TRENDS Launches Seven Research Publications at SIBF

As part of its commitment to supporting culture and knowledge, strengthening academic research efforts at both regional and international levels, and keeping pace with rapid technological developments, TRENDS launched seven new publications at the exhibition’s signature corner. These books examine and analyze several contemporary issues and global crises, including digital media crises, cyberterrorism, the philosophy of media criticism, the development of resilient and sustainable education systems, and the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood on regional and international stability. They also examine the impact of artificial intelligence on the development of human talent and how extremist groups are exploiting AI technologies to further their interests.

Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, stated that the new publications represent a qualitative addition to Arab and international research and academic libraries. He explained that these works reflect the TRENDS’ mission to promote a culture of research, strengthen the foundations of sound knowledge, and provide objective analyses of regional and global issues and developments.

Dr Al Ali noted that these publications are distinguished by their originality and rigorous research methodology, grounded in accurate and reliable analysis. This makes them valuable references for researchers, academics, university students, and all those engaged in scientific inquiry. He added that these works also enrich the scientific publishing industry and strengthen its role in the global cultural and intellectual landscape.

The CEO of TRENDS emphasised that the significance of the seven new publications extends beyond academic and specialised circles to the broader community. He explained that their precise scientific content and clear language enable readers to understand complex global developments, challenges, and their potential future implications. As such, they help raise societal awareness and understanding of the world’s evolving dynamics.

His Excellency Dr Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi launched his book, The Philosophy of Media Criticism Between Permissibility and Criminalisation: A Media and Legal Perspective, published by TRENDS. The book explores the boundaries of freedom of expression and press freedom, emphasizing the need to clearly define the limits of media criticism and distinguish it from defamation or personal insult. It examines the constitutional foundations of the right to expression and criticism, as well as the concept of media immunity within Emirati law. The book further clarifies the legal concepts governing the right to express opinions and outlines the conditions that regulate the exercise of media criticism.

Retired Colonel Jassim Mohammed Al Teneiji signed his book Managing Digital Media Crises: From Planning to the ‘Block With No Comment’ Campaign, published by TRENDS. The book tackles one of the most critical and defining challenges facing nations and institutions in the digital media era, emphasising that crises are no longer merely unexpected events but recurring phenomena that demand a shift from reactive responses to proactive strategic prevention. It also underscores the importance of building national media resilience, transforming challenges into opportunities to strengthen public trust and institutional credibility.

Dr Karima Matar Al Mazrouei signed the second edition of The Strategic Reports Series for Educational Decision-Makers: Bridging Educational Gaps and Building Skills, titled Redefining the Role of School Leadership: Autonomy, Governance, and Educational Efficiency, published by TRENDS. The report presents a comprehensive strategic framework to enable leaders and decision-makers across the Arab world to build resilient and sustainable educational systems. It adopts an in-depth analytical approach that reviews successful global experiences, emphasising the urgent need to redefine the role of school principals, from mere administrative executors to dynamic strategic leaders capable of driving educational transformation.

Dr Ghazi Ahmed Mubarak Bin Sumaida launched his book Criminal Treatment of Cyberterrorism, published by TRENDS. The book examines the criminal legislation addressing cyberterrorism in three countries: the UAE, Egypt, and France. It highlights how cyberterrorism has evolved as an extension of traditional terrorism, but through the use of information technology and digital networks to carry out criminal acts.

These acts include the destruction of bioinformatics infrastructure, the dissemination of extremist ideologies, and the recruitment of individuals online. The book identifies several factors contributing to the rise of this phenomenon, including weak cybersecurity infrastructure, the absence of geographical boundaries in cyberspace, and the difficulty of detecting and proving cybercrimes.

In this context, researchers from the Department of Political Islam at TRENDS launched the 15th book of the TRENDS Encyclopedia on the Muslim Brotherhood, titled The Muslim Brotherhood: Expansion Experiences and Confrontation Approaches. This publication reinforces TRENDS’ vision of studying political Islam as a multifaceted intellectual and security phenomenon that demands an integrated approach connecting local and global dimensions. Its objective is to deepen scientific understanding of the movement’s paths and its impact on regional and international stability. The book also forms part of the comprehensive research project led by the Centre to analyse “the Brotherhood phenomenon” through a rigorous, interdisciplinary methodology that combines historical, political, intellectual, and organisational perspectives.

Dr Amal Hamad Al Mesafri signed her book The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Talent Development and Career Resilience in the UAE Public Sector, published in English by TRENDS. In this work, the author blends rigorous academic analysis with practical insights tailored for policymakers and executive leaders. She emphasises that AI is no longer a distant future but a present and powerful force driving fundamental transformation across employment, recruitment, qualification programmes, performance management, and professional development within government institutions in the UAE.

Shamsa Arif Al Qubaisi, Assistant Researcher at TRENDS, launched her book Hijacking Intelligence: AI Manipulation and the Architecture of Online Extremism, published in English by TRENDS. The book explores how artificial intelligence has emerged as both a tool for progress and a means for exploitation. It provides an in-depth analysis of the structural vulnerabilities in AI systems that enable extremist groups to misuse them —from data poisoning and manipulation of system inputs to the opacity of decision-making mechanisms known as the “black box,” as well as the echo chambers created by algorithmic bias.