Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of Trends Research and Advisory, participated in a dialogue session organized by the Youth Council of the General Pension and Social Security Authority entitled "knowing the Emirati researcher and author". The event was part of UAE’s month of reading activities that falls on March of every year.

Dr. Al-Ali stressed the importance of reading in developing minds and supporting progress. He describes reading as the shield that protects the minds of young people from ignorance, bigotry and subversive ideas. Dr. Al-Ali stressed that countries occupy their place among civilized nations with the size of knowledge accumulation and new inventions.

Dr. Al-Ali referred to the UAE's great interest in science, knowledge and reading. The UAE has recognized that knowledge is the main driver of comprehensive development process, especially during the current stage, which is witnessing the advent of information revolution and tremendous technological developments.

He praised the strategies and initiatives launched by the UAE to consolidate the culture of knowledge, innovation and promote reading. Dr. Al-Ali explained that this approach has driven the country towards an advanced position in the field of knowledge globally. The latest Global Knowledge Index revealed that the UAE ranked first in the Arab world in knowledge, and 25th globally out of 130 countries, which were targeted covered by the index this year. The UAE has ranked the first internationally on 18 indicators and sub-factors, and entered  the list of the top ten in 54 indicators and sub-factors.

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali said that these indicators confirm the need for the Arab world to work on different tracks to restore interest in reading and enhance their capabilities in order to advance.

Dr. Al-Ali reviewed the experience of Trends in supporting Emirati researchers and writers. He said that the center has a commitment to train a new generation of young researchers. Trends also seeks to be a bridge for meaningful and constructive knowledge dialogue between different cultures, especially between the region and beyond.

Dr. Al-Ali said that more than 50% of Trends staff today are Emirati researchers, who are highly qualified, compared to only about 4% when I took charge.

He explained that as a result of these efforts, Trends has won the "UAE Labor Market Leadership Award" in its first session, within the category of "Leading Establishment in the Labor Market".

Dr. Mohammed Al-Ali shared his personal experience in the field of scientific research, reviewing his most important publications and contributions in various fields that range between media, research and academic work at multiple stages. He concluded by stressing the importance of continuing efforts to promote the culture of reading in the UAE, and supporting Emirati researchers and writers. He said that this is a national duty that falls on everyone.