The conference will bring together distinguished officials, experts, researchers, and thought leaders from the UAE, the region, and around the world.
Abu Dhabi – 11 October, 2026
The 6th Annual TRENDS Conference will commence at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi on Monday (October 12, 2026). Organized by TRENDS Global – part of the TRENDS Group – in coordination with its international offices across 26 countries, the event is titled Sustainable Security: The Post-War Future of the Middle East. The conference is scheduled to bring together a distinguished group of officials, experts, researchers, and thought leaders from the UAE, the region, and around the world.
The conference will be attended by Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council; Ambassador Mike Waltz, U.S. Representative to the United Nations; and Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM); alongside a distinguished group of political, military, academic, and media figures.
Keynote Addresses
The conference proceedings will open with keynote addresses by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, Chairman of TRENDS Group; H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federal National Council; Ambassador Mike Waltz, U.S. Representative to the United Nations; and Admiral Brad Cooper, Commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
Exclusive Session with Mike Pompeo
A special discussion session will feature Mike Pompeo, former U.S. Secretary of State and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Becky Anderson, anchor at CNN International and Managing Editor of CNN’s Abu Dhabi, will moderate the conversation. The conference comprises four interconnected main sessions that address sustainable security and the region’s future.
These sessions feature a distinguished group of political, military, academic, and media figures from the United States, the United Kingdom, and various European, Asian, and Arab nations—alongside leaders and experts from the UAE—thereby providing an international platform to exchange insights on the future of regional security and strategies for navigating intertwined transformations and risks.
Coinciding with the conference proceedings, TRENDS Research & Advisory is launching a new book titled The Middle East After the War. The book anticipates the major transformations unfolding in the region and discusses the repercussions of the military confrontation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The conference also opens an accompanying exhibition showcasing the output of the five companies affiliated with the TRENDS Group and introducing the Group’s new identity as an integrated knowledge ecosystem. The exhibition features high-quality scholarly publications, research and training services, and an innovation and artificial intelligence corner, alongside interactive events and workshops.
Shaping Narratives, Strengthening Security
In the lead-up to the conference, the TRENDS Youth Council organized a preparatory roundtable titled Young Leaders’ Perspectives on Shaping Tomorrow’s Narratives, focusing on the theme Sustainable Security: The Post-War Future of the Middle East. Moderated by journalist Mohammed Al Ahmad and featuring a distinguished group of researchers and youth leaders, the discussion addressed the role of youth in countering misinformation, fostering trust in institutions, and enhancing economic and institutional preparedness to tackle crises, thereby supporting stability and sustainable security.
Latifa Al Jneibi, a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory and a member of the TRENDS Youth Council, emphasized that misinformation has become a challenge to economic and financial security because it can affect markets, investor confidence, and corporate decision-making. She highlighted the importance of proactively building economic resilience by diversifying income sources, bolstering financial reserves, developing supply chains, diversifying supply sources, and establishing reliable partnerships, pointing to the UAE’s experience in economic diversification and investment across multiple sectors.
Mariam Aljneibi, a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory and a member of the TRENDS Youth Council, emphasized the need to raise youth awareness regarding misinformation during times of war — particularly narratives that fuel hatred and undermine trust and coexistence. She called for developing skills to verify circulating news, images, and videos; balancing the speed of dissemination with factual accuracy; and fostering cooperation among media organizations, research institutions, and youth councils.
Nasser Mohammed, Vice President of the Al Ain Youth Council, highlighted the importance of trusting the UAE’s leadership and institutions, as well as the role of transparent official messaging and effective communication in maintaining societal reassurance during crises. He emphasized youth councils’ responsibility to counter rumors and instill tolerance, coexistence, and peace.
Mohammed Al Ahmad, a researcher at TRENDS Research & Advisory and a member of the TRENDS Youth Council, explained that institutional resilience relies on preparation, flexibility in decision-making, and clear communication. He emphasized the need to update and test emergency plans, draw on experience, and train staff while clearly defining their responsibilities and authority, noting that institutional readiness begins with the readiness of individuals within the organization.
Also participating were Mohammed Al-Dhaheri, Senior Engineer and Innovation & Development Officer at the GAL Youth Council; Hessa Al-Shamsi, Engineer II and Council Chair; and Eng. Muawia Al Nuaimi, Senior Engineer and Council Vice Chair. Hessa Alshamsi, a Level 2 Engineer and President of the GAL Youth Council, said: “First, I would like to thank the TRENDS Youth Council for this kind invitation and for the opportunity to participate in this distinguished panel discussion. Drawing on our experience in the aviation sector, we believe that preparedness is not limited to technology alone; it also hinges on national talent, teamwork, and the ability to overcome challenges. As Emirati youth, we bear a responsibility to contribute to enhancing the readiness and sustainability of our nation’s vital sectors.”
The discussions identified several key priorities, most notably strengthening information verification and countering misleading narratives; empowering youth to engage responsibly in the digital space; developing proactive crisis management plans; bolstering economic resilience and strategic partnerships; and investing in young talent and innovation.
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About TRENDS Group
TRENDS Group is an independent, privately owned research organization founded in Abu Dhabi in 2014 as TRENDS Research & Advisory. In 2026, it was rebranded as TRENDS Group.
TRENDS Group focuses on studying and analyzing global issues of shared human concern, examining opportunities and challenges across geopolitical, economic, social, and intellectual dimensions.
Its work is guided by the principles of critical analysis, evaluation, and foresight, underpinned by academic rigor and methodological integrity.
