Today's Edition
By Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali
The writer is the Chief Executive Officer of TRENDS Research & Advisor
TRENDS Research & Advisory has established its role in international forums through dialogue, knowledge exchange, and the development of ideas across the world. As a knowledge partner in the International Defence Conference (IDC), held alongside the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) and the Naval Defence Exhibition (NAVDEX), TRENDS has committed itself to making a meaningful contribution to the success of this event by analysing international transformations in the defence sector and enriching the event with knowledge and scholarly research.
As the knowledge partner for the largest edition of IDC, IDEX, and NAVDEX, organised by ADNEC Group in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence and in collaboration with the Tawazun Council, TRENDS contributed to moderating strategic sessions on global defence and security issues.
It enhanced the knowledge dimension of the conference and two exhibitions by providing consultations on the issues being raised, supporting discussions with in-depth research and analyses on security and defence matters, and contributing to the preparation of reports and recommendations, including the publication of the conference's white paper.
Undoubtedly, IDEX and NAVDEX are two leading platforms in the defence industry, bringing together experts and officials from around the world to explore the latest defence solutions, advanced technologies, and innovations shaping the future of the sector.
The event has become the most important global gathering for shaping the future of defence industries, taking place in the UAE. It is a hub for the exchange of technological knowledge among countries, companies, and institutions specialising in armament systems and defence industries at both regional and global levels.The success of IDC, IDEX, and NAVDEX would not have been possible without the forward-thinking vision of the UAE's wise leadership in consolidating the country's position as a leading regional and global hub in defence and security and solidifying Abu Dhabi's standing as a destination for international conferences and exhibitions. This supports economic diversification and stimulates innovation in the defence sector.
TRENDS' participation in the 17th IDEX and the 8th NAVDEX was a new milestone in promoting a culture of research and strategic analysis on defence and security issues among such a global audience. This participation is part of ongoing efforts to highlight the role of scholarly research in understanding geopolitical and technological developments, to foster partnerships with specialised defence and security institutions, and to build channels of communication with them.
TRENDS' experts moderated a series of strategic discussions at the conference, featuring high-ranking officials, experts, and heads of defence and security companies from around the world. Among the distinguished participants were Mohamed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Defence Affairs; and Senior Advisor to TRENDS' Office in Washington, Vice Admiral (Ret.) Kevin Donegan, former Commander of US Naval Forces Central Command and the U.S Fifth Fleet.
Discussions covered topics such as "Global Challenges Associated with Weapons of Mass Destruction" and ways for addressing them through cutting-edge technology and international cooperation.
Another session, "Disinformation and Influence Operations: The Weaponisation of Information in Modern Conflicts", explored the complexities of information warfare, the use of disinformation to achieve strategic objectives, and mechanisms to counter its impact on political and military decisions.
In a session titled "The Sky is No Longer the Limit: Emerging Threats and Opportunities in Space", TRENDS experts moderated the discussion with specialists on the latest developments in space technologies and their impact on global security and defence, emerging threats from counter-space capabilities and their impact on the military and commercial use of space infrastructure.
Effective defence preparedness requires innovation to ensure sustainability. It is important to provide resources and recognition to scholarly research as a means of foreseeing the future, integrating technology and AI to shape a secure future that identifies challenges, seizing opportunities, and proposing strategic solutions to geopolitical, defence, and technological issues.
Through its partnership with ADNEC Group at IDEX, NAVDEX, and the International Defence Conference 2025, TRENDS aimed to deepen dialogue on strategic issues and provide research-based insights. These efforts contribute to supporting policymakers with innovative views on defence challenges and opportunities and developing forward-looking strategies that promote innovation in the defence sectors in a way that enhances regional and global stability.
