Latest news with #MohammedAbdullahAl-Ali
Al Etihad
a day ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Prospects for stopping the financing of extremist groups in Europe
29 June 2025 18:41 By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*Since its ouster from power in several Arab countries, the Muslim Brotherhood has faced a string of crises. Yet, it continues to operate in Europe, hiding under various names and receiving direct or indirect support. This persists despite the consensus on the need to counter the spread of extremist Islamist currents across societies, whether in the Middle East, Europe, or the entire world. In this context, TRENDS Research & Advisory, in cooperation with French Senator Nathalie Goulet, is organising a symposium at the French Senate titled "Stopping the Financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe" to address the challenges involved and the mechanisms required to stop such Muslim Brotherhood has long exploited Europe's open and free environment to spread its ideology and manage extensive financial networks. This tactic is not new; it has been used for decades, starting with the establishment and control of Islamic centres across Europe, followed by deep infiltration into charitable and humanitarian organisations and other forms of civil society institutions. The group operates through multiple organisational structures, effectively diverting attention away from the true nature of these entities, many of which receive European funding without recognising that these organisations follow the Brotherhood's ideological design. These institutions often serve as arms of the Brotherhood, active around the world in promoting extremist ideologies, soliciting donations, and channelling them into activities that threaten national security and deepen radicalisation in situation is made worse by the fact that the Brotherhood, which has been designated as a terrorist group in several Arab countries and its original home of Egypt, still has representative branches in dozens of countries worldwide. Some branches operate openly, while others disguise themselves as charitable, civil society, or even human rights organisations. In recent years, Europe has become a safe haven for the Brotherhood. Its affiliated organisations and institutions continue to pursue their agendas across the continent through a vast and multifaceted network that includes investment portfolios, banking operations, civil society work, the halal trade, and offshore business some European governments have tried to target the group's activities and place restrictions on prominent and well-known members. However, firm, coordinated crackdown measures have not been taken, probably because of the close links that some leaders of the international organisation of the Muslim Brotherhood have in European countries. Nevertheless, a confrontation is inevitable, as the Brotherhood actively works to establish hotbeds of extremism wherever it goes. Strict oversight in Europe is necessary to expose the extent of its activities, as is rigorous monitoring of its funding sources and connections to global terrorist networks. Ultimately, this could pave the way for the Brotherhood to be designated as a terrorist organisation, rather than waiting until it succeeds in expanding ideological infiltration across Europe and triggering social unrest and clashes with state countries have already begun rethinking their position on the Brotherhood. Growing security concerns about the group's influence on European societies, its promotion of hate speech, separatist ideologies, and religious extremism have led to concrete action. Austria, for example, banned the Muslim Brotherhood under anti-terrorism laws, while France has been closely monitoring the group's activities and assessing its infiltration into social, political, and even governmental structures. However, the absence of a unified European stance on designating the Brotherhood as a terrorist group continues to provide it with loopholes, enabling it to shift operations from one country to another and interact, remotely, with communities that have rejected its presence, while using European platforms to propagate a discourse of extremism and the lack of coordinated European action, there is consensus regarding the risks posed by the Muslim Brotherhood's activities in Europe. There is an urgent need to confront ideological projects that aim to undermine the foundations of the modern state, especially given that groups like the Brotherhood exploit the margins of freedom of expression to gradually build influence, infiltrate political and local institutions, reshape societal cultures, and exert pressure on national structures, including the European Union itself. This is often done through a number of transnational European organisations that share the same intensive activity of Brotherhood-affiliated entities in Europe is aimed at influencing national policies. Some of these groups appear to have developed working relationships with figures in finance and politics. They operate through networks that undermine the integration of minority communities, fuel ethnic tensions, promote hatred, and maintain ties to global terrorist groups. Confronting the dangers of such activity requires an intellectual response to extremist ideologies, the promotion of values of tolerance and coexistence, and the strengthening of international cooperation, particularly between Europe and the Middle East. It is equally important to review the sources of financing and both direct and indirect support provided to civil society organisations to ensure that such resources do not fall into the hands of extremist groups like the Brotherhood, which could ultimately turn those resources against our societies in the form of radicalisation and Research & Advisory has played a leading role in combating extremist ideologies and Islamist movements, with a particular focus on the Muslim Brotherhood. The centre's efforts are dedicated to dismantling the narratives of terrorist thought, challenging anarchic doctrines, exposing doctrinal distortions, and countering radical methods of spreading extremism. Through a diverse range of publications, TRENDS explores various aspects of these groups across the Middle East, Europe, and the world and works with governments, decision-makers, and parliamentarians to lay the groundwork for effectively confronting the threat of extremist organisations in order to build societies based on peace, dialogue, and shared values. *The writer is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS to hold France session on stopping Brotherhood funding in Europe, launch Paris virtual office
