TRENDS launches 10 new books on global issues at SIBF 2025

November 16, 2025 / 7:38 PM

Sharjah 24: TRENDS Research & Advisory, the research partner of the 44th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair, has launched 10 new books that address and analyze a range of contemporary issues. These include the phenomenon of cyberterrorism, the development and future outlook of Emirati cultural diplomacy, innovation in leadership and learning, the impact of technology on mental health, the role of microlearning in leadership development, the importance of water in shaping future political, economic, and security landscapes, as well as the impact of technology, policy, and finance on the transformation of global energy systems, among other critical topics.

Purposeful Knowledge Production

Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, affirmed that the launch of 10 new publications embodies TRENDS’ vision and mission to produce purposeful knowledge and to provide academic and practical solutions to contemporary challenges. He added that releasing these works at the Sharjah International Book Fair is not merely a quantitative addition to Arab and global libraries, but a qualitative leap in TRENDS’ ongoing pursuit to build a rigorous research discourse capable of foreseeing the future and analyzing its complexities.

Dr Al-Ali noted that these publications reflect TRENDS’ commitment to a precise scientific methodology that combines academic depth with practical insight, offering both specialized and general readers rich content that broadens perspectives and deepens understanding of the significant transformations shaping today’s world. He emphasized that these works also reinforce a culture of scientific research as the foundation for building knowledge-based societies that drive sustainable development.

Reshaping Global Security

The series of new book launches began with H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al-Kuwaiti, Chairman of the UAE Cyber Security Council, who unveiled his latest book, "Cyberterrorism: The Invisible Enemy and the Reshaping of Global Security."

Published by TRENDS, the book presents an in-depth analysis of cyberterrorism as an unprecedented challenge to global security in the digital era. It explains that the threat landscape has evolved beyond traditional violence or financially motivated cybercrime, transforming into a sophisticated offensive model that merges radical ideology with advanced technological tools, posing serious risks to critical infrastructure, national stability, and public trust in institutions.

Government Innovation

Dr Hanan Abdulla signed her English-language book, The Innovation Bridge: Linking Leadership, Learning, and Social Impact in the UAE, published by TRENDS Research & Advisory. In this book, the author explains that in an era marked by climate crises, digital disruptions, and evolving social expectations, innovation in government is no longer optional. She explores how the concept of authentic leadership intersects with organizational environments and cognitive and learning capacities to shape the daily behaviors that turn innovation into reality. She also offers a practical framework for policymakers, executive leaders, and researchers to build more innovative public institutions capable of better responding to society’s fundamental needs.

Technology and Human Behavior

Maryam Al-Kuwaiti launched her new English-language book, The Digital World and Human Health, published by TRENDS Research & Advisory. In this work, she explores the evolving relationship between technology, human behavior, and health in an era of rapid digital interconnectedness. Al-Kuwaiti explains how digital tools are reshaping the details of everyday life and influencing how people perceive mental health, community bonds, and personal identity. She emphasizes that the digital world has become a reflection of the real one, offering opportunities for creativity and innovation while also exposing individuals to psychological pressures and risks related to inequality and privacy.

Digital Diplomacy Efforts

Mozah Anwar Al-Khuwaiter signed her new English-language book, UAE Cultural Diplomacy in Contemporary Context: Evolution, Strategies, and Future Prospects, published by TRENDS Research & Advisory. The book focuses on the evolution of the UAE’s cultural diplomacy strategies, analyzing cultural initiatives, bilateral relations, and digital diplomacy efforts. It also highlights the interplay between traditional cultural diplomacy and contemporary concepts of soft power, while addressing the challenges of balancing the nation’s deep-rooted values with its aspirations for global influence.

Shaping Future Leaders

TRENDS launched the book, Microlearning as a Tool for Shaping Future Leaders, by Emirati researcher Hessa Beljafla. The book explores the growing importance of microlearning in preparing and developing leaders, examining its impact on enhancing leadership skills and uncovering learners’ and trainees’ latent leadership potential. Beljafla highlights how microlearning fosters critical thinking, encourages collaboration and collective learning, strengthens problem-solving and adaptability skills, supports digital engagement, and helps build leadership personalities for the future.

Cross-Border Terrorism

TRENDS also launched the book, The Criminal Confrontation of Terrorism Crimes in UAE Legislation, by Dr Saqr Saif bin Ahmed. The book highlights the grave threat posed by global terrorism to international peace and security, emphasizing that this phenomenon transcends borders and is not linked to any particular religion or culture. Dr. Bin Ahmed stresses that confronting terrorism requires collective international action. His book focuses on the criminalization of terrorism offenses under UAE legislation, offering a comparative analysis that underscores the UAE’s comprehensive strategy and steadfast efforts to combat extremism and terrorism across legislative, legal, and societal dimensions.

Soft Power

Dr Theyab bin Ghanem Al Mazroui signed his new book, Soft Power and Its Role in Strengthening UAE Foreign Policy, published by TRENDS. The book explores the UAE’s strategic approach to employing soft power as an effective tool to enhance its global presence and reinforce its image as a model of progress and stability. Dr. Al Mazroui reveals how, over the past decade, the UAE has successfully redefined its global influence, rising to 10th place in the Global Soft Power Index in 2025.

The Pearl Era

TRENDS launched the English translation of its original book, The Pearl Era: From Poverty to Prosperity – The Journey of the United Arab Emirates from Pre-Pearl Days to the Post-Oil World. The book documents the UAE’s extraordinary transformation from a modest society whose rhythm of life once revolved around pearl diving to a modern nation distinguished by resilience, adaptability, and visionary leadership. It also highlights the pivotal role that pearls played in shaping the region’s economy, culture, and daily life.

The Coming Storm

Sir Liam Fox, former UK Secretary of State for Defence, signed the Arabic edition of his book, The Coming Storm: Why Water Will Write the 21st Century, published by TRENDS. In this work, he emphasizes that only 3 percent of the world’s total water supply is fresh water essential to human survival, warning that competition over water resources could ignite global conflicts. Fox explains how climate change is altering water distribution, reshaping global disease patterns, and increasing the likelihood of mass migrations.

Energy Futures

TRENDS launched the English-language book, Energy Futures at a Crossroad: AI, Justice, Financing and the Global Transition. The book examines the global transformation of the energy sector through five key dimensions: renewable energy markets, integration challenges, financing, energy justice in the Global South, and the dual role of artificial intelligence. It highlights how technology, policy, and finance are converging to reshape global energy systems and create new opportunities for achieving long-term sustainability.