Latest news with #TRENDSResearchandAdvisory
Al Etihad
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Etihad
UAE lesson on education for peace resonates in Brussels hall
25 May 2025 23:03 By Mohammad Tawhidi*The halls of the European Parliament in Brussels became the stage for an important gathering of global thought-leaders, parliamentarians, ambassadors, religious figures, and scholars on May 20. The event was to discuss "Strategies to Combat Radicalism in the Middle East and Around the Globe Through Education for Tolerance and a Culture of Peace", where voices from across continents made a clear, powerful, and urgent call to action: radicalism can only be defeated by the constructive power of event was marked by a predominant UAE presence and a formidable display of global unity and intellectual leadership. From lawmakers to religious leaders, all were bound by a shared purpose: to chart practical, cross-cultural strategies to counter extremism and promote human the heart of the conference was a consensus: the ideologies fueling global radicalism must be uprooted not only through counterterrorism efforts but through robust, values-driven education systems that elevate human dignity, reject hatred, and instil Al Sahlawi, Ambassador of the UAE to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, along with TRENDS Research and Advisory, exemplified the UAE's leading role on the global stage in promoting tolerance and combating extremism. Chairman Antonio López-Istúriz White, Member of the European Parliament and the Committee on Foreign Affairs, praised the UAE's leadership, describing it as "a model for bridging civilisations and a true global partner in the war of ideas against radicalism."The UAE delegation also included influential figures such as: Dr. Khalid Al Ghaith, Secretary General of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Jarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, Dr. Mohammed Abdulla Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory and the think-tank's researchers on education policy Shaikha Al Nuaimi and Elyazia Al Al Ali delivered a critical, data-driven analysis of the ideological ecosystems that empower radical groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood, highlighting the urgent need for EU-wide vigilance and transnational research UAE representatives echoed a firm position: tolerance is not a slogan, it must be embedded in education, culture, and diplomacy. The Abrahamic Family House's role in interfaith peacebuilding was cited as a replicable model for regional and international proceedings were marked by a refreshing, united consensus among EU leaders and interfaith organisations where speakers emphasised that radicalism is not confined to one region, religion, or demographic. Rather, it is a transnational threat, often incubated by extremist were repeated calls for increased scrutiny of extremist political movements operating within democratic systems. Speakers stressed that groups like the Muslim Brotherhood exploit democratic freedoms to destabilise societies from Gaztelu, Director of the European Commission's Directorate General for MENA, praised the UAE's holistic approach and stressed that a proactive policy must involve disrupting the ideological supply chains that feed terrorism, an area where educational reform is Romanian President Emil Constantinescu presented the frameworks for national peace curricula and shared measurable outcomes of tolerance-based education initiatives within his their part, interfaith and diplomatic figures added that peace is not solely the responsibility of governments, it must be co-owned by faith leaders, civic institutions, and educators. The policy forum concluded with strong recommendations for institutional commitments, including the formation of an EU–Middle East Education Task Force. This Force can develop and implement peace-oriented educational curricula while recommending the EU for the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity, supported by evidence-based gathering marked a strategic shift and pulsed with a shared understanding. It reflected a collective realisation that the war on terror must evolve into a war on ignorance, hate, and ideological manipulation. The world is no longer content with reactive policies. It demands proactive, preventive, and educational strategies that address radicalism at its roots, before the seeds are even this mission, the UAE and its international partners, including the European Parliament, TRENDS, the Global Imams Council (GIC), and the Inter-Parliamentary Coalition, have not only risen to the occasion, but are now charting the path the insight and cooperation witnessed in Brussels are any indication, the seeds for global peace may be sown in the classrooms. *The writer is a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory
Al Etihad
06-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS to open 25 global offices by end of 2025
6 May 2025 23:42 ABU DHABI (WAM)TRENDS Research and Advisory has announced an ambitious expansion plan to open 25 offices around the world by the end of 2025, in line with its vision to enhance its global presence and strengthen its role in advancing scientific research and knowledge exchange from the UAE to the Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Governance of Emerging Technologies Summit 2025 that the expansion includes the opening of new physical and virtual offices in several global capitals and cities over the coming months. He noted that the centre will open official offices in Rome and Paris during the second half of the year, and preparations are underway for a new office in Sydney, Australia. Dr. Al Ali confirmed that TRENDS currently operates 20 offices—both physical and virtual—across the globe, with the latest additions being in Washington and Buenos Aires, marking the centre's official presence in Latin America. These offices aim to expand networks with researchers and global think tanks while enhancing the UAE's role in fostering global knowledge added that as part of its efforts to strengthen international research partnerships, TRENDS recently signed a cooperation agreement with the National Defence College in Argentina, in preparation for a joint scientific conference with the UAE National Defence the sidelines of the summit, the centre also signed an agreement with X Hub Holding, which includes companies specialising in artificial intelligence, technology, and research, to support studies with data and statistics. He revealed that the first outcome of this collaboration will be a public opinion survey in Al Ain, to be conducted soon.