28 June 2025 10:39 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)TRENDS Research & Advisory is continuing to expand its international presence by launching a new virtual office in Paris, the French capital. The office aims to serve as a platform for intellectual exchange between the Arab and Francophone launch of the office coincides with the second session of the international symposium, held in the form of a workshop, and titled 'Toward Concerted Efforts to Stop the Financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities'. It will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025 in Salle Monory at the headquarters of the French Senator Nathalie Goulet and Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, will open the event. They will highlight the importance of Europe–Arab cooperation in addressing critical challenges related to the financing of extremist Wael Saleh, Political Islam Affairs Advisor and Director of TRENDS in Canada, and Senator Nathalie Goulet will moderate the workshop. It will address several topics, including the structure of financing networks, obstacles to halting financial flows, and a European road map for confronting the phenomenon.A panel of European and Arab experts and officials will participate in the session, including Laure Anas Renaud, representative of the French Financial Intelligence Unit; Dr. Khalifa Al Dhaheri, Director of the Mohammed bin Zayed University for the Humanities; Mr. Ali Faisal Ba'Alawi, Head of the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit and Representative of the Executive Office to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing; François Volpoet, Director of Chain Spy; Levi Vial, Director of the Centre for University Studies in France; Hamad Al Hosani, researcher and Head of the Political Islam Studies Section at TRENDS; as well as researchers Shamsa Al Qubaisi and Shaikha Al-Nuaimi.'The launch of our virtual office in Paris represents a pivotal strategic step toward strengthening intellectual and knowledge-based communication between the Arab world and the Francophone world,' Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, said.'We believe that this office will be a vital platform for exchanging ideas and visions on common global issues, especially those related to combating the financing of extremist groups,' he added, pointing out that this step comes in conjunction with holding the second session of our important international symposium on stopping the financing of the Muslim Brotherhood in Europe. The move confirms TRENDS' commitment to strengthening cooperation in confronting security and intellectual challenges. Dr. Muhammad Al-Ali emphasised that through this new presence, TRENDS aims to monitor and analyse French knowledge and production, convey visions of the Arab world to this vital space, and contribute to formulating effective policies for a safer and more stable future. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Al Etihad
16-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS to participate in Beijing International Book Fair 2025
16 June 2025 10:57 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)As part of its global research vision and commitment to knowledge advancement, TRENDS Research & Advisory, through its Virtual Global Office in China, will participate in the 31st edition of the Beijing International Book Fair event will be held from June 18 to 22 at the China National Convention Centre, within the official pavilion of the United Arab Emirates (Booth No. E1.A01).This participation reflects TRENDS' global mission to promote scientific research, foster intercultural dialogue, and strengthen global intellectual exchange. It also underscores the centre's dedication to advancing a culture of peace, tolerance, and coexistence through the dissemination of purposeful, knowledge-based research. Over 400 Specialised Publications At this year's fair, TRENDS is showcasing over 400 high-quality research and scientific publications that span a wide range of knowledge domains. These works explore and analyse a diverse array of strategic issues, including future foresight, geopolitical transformations, knowledge economies, artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, as well as environmental and sustainability challenges. The collection also includes in-depth research in international relations and the by objectivity, reliability, and academic rigour, these publications serve as valuable references for scholars, researchers, and policymakers. Intellectual Engagements CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, emphasised that the centre's participation in the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair features a rich programme of intellectual engagements, including scientific discussions and expert panels with leading thinkers, researchers, and engagements aim to exchange insights on pressing global challenges and foster knowledge-based Al-Ali added that the event offers visitors an opportunity to explore TRENDS' latest publications firsthand and opens up new avenues for collaborative research and sustainable partnerships with Chinese think tanks, academic institutions, and training centres. Advancing Dialogue Through Knowledge TRENDS' CEO affirmed that this participation aligns with the centre's strategic vision of positioning itself as a bridge for scientific and intellectual communication between East and West. He noted that the fair is a key milestone in furthering UAE-China cultural and academic exchange, based on knowledge as a vital tool for global understanding and collaboration. Forward-Thinking Perspectives Director of Exhibitions and Distribution at TRENDS, Ms. Rawda Al-Marzouqi, stated that the centre is presenting over 400 diverse publications at the Beijing its publishing efforts and global cultural engagements, TRENDS aims to offer forward-thinking perspectives on contemporary global issues and reinforce its status as a thought-leading research institution committed to future-driven emphasised that TRENDS' involvement aligns with the UAE's broader mission to foster scientific dialogue, cultural cooperation, and international knowledge exchange. The UAE Pavilion serves as a vital platform for showcasing pioneering research output and promoting mutual understanding between global research Beijing International Book Fair is one of the most prestigious cultural events in the world, annually attracting thousands of publishers, authors, intellectuals, and visitors. It provides an ideal forum for promoting international cooperation in research, knowledge production, and academic innovation.
