooperation among various think tanks in the region.
Al Kaabi expressed his confidence that TRENDS, through its South Africa office, will continue its noble mission of disseminating knowledge and exchanging ideas, leveraging its extensive expertise in strategic research and studies.
He emphasised Aletihad News Center's commitment to supporting TRENDS in its professional journey and enhancing collaboration as a strategic partner to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and the promotion of understanding between peoples.
Researchers Awadh Al-Breiki, Head of TRENDS Global Sector, and his deputy, Sumaya Al-Hadhrami, explained that the office aims to achieve several objectives.
These include strengthening collaboration with researchers and experts in Sub-Saharan Africa, building robust relationships with various regional research institutions and stakeholders, and exchanging expertise and perspectives on critical African issues.
They also stressed expanding TRENDS' global reach, enhancing mutual understanding and constructive dialogue between Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East, and studying and analysing Africa's opportunities and challenges to open new horizons for economic and cultural cooperation.
Al-Hadhrami noted that TRENDS' Cape Town office will start its activities by organising the first roundtable, "Unlocking the Potential of Think Tanks: New Ideas and Innovative Strategies for Impactful Engagement", as part of TRENDS Global Round Table Series.
This event will involve representatives from think tanks in 11 Middle Eastern and African countries.
She further explained that this major event, held in media partnership with Aletihad Center, underscores the significance of the African continent.
The keynote addresses will be delivered by HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal Al Saud, Founder and Trustee of the King Faisal Foundation and Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, HE Mahash Saeed Alhameli, Ambassador of the UAE to South Africa, and Mr. Zondwa Mandela, Chairman of Mandela Legacy Foundation.
Economist Benjamin George Davis, director of TRENDS Cape Town Office, stated that the office is part of TRENDS' strategy to expand its presence in Africa. He highlighted that the office will bridge information and knowledge gaps between South Africa and the region, leveraging TRENDS' strong capabilities in organising conferences and seminars and expanding research capacities in economic and political studies.
Davis mentioned that the office is centrally located in Cape Town, near several universities and research centres, and will serve as a crucial link between the headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the South African branch, and think tanks across the continent.