Al Etihad
05-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS Cultural Salon explores AI, legal applications at ADIBF 2025
5 May 2025 18:40 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its programme at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, TRENDS Research and Advisory hosted a workshop titled 'Artificial Intelligence and Its Legal Applications'.Held in collaboration with Abu Dhabi University's College of Law and the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals, the session attracted researchers, academics and legal-technology CEO Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali opened the workshop by stressing the urgent need to explore the legal dimensions of emerging technologies. He said that integrating AI into judicial systems is now essential, though it must be done responsibly and through informed by researcher Eissa Al-Mannaei, the session featured Dr Abdullah Ghanem Al-Nasser, legal advisor and Head of the Artificial Intelligence Team at the Emirates Association for Lawyers and Legal Professionals. He addressed legislative and ethical challenges posed by AI in judicial processes, noting its usefulness in data analysis and document drafting, while emphasising that AI cannot replace human judgement in upholding Al-Nasser shared a real-life example involving an AI-assisted bail request, which considered human and legal factors such as the defendant's background and the presiding judge's perspective. The case illustrated the importance of merging AI with expert legal engagement was strong, with questions covering judicial accountability, ethical standards, and the readiness of Arab legal systems to adapt to AI. Participants agreed on the need to update legislative frameworks and concluded that the best path forward is integrating AI with human insight to ensure sustainable, efficient at the fair, the TRENDS Youth Council hosted a session titled 'Emirati Youth: Between Language and Books', in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre's Specialised Libraries Department. The session explored the role of Arabic as a marker of identity and its importance in shaping social awareness, particularly in light of digital transformation and cultural researchers and cultural activists examined the evolving relationship between youth and literature, addressing the decline in traditional reading habits and the need to balance heritage preservation with modern knowledge tools. They stressed that Arabic is more than a language; it is a cultural bridge linking called for greater support for Arabic digital content, youth-focused publications, and the integration of Arabic into modern technologies. They highlighted the role of libraries as cultural hubs combining technology, reflection and creativity to attract younger session drew strong interest from students and youth advocates, with lively discussion on reviving reading habits, promoting Arabic in workspaces, and positioning young cultural ambassadors as role models. Participants concluded by calling for collaboration between youth and institutions to foster a generation proud of its language and heritage, and equipped to engage with the world. They praised TRENDS and its Youth Council for providing a platform to voice youth perspectives and shape a culturally rooted, forward-looking discourse.
Al Etihad
25-03-2025
- General
- Al Etihad
TRENDS study sheds light on vital role of art in conflict zones
25 Mar 2025 11:25 Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)TRENDS Research and Advisory issued a study titled "Art in Conflict Zones: The Language of Survival for Women and Children," prepared by researcher Shamma Ahmed Al-Qutba. The study highlights the vital role of art in the lives of women and children in conflict zones, where art becomes an expressive tool that helps them face trauma and build their identities amid study explains that art is not merely a tool for creativity; it transforms into a means of survival and resistance under harsh conditions. Women and children in conflict-affected communities use drawing, music, and handicrafts as a way to express pain, overcome psychological trauma, and rebuild study discusses how art enables women in conflict zones to overcome social restrictions and fears stemming from violence and oppression. Art provides them with a safe outlet to express their suffering, offering them an opportunity to challenge repressive systems and regain control over their lives, despite the challenges and study also highlights how children use art as a means to create safe, imaginative worlds that compensate for their harsh reality. Through drawing and colours, children express their fears and dreams, finding an outlet that restores their sense of control over their lives despite the conditions of war and the study points out that women and children in conflict zones often utilize available resources, such as ruined walls or simple tools, to create artworks that carry messages of hope and defiance. For example, it cites the case of a girl named "Sophia," who used handkerchiefs and worn-out bags as drawing tools, transforming the surrounding destruction into colorful symbols replete with study stresses the importance of providing resources, as well as artistic and psychological support, to women and children in conflict zones. It emphasizes the necessity for the international community to engage in funding and supporting these initiatives to ensure the continuity of creative spaces that contribute to healing communities affected by conflicts and rebuilding hope in study underscores that art, even in the darkest circumstances, constitutes an indomitable human force. It is not merely a means of expression; it is a tool for healing, resistance, and reclaiming hope. The study calls for increasing global attention to these creative voices and supporting initiatives that enable women and children to use art as a means of survival and to express their powerful stories.
