Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The success of any research institution is not measured by its age but by the achievements it has garnered and the scientific contributions it has made. Thus, TRENDS Research and Advisory can rightfully take pride in what it has accomplished in the past ten years.
When the promotion of independent scientific research is a goal, knowledge dissemination is the objective, and precise analysis is the path, we are dealing with an institution that fully understands the essence and importance of its global and societal mission.
As the Center celebrates its 10th anniversary on Monday, September 9, 2024, it has etched itself as a towering institution in the world of scientific research and knowledge, securing a distinguished place among global think tanks.
From its ambitious vision in 2014 to the phase of empowerment and renewal in 2019 and beyond, TRENDS has made a clear mark on the research landscape. It has contributed by offering solutions, delving into issues, and providing insights and consultations to address challenges, actively participating in shaping the future.
Since its inception, TRENDS launched with a vision of becoming an independent think tank, dedicated to providing deeper understanding and more accurate analysis of various regional and global issues and developments.
15 branches and offices across continents
The Center achieved this vision through a set of strategic goals, including promoting scientific research by producing rigorous studies covering political, economic, social and cultural fields. It has also built networks through 15 branches and offices across continents, forged 285 partnerships with global academic and research institutions, and organized specialized scientific events while providing evidence-based consultations, disseminating knowledge through books, articles and studies, and offering training programs.
Achievements
Throughout its journey, TRENDS has achieved milestones, including the publication of over 864 research papers, 874 special reports and studies, 2,274 daily, weekly and monthly publications, 863 articles, 283 diverse scientific publications, 81 specialised training courses, 82 public opinion surveys, 63 private consultancy studies, 225 scientific events, and 58 participations in international book fairs.
Additionally, the Center has established research partnerships with over 258 institutions and think tanks worldwide, organized 239 research events globally, opened 15 offices across four continents, produced 63 podcast episodes with global guests, and engaged with 12 international parliaments.
We are Proud and Aspire for More
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, stated, “We are proud of the achievements we have made so far, but we aim for more and strive to be strategic partners in building a better future for our region and the world”.
He added that in the coming phase, the Center will seek to enhance its position as a global authority in strategic research, especially in future-oriented topics such as artificial intelligence.
Dr. Al-Ali emphasised that the Center’s successes over the past years and its future aspirations would not have been possible without the efforts of the team and the significant support from its partners, including research, media, government and private institutions.
He also expressed pride in the fact that most of the Center’s staff are young Emiratis, both male and female, who have demonstrated competence and excellence in all areas, including research, training and administration.
He explained that upon a brief review of the Center’s achievements over the past years, the level of progress made by TRENDS is clearly noticeable, along with the increasing trust it enjoys among researchers, partners and think tanks from various parts of the world.
Scientific Research
Scientific research is the backbone of TRENDS’ work, aiming to provide in-depth analyses of regional and international issues and foresight for the future. The Center has achieved substantial tangible accomplishments, producing thousands of publications, participating in 238 conferences and symposia in the past three years alone, organizing 225 panel discussions, and delivering 258 lectures. It has also participated in over 143 media events.
The Center’s research areas are diverse, covering politics, economics, sociology, culture, security, and more. The scientific research at TRENDS is distinguished by its high quality and reliance on rigorous scientific methodologies, making it a trusted reference for decision-makers, researchers and the general public.
International authority
TRENDS has established itself as an international authority, particularly in studying and analysing the current situation and future of political Islamist groups and methods of confronting them. It has recently released a unique index regarding the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on a global scale, launched in several countries and in multiple languages.
Additionally, it has issued several editions of the Muslim Brotherhood’s International Power Index series and has undertaken the task of producing an encyclopedia on the Brotherhood, consisting of 35 books, with 12 books published to date, some of which have been translated into 15 languages. Furthermore, it publishes studies around the clock that cover various aspects of this topic and holds lectures and symposia that expose the falsehood of these movements.
Training
Training at TRENDS constitutes a strategic investment in human capacity-building and skills development. To coincide with its Bronze Jubilee, TRENDS recently launched the TRENDS International Training Institute, the Center’s training arm.
The Institute has achieved a paradigm shift in its programs through a strategic partnership with the Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations (GSD), one of the leading academic institutions in this field.
The Center offers a diverse range of training programs targeting various segments, including those interested in public affairs, researchers, governmental and private entities, and decision-makers. The topics covered in these programs range from scientific research methods and methodologies to media, analysis and the theoretical foundations of strategic research and studies.
Youth Empowerment
TRENDS is deeply committed to empowering Emirati youth and developing their capabilities. It boasts a high nationalization rate of 52%, reflecting its focus on nurturing local talent. This is done by providing training and employment opportunities for recent graduates, supporting youth-led research, and organizing workshops and symposia that help develop their skills.
In partnership with the NAFIS initiative, the Center actively supports Emiratization efforts by focusing on building national competencies in scientific research and strategic studies, a contribution recognized with winning the Emirates LabourMarket Award.
TRENDS External Offices
To enhance its global presence and meet the diverse needs of its clients, TRENDS Research and Advisory has established an extensive network of branches and external offices across various continents. It has opened seven offices in Dubai, Cairo, Beijing, Rabat, Türkiye, Montreal, and Cape Town.
By the end of this year, it plans to increase the number to 15 offices by opening new branches in Seoul, Tokyo, Jakarta, Amman, Moscow, Berlin, São Paulo, and Al Ain.
