In a move that reinforces the UAE’s commitment to evidence-based governance and knowledge-driven development, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and TRENDS Research & Advisory have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on research across critical national and global themes.
The agreement was signed during the fourth edition of the Make it in the Emirates Forum in Abu Dhabi — one of the country’s flagship platforms promoting innovation, industrial growth, and forward-looking public-private partnerships.
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A strategic alliance for knowledge-based development
The newly formalized MoU aims to strengthen research collaboration in key economic, social, and future-focused areas. Through rigorous, field-based studies and analytical insight, the two organizations seek to support data-driven policymaking and advance the UAE’s long-term development agenda.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both organizations and was formalized by His Excellency Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of ADFD, and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory.
Joint research, publications, and policy engagement
As part of the agreement, ADFD and TRENDS will work together on a range of academic and policy-focused initiatives. These include:
- Joint publications and policy briefs
- Academic exchanges and researcher collaboration
- Co-hosted conferences and workshops
- Scientific communication and outreach with regional and global institutions
The two entities will also launch collaborative research projects on high-priority topics, leveraging their combined expertise to contribute to national and international discussions around sustainable development, economic transformation, and social innovation.
Reinforcing the UAE’s role as a global thought leader
The collaboration is expected to enhance the UAE’s global position as a center for research excellence and policy innovation, further aligning development institutions with top-tier think tanks and academic bodies.
A foundation for future partnerships and impact
Beyond joint studies and thought leadership initiatives, the MoU lays the groundwork for future agreements and partnerships that will continue to strengthen the UAE’s knowledge infrastructure. The collaboration supports the country’s national strategy to become a global innovation hub, backed by sound research and collaborative policymaking.
This initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s Vision 2031 and broader efforts to promote sustainable economic diversification, human capital development, and international cooperation in solving global challenges.
H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi commented: “This MoU with TRENDS Research & Advisory reflects the Fund’s commitment to deepening cooperation with national research centers and leveraging scientific research to support comprehensive development.
“We are focused on backing data-driven initiatives built on rigorous standards that contribute to effective policy development, help address economic and development challenges and support sustainable social progress.”
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali added: “We are proud to sign this MoU with one of the region’s leading development institutions. This partnership will enhance the production of strategic, evidence-based research and enable knowledge exchange and application of best practices in various economic and development fields.”
The collaboration marks a significant step in bolstering the UAE’s research ecosystem by aligning national development institutions with leading policy think tanks.
It sets a strong foundation for future partnerships and joint initiatives that will advance the country’s long-term vision and support a robust, evidence-based policymaking framework.
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