Latest news with #AbdulazizAl-Shehhi
Al Etihad
03-06-2025
- Science
- Al Etihad
TRENDS explores research cooperation with National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan
3 June 2025 11:31 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory held discussions with the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan to explore opportunities for collaboration in research, science, and knowledge exchange in areas of mutual interest, particularly the humanities, the development of fundamental and applied research, and joint efforts to launch specialised training meeting took place on the sidelines of TRENDS' participation in the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation 2025, held in TRENDS were Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector, and Hamad Al-Hosani, Senior Researcher and Head of the Political Islam Studies Section. They met with the President of the Academy and a number of academic leaders and experts at the Academy's headquarters in Dushanbe, discussions covered ways to activate cooperation in scientific research, academic publishing, exchange of expertise, and joint training, in addition to developing both foundational and applied research projects. The two sides agreed to sign a memorandum of understanding to advance the implementation of several joint research initiatives. Joint Research and Studies Qobiljon Khushvakhtzoda, President of the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, expressed his institution's openness to constructive collaboration with TRENDS Research & Advisory, which he described as one of the most dynamic and trusted think tanks operating at both regional and international emphasised the Academy's interest in working with TRENDS on joint research and academic studies that analyse and interpret global events and challenges, including transnational organised crime, ideological extremism, economics, sustainable development, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies. He also stressed the importance of scientific research in supporting digital transformation and fostering praised TRENDS' efforts in advancing research and disseminating knowledge, noting the vast potential for collaboration, particularly in the fields of humanities and social sciences. Strengthening Strategic Partnerships Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS, affirmed that the centre is committed to expanding and diversifying its global strategic partnerships with leading research and academic institutions, thereby supporting knowledge exchange and the sharing of perspectives and expertise on pressing global welcomed the opportunity to collaborate with the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan, one of Central Asia's most prestigious scientific institutions, comprising 20 research institutes and boasting a history of over 75 years of academic achievement. He noted that this partnership would foster opportunities for joint research, the organisation of academic and intellectual conferences, and the exchange of expertise to advance knowledge. Exchange of Expertise and Experience Hamad Al-Hosani, Senior Researcher and Head of Political Islam Studies Section at TRENDS, highlighted that the meeting focused on the importance of exchanging expertise and experiences between researchers and experts from both proposed launching a research fellowship programme that would enable TRENDS to benefit from the Academy's academic expertise in its ongoing projects, in addition to establishing joint training programmes aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of young added that both parties agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in research, training, and advisory services. The agreement would serve as a foundation for developing a sustainable partnership strategy that enhances research output and fosters direct engagement in analysing and addressing regional and international developments, especially issues related to intellectual security and sustainable development.
Al Etihad
02-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS explores the role of scientific research and technology in predicting and responding to humanitarian crises
2 May 2025 15:28 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory participated in the 21st edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid and Development Conference and Exhibition (DIHAD) 2025, held from April 29 to May 1 at the Dubai World Trade Centre under the theme "Humanitarian Aid and Development in a Polarised World".Abdulaziz Al-Shehhi, Senior Researcher and Deputy Head of the Research Sector at TRENDS Research & Advisory, participated in a panel discussion titled "The Role of Research and Technology in Predicting and Responding to Humanitarian Crises".He stated that humanitarian crises represent an increasingly critical global challenge, arising from various factors including natural disasters, armed conflicts, epidemics, and displacement. These crises lead to widespread suffering, loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure, and a significant hindrance to sustainable noted that given the limitations of available resources and the growing scale and complexity of these crises, the search for innovative and effective solutions for humanitarian assistance has become essential. In this context, AI has emerged as a transformative technology with the potential to revolutionise multiple sectors. He emphasised that it is now difficult to identify any field that does not, in one way or another, integrate AI into its systems, including the humanitarian aid sector. Anticipating Future Challenges Al-Shehhi noted that while traditional strategies for dealing with humanitarian crises do exist, and the international community has built substantial expertise in this field over decades at both the national and organisational levels, technology, particularly AI, has proven its ability to significantly enhance crisis response. Through AI, crisis management professionals can better anticipate future challenges, analyse big data, and distribute aid with greater precision and explained that with the continuous advancement of AI technologies, this field is expected to play an increasingly vital role in improving humanitarian response to crises and disasters. Among the most promising applications of AI in humanitarian settings is the enhancement of crisis prediction capabilities. By developing more sophisticated algorithms capable of real-time data analysis, it becomes possible to improve the accuracy of predicting natural disasters and humanitarian conflicts, enabling more efficient and timely early responses. Enhancing Supply Chains Al-Shehhi explained that the use of robots and drones can be expanded in search and rescue operations and in delivering aid to hard-to-reach areas, contributing to reduced risks for humanitarian workers. He also highlighted the development of AI systems capable of adapting to complex and rapidly changing environments during crises, supporting faster, more accurate decision-making based on real-time data. He added that AI plays a crucial role in improving inventory management, supply chains, and the distribution of food and medical aid. By leveraging AI-driven analysis, humanitarian operations can ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations more efficiently and effectively. Rapid Innovative Solutions Al-Shehhi concluded by emphasising that AI is a pivotal tool in enhancing humanitarian crisis response, as it enables rapid and innovative solutions through data analysis, crisis prediction, and the efficient distribution of aid. However, he noted that achieving success in this area requires overcoming both technical and ethical challenges to ensure fairness and effectiveness in humanitarian aid. He stressed that in order to strengthen the use of AI in crisis response, it is essential for governments to foster collaboration between the public and private sectors, increase investment in research and development, and establish regulatory legal frameworks that govern the use of AI in the humanitarian field. Dedicated Knowledge Pavilion TRENDS Research & Advisory had a dedicated knowledge pavilion (N12) at the exhibition held alongside the conference, showcasing a wide range of books and studies. Publications focused on advanced technologies and AI attracted significant interest from specialists and humanitarian also expressed strong appreciation for TRENDS' studies addressing critical topics such as human security, climate change, migration, armed conflicts, and pandemics, praising the depth of their content, analytical rigour, and insightful outlook on the future of humanitarian challenges.
