Latest news with #MohammedAbdullahAl-Ali
Al Etihad
29-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS and Türkiye Today sign research partnership agreement
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD) Through its office in Türkiye, TRENDS Research & Advisory has signed a research cooperation agreement with Türkiye Today, a prominent English-language news platform. The agreement aims to promote knowledge exchange, develop joint intellectual projects, and strengthen international partnerships. The agreement was signed remotely via Zoom by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, and Mr. Osman Bahattin Dirlik, Editor-in-Chief of Türkiye Today, in the presence of several officials from both sides. The agreement seeks to enhance collaboration in research, analysis, and content exchange, as well as to support joint intellectual and knowledge-driven initiatives. It reflects both parties' commitment to fostering a balanced and enlightened research and media discourse that addresses global issues with in-depth analytical perspectives. This partnership aligns with TRENDS' strategy to establish high-quality research collaborations with esteemed international institutions, thereby contributing to the global advancement of scientific research. During the signing ceremony, both sides emphasised the importance of this cooperation in opening new horizons for knowledge dialogue and research engagement. They also stressed the need to produce high-quality studies and media content that support development, stability, foresight, and knowledge production.
Al Etihad
07-07-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS launches virtual office in Paris to strengthen global knowledge bridges
7 July 2025 10:35 PARIS (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory has launched its Virtual Office in Paris, a strategic step to enhance knowledge communication between think tanks regionally and internationally. This move is part of the centre's comprehensive research strategy, focusing on producing impactful knowledge, particularly in foresight opening of the virtual office in Paris comes as the world faces growing intellectual and political challenges, highlighting the need for research platforms to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among move aligns with TRENDS' ambitious plan to establish a network of branch offices worldwide to support its headquarters in Abu Dhabi and cement its role as a knowledge institution that connects people and new office relies on an advanced digital infrastructure that allows the organisation of virtual scientific events and symposiums, and the production of diverse knowledge content in Arabic and French, accessible across TRENDS' digital elite group of researchers, international partners, and representatives of academic and intellectual institutions attended the virtual inauguration ceremony in France and the Arab featured a presentation about the office's objectives and plan for the coming Paris office aims to achieve several goals, most notably enhancing academic connectivity by building effective partnerships between think tanks, universities, and research institutes in the Arab world and the Francophone also aims to promote joint research projects and the exchange of expertise, focusing on knowledge cooperation with France as a pivotal hub of Francophone office also seeks to keep abreast of and analyse knowledge production published in French, especially in digitisation, AI, geopolitical shifts, and social and environmental issues, and translate or simplify it for Arab office will also serve as an intellectual and cultural platform by organising conferences, joint publications in Arabic and French, and facilitating multilateral dialogue on global issues of common interest, such as climate change and digital the office will encourage joint translation and publishing initiatives, promoting the translation of high-quality books and studies between Arabic and French to enhance the flow of knowledge and expand the reach of mutual intellectual and cultural of TRENDS Research & Advisory, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, said this pioneering initiative to launch a new office in Paris enriches the global scientific landscape and supports international research added that it reflects the centre's commitment to promoting scientific research, innovation, and knowledge as fundamental tools for sustainable development and human Al-Ali emphasised that the new virtual office aspires to link European scientific research communities and TRENDS' main headquarters in Abu Dhabi, aiming to create broader knowledge and scientific of the Administrative and Media Affairs Sector at TRENDS, Nasser Muhammad Al-Ali, highlighted the significance of this launch. He said that opening the Paris office represents a quantum leap in the centre's efforts to build bridges of knowledge and understanding between cultures. He affirmed that the office will serve as a gateway to strengthen intellectual dialogue and knowledge exchange between the Arab world and the Francophone added that TRENDS aims to offer insights into regional and global issues through this office and build strong relationships based on mutual respect and shared expansion, he added, reflects TRENDS' commitment to being an influential Arab voice in the international intellectual of TRENDS' Global Offices Department, Researcher Abdulaziz Al-Marzouqi, affirmed that the opening of the Paris office marks a significant milestone in TRENDS' journey to strengthen the knowledge bridge between the Arab world and the Francophone space and to open new horizons for intellectual dialogue and research cooperation, especially on issues related to combating the financing of extremist noted that this step is part of TRENDS' efforts to activate its presence in European discussions through direct engagement with academic elites and policymakers in France. This engagement helps promote mutual understanding and provides knowledge-based insights grounded in moderation and of the TRENDS Virtual Office in Paris, Dr. Wael Saleh, described the launch as a significant milestone in strengthening TRENDS' and the Arab world's presence in the Francophone research landscape.'We aspire for this office to become a dynamic centre for strategic thinking and analysis and an active platform for knowledge exchange between academic and cultural elites in the Arab and French-speaking worlds,' he added. He pointed out that the upcoming phase will focus on building research partnerships, launching joint initiatives to deepen mutual understanding, and producing rigorous studies that address significant issues facing today's societies, from geopolitical transformations to AI.
