Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
As part of the program of events during its research tour in the French capital Paris, the pavilion of TRENDS Research & Advisory at the Paris International Book Fair witnessed the signing and launch of new publications in both French and English.
These included the French edition of the book “Applying Training and Simulation Models in Cybersecurity”, the English edition of “Money for Terrorism”, and the study “The Paradigm of “Integral Islam” in Prescriptive Religious Discourse”, published in French.
Additionally, the TRENDS Youth Council held a discussion session entitled “The Youth: A Bridge for Intercultural Communication” in the Salle d’Honneur at the Paris International Book Fair, with the participation of a group of young Emirati students studying at French universities, where they presented their roles in enhancing cultural dialogue between peoples and societies.
In a related context, the TRENDS delegation, alongside the UAE Cyber Security Council, participated in the 48th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025, as part of affirming the importance of sports as a means to strengthen community and human bonds and foster constructive interaction with global initiatives.
Training and Simulation Models
On the sidelines of the center’s second participation in the Paris International Book Fair, H.E. Dr. Mohammed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cyber Security Council, signed the French edition of his book “Applying Training and Simulation Models in Cybersecurity”, published by TRENDS, in the presence of Dr. Jack Lang, President of the Arab World Institute in Paris, and Senator Nathalie Goulet, alongside a wide range of academics, experts, and media professionals.
In his book, Dr. Al Kuwaiti highlights the role of training and simulation in enhancing cybersecurity and presents pioneering models from countries such as the United States of America, Estonia, and the United Arab Emirates.
He explains that the UAE has become a global leader and exemplary model in the field of cybersecurity, according to the 2024 Global Cybersecurity Index — a comprehensive measure issued by the International Telecommunication Union assessing cybersecurity maturity in 194 countries worldwide.
Money for Terrorism
For her part, Senator Nathalie Goulet, member of the French Senate for the Orne department, signed the English edition of her book “Money for Terrorism”, published by TRENDS. The book was first published in 2022 and reviews the means and tools through which terrorists finance their operations. The new 2025 edition takes into account recent regional and international events and conflicts, further enhancing the analyses and forecasts presented in its chapters.
Senator Goulet stated that the book’s chapters examine how the Muslim Brotherhood and the far-right extremist movement fund their activities. It also includes a chapter focusing on “illicit funds”, which represent loopholes in the global financial system.
She added that the book also addresses other sources of terrorism financing, including animal trafficking, arms trade, cash fundraising networks, narcotics, electronic money transfers, money laundering, online donations, hacking, organized extortion, and others.
The Paradigm of Integral Islam
Meanwhile, Professor Dominique Avon, Professor of History at the École Pratique des Hautes Études at the Paris Sciences et Lettres University (PSL), launched his study “The Paradigm of “Integral Islam” in Prescriptive Religious Discourse”, published by TRENDS in French.
In it, he highlights that no society in history has ever lived under a governance system entirely subject to religious laws alone. These rules have always been blended with pre-existing traditional practices and influenced by external elements through processes of civilizational exchange.
Avon points out that this historical fact is well known but has not received theoretical framing in the Ottoman, Persian, and Mughal empires, which ruled vast populations during the 18th century. Nevertheless, the ruling elites in these empires remained convinced that they governed according to the correct Islamic methodology.
Youth and Enhancing Cultural Dialogue
In a related vein, the TRENDS Youth Council organized a discussion session entitled “The Youth: A Bridge for Intercultural Communication” in the Salle d’Honneur at the Paris International Book Fair.
The participating young Emirati students studying medicine at French universities addressed their role in promoting cultural dialogue and developing mediation skills to resolve cultural conflicts and enhance understanding between communities and peoples.
The participants affirmed that cultural, artistic, and community activities organized by youth play a significant role in breaking down barriers between different cultures. They explained that technology and social media platforms have become effective tools for fostering cultural rapprochement and opening constructive dialogues about cultural diversity. Additionally, student exchange programs between countries contribute to changing stereotypical images about other cultures among young people.
Experiences of Studying and Living Abroad
The participants also shared their experiences during their studies in the French Republic and the challenges they faced in terms of cultural differences and disparities in countries of residence. They spoke about the fears and anxieties they experienced upon arrival and how they used modern technology to facilitate their integration into French society.
The young Emirati students studying in French universities addressed the ways they followed to confront personal and societal cultural biases during their interactions with diverse cultures, as well as the practical solutions they applied to overcome language gaps that hinder communication between youth from different cultural backgrounds.
They confirmed that the fundamental means to address these biases and gaps are the values of tolerance, coexistence, and acceptance of others — values they were raised upon within the society of the United Arab Emirates.
Paris Marathon
As part of its current research tour in France and in response to an invitation from the organizing body, the TRENDS delegation, alongside the UAE Cyber security Council, participated in the 48th edition of the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris 2025.
This participation reaffirmed the importance of sports as a means to strengthen social and human bonds and foster constructive interaction with global initiatives.
TRENDS’ participation in this sports event also affirmed the role of sports in enhancing cultural diplomacy, linking scientific research with societal reality, and direct interaction with global initiatives.
The marathon route started from the Champs-Élysées in the heart of Paris and passed by Parisian landmarks, including Place de la Nation and overlooking the Eiffel Tower.