These offices play a crucial role in fostering research collaboration with academic and research institutions, facilitating data collection and analysis, and providing tailored consulting services to clients in those regions. They also contribute to raising awareness about TRENDS' research and publications, bolstering its position as a global reference in strategic research.
These offices have proven effective in expanding TRENDS' influence, increasing its partnerships, and improving the quality of its research, all of which support its mission of building a better future for the region and the world.
TRENDS Barometer
The Global Barometer Department at TRENDS is a valuable tool for gauging public opinion on local, regional, and international issues. Through surveys and opinion polls, it provides deep insights into people’s views on various subjects, helping decision-makers and researchers better understand the challenges and opportunities facing society.
Book Fairs
TRENDS seeks to expand the reach of its research and publications through active participation in global book fairs, with over 58 strategic and effective participations to date.
The center follows a diverse publication strategy, participating in specialised book fairs and distributing its publications on global e-commerce platforms.
Research Tours
The name "TRENDS Global" suggests an ambitious institution aspiring to be a key player on the global stage. TRENDS' research tours have covered Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas, and these efforts will continue with the support of its 15 global offices by the end of 2024.
TRENDS Partnerships
TRENDS Research and Advisory boasts a wide network of over 258 local, regional, and international partnerships. These partnerships span think tanks, academic and government institutions, international organizations, and public and private entities.
The goal of these partnerships is to exchange expertise and knowledge, build bridges for collaboration, and enhance TRENDS’ position as a trusted scientific reference on both the regional and international levels, broadening its access to a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Scientific Contributions
TRENDS has firmly established itself as one of the most important research centers in the region and the world. It has become a go-to source for many global TV channels and newspapers, with TRENDS researchers actively contributing to intellectual and cultural discourse on both the Arab and international stages.
Researchers discuss a wide range of contemporary issues of public concern, such as regional security, extremism, and sustainable development. They also work to convey the center’s voice and research to a broader audience through participation in TV and radio programs on channels like Abu Dhabi TV, Sky News, Al Arabiya, CNN, and Al Hurra, and by publishing articles and analyses in local, Arab, and international newspapers and magazines, including Aletihad, Al Watan, Asharq Al-Awsat, The Washington Post, The Hill, and others.
TRENDS Advisory, Scientific, and Academic Councils
TRENDS’ Advisory, Scientific, and Academic Councils are essential pillars supporting the center’s work and guiding it towards achieving its strategic goals. These councils consist of a select group of experts and specialists from various fields and nationalities, ensuring a diversity of opinions and perspectives.
This diversity enriches the discussions on the issues at hand and fosters the adoption of global best practices. The councils provide strategic guidance to the center and ensure the quality of its research.
Awards
In recognition of its global leadership, TRENDS has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honors over the past decade, confirming its status as a pioneer in strategic research.
The center has won several esteemed awards, including the Emirates LabourMarket Award for its efforts in attracting Emirati youth, and the Best Emerging Research Center Award from the Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania.
It was also ranked among the top 10 global centers in knowledge dissemination and combating the COVID-19 pandemic by the same institute.
TRENDS and its CEO received the Peace Award from the Global Imams Council (GIC), and the center earned the Sustainability Award at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair for two consecutive years.
Additionally, TRENDS was awarded the Best International Pavilion at the Nairobi International Book Fair in recognition of its diverse and rigorous research output, which offers a global forward-looking vision of events.
The center also achieved Guinness World Record for largest fundamental research lesson and has maintained ISO certification for over six consecutive years. It is ranked among the top 10 research and think tanks globally, with its studies leading the scene in published research across international academic platforms.
Furthermore, its CEO has been appointed as a member of the Advisory Council of the Emirates Identity and Citizenship Academy and a member of both the Research Group and the Faculty of Law at the University of Sharjah. The center has received 260 medals to date, reflecting the recognition of its sustained efforts and the trust it has gained.
TRENDS and Media
The Media Department and Smart Lab at TRENDS Research and Advisory form a fundamental pillar in disseminating TRENDS’ research and knowledge output through various actual and virtual media platforms, as well as social media channels. This is achieved through a clear media identity supported by advanced technology in design, production, and creativity.
The center has developed its social media platforms and launched several scientific initiatives, updated electronic platforms, and the “TRENDS Grand Conference Hall” as part of the new expansion of its headquarters in Abu Dhabi.
It has also launched its smart app, TRENDS App, and TRENDS Podcast, which has become a destination for distinguished global guests and thought leaders.
Additionally, TRENDS has an electronic and traditional library, the TRENDS Hub for Scientific Research Award, and a newly revamped website with innovative, modern designs that blend advanced technologies with artificial intelligence tools, supported by Emirati youth’s unlimited ambition. The center has also expanded and enhanced its unique “WhatsApp Knowledge” platform, which has attracted over 2 million followers to date.
Future-Readiness
In terms of administration, which is the backbone of TRENDS and its path to success, the center’s HR sector strategic plan prioritises Emirati citizens. This year, TRENDS achieved its Emiratization targets and won the Emirates Labour Market Award in the Future-Readiness category, recognizing its efforts to empower youth and provide a comprehensive work environment. TRENDS’ classification at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization was upgraded to the diamond category.
The center has also worked on updating its organisational structure to align with its defined goals, improving performance, enhancing the work environment and employee satisfaction, and implementing governance policies and performance reports regularly.
