TRENDS Research & Advisory, part of TRENDS Group, participated in the eighth edition of the German-Arab Gulf Dialogue, hosted in the German capital, Berlin, on 21–22 September 2026. The event brought together a distinguished group of officials, experts, researchers, diplomats and decision-makers from Germany, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Europe under the theme “GCC–Germany–EU: Strategic Partners in Volatile Times”.
TRENDS’ participation reflected its commitment to strengthening research and knowledge-based dialogue on strategic issues and rapidly evolving technological developments. Eissa Ali AlMannaei, Senior Researcher and AI specialist at TRENDS, took part in the roundtable session on “Artificial Intelligence and Technology,” where he delivered remarks addressing the importance of education and knowledge exchange between Germany and the Gulf countries, the accelerating pace of scientific and technological developments, and a proposal to establish a clear framework for strengthening technological cooperation in the age of artificial intelligence.
The session was attended by a distinguished group of prominent figures and experts, including HRH Prince Turki AlFaisal, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and Honorary Chairman of the German-Arab Friendship Association (DAFG)., alongside Dr Christian Koch, Director of Research and Executive Manager of the Brussels Office of the Gulf Research Center, who specialises in relations between the Gulf states and the European Union.
Representatives of the German-Emirati Institute – Technologies 4.0 also participated in the discussion, including Bernhard Randerath, the Institute’s CEO, and Helmut Reichelt, Deputy CEO. The Institute’s work focuses on UAE-German cooperation in technology, industry, innovation and technical education.
Meetings on the Sidelines of the Dialogue
On the sidelines of the dialogue, the TRENDS team held a number of meetings with participating political, diplomatic and research figures, including Sheikh Fawaz Mishal Al-Sabah; Saad Al-Tami, Founder and President of the Diwan; Dherar Belhoul Al Falasi, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Al Majlis Group; Dr Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Banna, former UAE Ambassador to the Republic of India; and H.E. Ambassador Saad bin Mohammed Al Arify, former Ambassador and Head of the Mission of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the European Union.
The meetings included exchanges of views on a number of issues of common interest and ways to strengthen research and knowledge cooperation. They also addressed rapid developments in artificial intelligence and technology and their role in supporting partnerships between the Gulf countries, Europe and Germany.
TRENDS’ participation in the dialogue forms part of its active engagement in international platforms and its efforts to strengthen research and knowledge partnerships.