Al Etihad
15-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Middle East conflict only resolved through diplomacy
16 June 2025 00:33 By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali* The Middle East is a region that rarely finds calm before slipping back into tension. Over the past two years, the intensity of the escalation has increased sharply, with no clear path to sustainable proliferation of conflicts, the emergence of competing actors and contradictory objectives, along with mounting human suffering and economic strain, have created a growing sense of uncertainty. This uncertainty hit a new high on June 13, 2025, when Israel launched strikes on Iran, ushering in a dangerous new chapter in a region already divided and though there had been indications of a potential confrontation between Israel and Iran, especially with the ongoing war in Gaza since October 7, 2023, the weakening of Iran's regional proxies, advances in Iran's nuclear programme (according to both Tel Aviv and the International Atomic Energy Agency), and tense US-Iran nuclear negotiations risking the threat of war, the scale of the Israeli escalation, targeting nuclear and military facilities, and Iran's response following the killing of top commanders came as a predictions are that the war will be brief, as its continuation means it would spread, perhaps to other fronts in the longer the war drags on and expands geographically, the more likely it is that the sound of drones and fighter jets will eclipse diplomacy and political dialogue. The possibility of the conflict engulfing the entire region increases if containment efforts fail. As a result, growth forecasts have dimmed, and states have turned to policies aimed at shielding their economies from shocks in the hope of maintaining stability. Trade and tourism have been affected. Furthermore, the political and economic fallout will not be limited only to combat zones and neighbouring nations, but it will also threaten the entire region and perhaps the world if the situation spirals out of control - a possibility that cannot be ruled and financial markets cannot remain stable in a constantly volatile environment, especially when warfare is no longer bound by borders. Some may have found solace in the fact that in the last two years, the wars in Gaza and Lebanon, or US strikes in Yemen, did not cause major disruptions. But if the current pace of escalation continues, the region may soon face severe turmoil in the energy markets, not to mention further human and material future of the Middle East now hinges on political settlements to its many conflicts, as well as on the regional and international arrangements that will region's long-term stability depends on its ability to develop a model of security and economic cooperation that promotes prosperity, not destruction, and that preserves the wealth of nations rather than squandering it on endless is no shortage of crises in the Middle East. The priority for countries should be to focus on economic development and the wellbeing of their people, not on wars that resolve no crisis and settle no force alone will not resolve long-standing issues. Many countries in the region face deep political, economic and security challenges that will take years of sustained effort to overcome. Yet there are also ambitious states working for the progress of their people and the wider region. These countries are determined not to let instability derail their aspirations for progress in all tensions continue to paralyse the region and obstruct cross-border development powers have shown only limited commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East. As a result, there is a significant risk that the conflict will spread from one country to is spared today may not be spared tomorrow, especially if the same international standards continue to govern responses to crises in the the competing agendas of global powers often reflect broader rivalries, further complicating the path to current conflict points to significant shifts in the regional balance of power, especially if the confrontation between Israel and Iran escalates further, resulting in a nuclear incident, or Iran does battle on multiple regional makes the situation even more dangerous is that neither a decisive victory nor a surrender appears likely. It won't be the last round, even if this one does of the justifications offered by either side, being drawn into a full-scale regional war or tipping the regional balance of power too far in favour of a certain side will only harm the Middle East as a whole.A prolonged war could worsen economic instability in the region and globally, fuel uncertainty, and undermine development by contrast, offers a path to prosperity for the people of the region. But real stability requires more than just halting wars. It demands a new approach to resolving conflicts, an approach that is based on negotiation and diplomacy. *The writer is the CEO of think tank TRENDS Research & Advisory
Al Etihad
09-06-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
TRENDS launches mobile app to expand access to knowledge
9 June 2025 19:26 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)In a new step reflecting its commitment to innovation and digital transformation, TRENDS Research & Advisory has officially launched its new mobile application, TRENDS Research and Advisory, now available on both the App Store and Google launch took place during TRENDS' Smart Research Retreat at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, led by its CEO, Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali. Department heads, sector leaders, and staff members attended the event. The move aligns with TRENDS' mission to broaden its reach and solidify its position as a leading global think app serves as a comprehensive platform that allows users to browse a wide range of TRENDS publications, including research papers, reports, and specialised studies, as well as access training and advisory services.A key feature of the app is the TRENDS podcast series, offering in-depth analysis of political, economic, and social issues. Designed for easy access and a modern look, the app brings high-quality content to users in a convenient and interactive Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali described the app launch as a significant milestone in TRENDS' journey toward achieving its strategic goals in knowledge dissemination and community engagement. 'At TRENDS, we believe that fast and easy access to accurate information is key to understanding the complexities of today's world,' he said. 'This app is a major step toward that goal, and we invite researchers, students, and the general public to download it and join us in exploring new insights, empowering ideas, and shaping the future through knowledge.'Nasser Mohammed Al Ali, Head of the Administrative and Media Affairs Sector, emphasised that the app was designed to deliver a smooth, rich experience, offering users instant access to a vast library of specialised content. He noted that this step reflects TRENDS' commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of its growing digital audience. Elyazia Al-Hosani, Deputy Head of the Administrative and Media Affairs Sector, added that the app is more than just a content platform; it is an interactive channel that strengthens engagement between the centre and its audience. She highlighted the app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features, which are tailored for researchers, enthusiasts, and decision-makers alike.