Al Etihad
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Prospects for stopping the financing of extremist groups in Europe
29 June 2025 18:41 By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*Since its ouster from power in several Arab countries, the Muslim Brotherhood has faced a string of crises. Yet, it continues to operate in Europe, hiding under various names and receiving direct or indirect support. This persists despite the consensus on the need to counter the spread of extremist Islamist currents across societies, whether in the Middle East, Europe, or the entire world. In this context, TRENDS Research & Advisory, in cooperation with French Senator Nathalie Goulet, is organising a symposium at the French Senate titled "Stopping the Financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe" to address the challenges involved and the mechanisms required to stop such Muslim Brotherhood has long exploited Europe's open and free environment to spread its ideology and manage extensive financial networks. This tactic is not new; it has been used for decades, starting with the establishment and control of Islamic centres across Europe, followed by deep infiltration into charitable and humanitarian organisations and other forms of civil society institutions. The group operates through multiple organisational structures, effectively diverting attention away from the true nature of these entities, many of which receive European funding without recognising that these organisations follow the Brotherhood's ideological design. These institutions often serve as arms of the Brotherhood, active around the world in promoting extremist ideologies, soliciting donations, and channelling them into activities that threaten national security and deepen radicalisation in situation is made worse by the fact that the Brotherhood, which has been designated as a terrorist group in several Arab countries and its original home of Egypt, still has representative branches in dozens of countries worldwide. Some branches operate openly, while others disguise themselves as charitable, civil society, or even human rights organisations. In recent years, Europe has become a safe haven for the Brotherhood. Its affiliated organisations and institutions continue to pursue their agendas across the continent through a vast and multifaceted network that includes investment portfolios, banking operations, civil society work, the halal trade, and offshore business some European governments have tried to target the group's activities and place restrictions on prominent and well-known members. However, firm, coordinated crackdown measures have not been taken, probably because of the close links that some leaders of the international organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood have in European countries. Nevertheless, a confrontation is inevitable, as the Brotherhood actively works to establish hotbeds of extremism wherever it goes. Strict oversight in Europe is necessary to expose the extent of its activities, as is rigorous monitoring of its funding sources and connections to global terrorist networks. Ultimately, this could pave the way for the Brotherhood to be designated as a terrorist organisation, rather than waiting until it succeeds in expanding ideological infiltration across Europe and triggering social unrest and clashes with state countries have already begun rethinking their position on the Brotherhood. Growing security concerns about the group's influence on European societies, its promotion of hate speech, separatist ideologies, and religious extremism have led to concrete action. Austria, for example, banned the Muslim Brotherhood under anti-terrorism laws, while France has been closely monitoring the group's activities and assessing its infiltration into social, political, and even governmental structures. However, the absence of a unified European stance on designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist group continues to provide it with loopholes, enabling it to shift operations from one country to another and interact, remotely, with communities that have rejected its presence, while using European platforms to propagate a discourse of extremism and the lack of coordinated European action, there is consensus regarding the risks posed by the Muslim Brotherhood's activities in Europe. There is an urgent need to confront ideological projects that aim to undermine the foundations of the modern state, especially given that groups like the Brotherhood exploit the margins of freedom of expression to gradually build influence, infiltrate political and local institutions, reshape societal cultures, and exert pressure on national structures, including the European Union itself. This is often done through a number of transnational European organisations that share the same intensive activity of Brotherhood-affiliated entities in Europe is aimed at influencing national policies. Some of these groups appear to have developed working relationships with figures in finance and politics. They operate through networks that undermine the integration of minority communities, fuel ethnic tensions, promote hatred, and maintain ties to global terrorist groups. Confronting the dangers of such activity requires an intellectual response to extremist ideologies, the promotion of values of tolerance and coexistence, and the strengthening of international cooperation, particularly between Europe and the Middle East. It is equally important to review the sources of financing and both direct and indirect support provided to civil society organisations to ensure that such resources do not fall into the hands of extremist groups like the Brotherhood, which could ultimately turn those resources against our societies in the form of radicalisation and Research & Advisory has played a leading role in combating extremist ideologies and Islamist movements, with a particular focus on the Muslim Brotherhood. The centre's efforts are dedicated to dismantling the narratives of terrorist thought, challenging anarchic doctrines, exposing doctrinal distortions, and countering radical methods of spreading extremism. Through a diverse range of publications, TRENDS explores various aspects of these groups across the Middle East, Europe, and the world and works with governments, decision-makers, and parliamentarians to lay the groundwork for effectively confronting the threat of extremist organisations in order to build societies based on peace, dialogue, and shared values. *The writer is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
Al Etihad
28-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS to hold France session on stopping Brotherhood funding in Europe, launch Paris virtual office
