The MoU, signed by Prof. Galal Hatem, Chancellor of Umm Al-Quwain University, and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, will facilitate the exchange of experts and researchers to benefit from their knowledge and organize joint scientific and research events such as seminars, panel discussions, workshops, and lectures, alongside the exchange of scientific publications. Prof. Galal Hatem said that “research and knowledge collaboration with TRENDS Research & Advisory will significantly contribute to the university’s strategy of preparing and academically qualifying its students to be part of the university’s team of scientists, researchers, and specialists. Additionally, it will promote joint work on research projects and scientific studies aimed at finding innovative solutions to serve and develop the community.”
Dr. Hatem added that this partnership is part of the university’s efforts to engage with key societal stakeholders to make a qualitative leap in education standards and support substantial scientific research, broadening its base, diversifying its sources, and employing it to serve sustainable development strategies and goals on various fronts. He added that this MoU aims to strengthen cooperation between the two parties in social and political research and studies, as well as in foresight studies and opinion polls, exchanging academics and researchers, and participating in scientific and research activities organized by both parties. Dr. Hatem mentioned that the MoU between the university and TRENDS represents an added value to the university's mission and vision in academia, research, and community engagement, embodying the university’s aspiration to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application through joint studies, research, seminars, and conferences aimed at elevating higher education outcomes.
He noted that collaboration with TRENDS will also empower students intellectually through involving them in research programs and specialized training courses, which will qualify them to possess initiative, creativity, purposeful thinking, and balance psychologically, intellectually, and materially, benefiting the UAE society and making them active contributors to the progress and development journey.
Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS, affirmed that signing the MoU with Umm Al-Quwain University represents a new addition to the path of serving scientific research and knowledge production in the field of humanities and foresight studies. It also opens new horizons for purposeful and fruitful cooperation that achieves the common goals of both parties, especially in substantial scientific research.
Al-Ali pointed out that the MoU also aims to strengthen joint scientific research to serve the research and academic sides and contribute to advancing the educational and research process, preparing and empowering students with the skills required in job market, in addition to exchanging experiences, expertise, and specialists to keep up with contemporary developments and foresee the future with knowledge. He appreciated the pivotal role of Umm Al-Quwain University in serving scientific research and social, philosophical, and human sciences, affirming that the university stands as an educational and intellectual beacon, providing a unique model in preparing a promising generation of young researchers capable of creativity and constructive criticism, with a desire to advance their communities and achieve sustainable development goals.
Al-Ali added that cooperation with universities, academic and research institutions, has become an urgent necessity, not only because it allows for mutual benefit from research and knowledge expertise and the available database and information but also because it helps provide a common and deep understanding of various contemporary global issues and crises.