Abu Dhabi Fund For Development And TRENDS Sign Strategic Research MoU To Enhance UAE's Development Efforts

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and TRENDS Research & Advisory have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaborative research in strategic areas of shared interest. This agreement was signed during the fourth "Make it in the Emirates" forum held in Abu Dhabi. The MoU is designed to enhance cooperation on economic, social, and future-focused studies, including field research, by generating evidence-based insights to guide decision-making and national development priorities.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, formalised the agreement in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. This partnership aims to facilitate joint publications, academic exchanges, and co-hosted conferences and workshops. It also seeks to expand scientific communication and outreach with local and international institutions.

The collaboration will see both entities launching joint research projects on priority topics. These initiatives aim to reinforce the UAE’s status as a hub for thought leadership and innovation. The MoU sets a foundation for future agreements that will contribute to the UAE’s long-term vision and evidence-based policy agenda.

Al Suwaidi stated, "This MoU with TRENDS Research & Advisory reflects the Fund’s commitment to deepening cooperation with national research centres and leveraging scientific research to support comprehensive development. We are focused on backing data-driven initiatives built on rigorous standards that contribute to effective policy development, help address economic and development challenges and support sustainable social progress."

Dr. Al-Ali expressed pride in signing this MoU with one of the region’s leading development institutions. He noted that this partnership would enhance strategic, evidence-based research production while enabling knowledge exchange and best practice application across various economic and development fields.

Enhancing UAE's Research Ecosystem

This collaboration marks a strategic move towards strengthening the UAE’s research ecosystem by aligning national development institutions with prominent policy think tanks. The agreement paves the way for future collaborations that will bolster the nation’s position as a leader in innovation and thought leadership.

The partnership between ADFD and TRENDS Research & Advisory underscores their shared commitment to advancing comprehensive development through rigorous scientific research. By focusing on data-driven initiatives, they aim to address economic challenges effectively while supporting sustainable social progress.

With inputs from WAM