28 June 2025 10:39 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory is continuing to expand its international presence by launching a new virtual office in Paris, the French capital. The office aims to serve as a platform for intellectual exchange between the Arab and Francophone launch of the office coincides with the second session of the international symposium, held in the form of a workshop, and titled 'Toward Concerted Efforts to Stop the Financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities'. It will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Salle Monory at the headquarters of the French Senator Nathalie Goulet and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, will open the event. They will highlight the importance of Europe–Arab cooperation in addressing critical challenges related to the financing of extremist Wael Saleh, Political Islam Affairs Advisor and Director of TRENDS in Canada, and Senator Nathalie Goulet will moderate the workshop. It will address several topics, including the structure of financing networks, obstacles to halting financial flows, and a European road map for confronting the phenomenon.A panel of European and Arab experts and officials will participate in the session, including Laure Anas Renaud, representative of the French Financial Intelligence Unit; Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Director of the Mohammed bin Zayed University for the Humanities; Mr. Ali Faisal Ba'Alawi, Head of the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit and Representative of the Executive Office to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing; François Volpoet, Director of Chain Spy; Levi Vial, Director of the Centre for University Studies in France; Hamad Al Hosani, researcher and Head of the Political Islam Studies Section at TRENDS; as well as researchers Shamsa Al Qubaisi and Shaikha Al-Nuaimi.'The launch of our virtual office in Paris represents a pivotal strategic step toward strengthening intellectual and knowledge-based communication between the Arab world and the Francophone world,' Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, said.'We believe that this office will be a vital platform for exchanging ideas and visions on common global issues, especially those related to combating the financing of extremist groups,' he added, pointing out that this step comes in conjunction with holding the second session of our important international symposium on stopping the financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. The move confirms TRENDS' commitment to strengthening cooperation in confronting security and intellectual challenges. Dr. Muhammad Al-Ali emphasised that through this new presence, TRENDS aims to monitor and analyse French knowledge and production, convey visions of the Arab world to this vital space, and contribute to formulating effective policies for a safer and more stable future. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS to participate in Beijing International Book Fair 2025
16 June 2025 10:57 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its global research vision and commitment to knowledge advancement, TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its Virtual Global Office in China, will participate in the 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair event will be held from June 18 to 22 at the China National Convention Centre, within the official pavilion of the United Arab Emirates (Booth No. E1.A01).This participation reflects TRENDS' global mission to promote scientific research, foster intercultural dialogue, and strengthen global intellectual exchange. It also underscores the centre's dedication to advancing a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence through the dissemination of purposeful, knowledge-based research. Over 400 Specialised Publications At this year's fair, TRENDS is showcasing over 400 high-quality research and scientific publications that span a wide range of knowledge domains. These works explore and analyse a diverse array of strategic issues, including future foresight, geopolitical transformations, knowledge economies, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, as well as environmental and sustainability challenges. The collection also includes in-depth research in international relations and the by objectivity, reliability, and academic rigour, these publications serve as valuable references for scholars, researchers, and policymakers. Intellectual Engagements CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, emphasised that the centre's participation in the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair features a rich programme of intellectual engagements, including scientific discussions and expert panels with leading thinkers, researchers, and engagements aim to exchange insights on pressing global challenges and foster knowledge-based Al-Ali added that the event offers visitors an opportunity to explore TRENDS' latest publications firsthand and opens up new avenues for collaborative research and sustainable partnerships with Chinese think tanks, academic institutions, and training centres. Advancing Dialogue Through Knowledge TRENDS' CEO affirmed that this participation aligns with the centre's strategic vision of positioning itself as a bridge for scientific and intellectual communication between East and West. He noted that the fair is a key milestone in furthering UAE-China cultural and academic exchange, based on knowledge as a vital tool for global understanding and collaboration. Forward-Thinking Perspectives Director of Exhibitions and Distribution at TRENDS, Ms. Rawda Al-Marzouqi, stated that the centre is presenting over 400 diverse publications at the Beijing its publishing efforts and global cultural engagements, TRENDS aims to offer forward-thinking perspectives on contemporary global issues and reinforce its status as a thought-leading research institution committed to future-driven emphasised that TRENDS' involvement aligns with the UAE's broader mission to foster scientific dialogue, cultural cooperation, and international knowledge exchange. The UAE Pavilion serves as a vital platform for showcasing pioneering research output and promoting mutual understanding between global research Beijing International Book Fair is one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world, annually attracting thousands of publishers, authors, intellectuals, and visitors. It provides an ideal forum for promoting international cooperation in research, knowledge production, and academic innovation.
