What TRENDS Research & Advisory does

TRENDS Research & Advisory is a UAE-headquartered strategic research and policy advisory firm operating as part of the TRENDS Group, founded in 2014 and based at Ali & Sons Real Estate Company Building, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. The firm produces evidence-based research, publications, and advisory services on geopolitics, defense, AI governance, energy security, sustainability, and international trade for national governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and European institutions. Its operational footprint spans three offices (Abu Dhabi headquarters, Brussels regional office, and Washington D.C. regional office), with active outreach into Japan and Spain evidenced by partnership agreements and academic visits in late 2025 and early 2026.

The organization's product portfolio is organized under the TRENDS Group umbrella and includes: a core Research & Advisory service; the TRENDS Global Barometer (survey-based perception research); the TRENDS Observatory (sectoral monitoring); Training Programs; the TRENDS Hub Award for Scientific Research; and a Publications and Reports catalog delivered via the company website and international book fairs. Proprietary analytical frameworks - notably the Algorithmic State framework on AI-driven governance, the AI Conflict Analysis methodology (covering US, Israeli, and Iranian military AI applications), and the Technogeopolitics framework treating AI, biotech, smart manufacturing, space, and cyberspace as integrated sovereign infrastructure - anchor the firm's intellectual differentiation. A multi-channel go-to-market combines direct institutional engagement, flagship-event presence (World Government Summit, Davos/WEF, BRIDGE Summit), strategic dialogues, and formal media partnerships (Forbes Middle East).

Revenue mechanics span five streams: sale of research publications and reports (one-time licensing), advisory and consulting engagements with governments and international organizations (professional services), training programs and workshops, event organization and participation as knowledge or organizing partner, and the TRENDS Hub Award program with associated financial prizes. Pricing is not publicly disclosed. The firm's customer base is institutionally concentrated among government ministries, European Union bodies, academic and research institutions, and media partners, with no named commercial logos or revenue concentration figures available.

Name

TRENDS Research & Advisory

Legal name

TRENDS Research & Advisory

Website

https://trendsresearch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

TRENDS Research & Advisory is an Abu Dhabi-headquartered strategic research and advisory firm that produces analysis on geopolitics, AI governance, defense, and sustainability for governments, international organizations, and academic institutions globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Strategic Research and Advisory Services

NAICS

International Affairs (928120), Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling (54191), Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling (541910)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700), International Affairs (9721), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742)

akta.pro primary industry

Policy, Regulatory & Public Affairs Research (BPAHALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Economic Research, Statistics & Policy Advisory (BPADAMAJ), Strategy & Thematic Research (FSACAGAG), Economic & Macroeconomic Research (BPAHALAD), Early Warning, Conflict Analysis & Prevention Programs (BPADAFAK)

Keywords

• Strategic research advisory
• Policy analysis consulting
• Geopolitical intelligence services
• AI governance research
• Defense strategy advisory

Headquarters

HQ city

Abu Dhabi

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Research Reports and Publications: Sale of research publications, reports, and strategic studies covering geopolitics, defense, AI governance, and economic analysis. Publications available through website and events.
2. Advisory and Consulting Services: Strategic advisory services to governments, international organizations, and institutions on policy, defense, AI governance, and geopolitical matters.
3. Training Programs: Specialized training programs and workshops for students, faculty, and professionals in research, media, and strategic studies.
4. Event Organization and Participation: Organizing and participating in strategic dialogues, conferences, and symposia as knowledge partner, organizing partner, or exhibitor.
5. Awards Programs: TRENDS Hub Award for Scientific Research with financial prizes and publication opportunities for researchers.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

TRENDS Research & Advisory produces strategic research, policy analysis, and advisory services on global geopolitical, economic, and technological issues — with focus areas in AI governance, defense and security strategy, international trade, and sustainability. Its deliverables include research reports, policy recommendations, monitoring products, training programs, and high-level strategic dialogues commissioned by governments, international organizations, academic institutions, and other institutional clients.

Product overview

TRENDS Research & Advisory operates as a comprehensive research and advisory organization offering a portfolio of interconnected products and services. The core offering centers on strategic research and advisory services, complemented by the TRENDS Global Barometer (opinion and perception research), TRENDS Observatory (strategic monitoring), and Training Programs. Additional offerings include the TRENDS Hub Award for Scientific Research (recognition program), Publications and Reports (research outputs), Advisory Services (consultancy), and TRENDS Global (international operations and partnerships). The organization positions itself as transforming knowledge into impact through research, intelligence, and strategic foresight.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research & Advisory Services Core strategic research and advisory offering providing evidence-based analysis, policy recommendations, and intellectual exchange on global geopolitical, economic, and technological issues for governments, ministries, international organizations, and institutional clients.
• TRENDS Global Barometer Survey-based research product that measures public and stakeholder perceptions, opinions, and attitudes on strategic topics across regions and demographics, available with accompanying analytical reports and custom services.
• TRENDS Observatory Monitoring and analytical service that tracks developments in strategic sectors including technology, geopolitics, and sustainability for institutional subscribers and partners.
• Training Programs Specialized training programs for students, faculty, researchers, and professionals covering research methodologies, analysis, media, and strategic studies, delivered by the TRENDS Training division.
• Publications and Reports Catalog of strategic publications, analytical reports, and opinion pieces covering AI governance, defense, trade, sustainability, and global affairs, distributed via the website, international book fairs, and direct sharing with institutional clients.
• Advisory and Consultancy Services Consultancy services providing strategic guidance, policy expertise, and decision-making support to government entities and organizations on geopolitical, technology governance, and international affairs matters.

Quantifiable outcome

• EU-Gulf trade exceeding €161 billion addressed through strategic dialogue
• +1 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.

• UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition 2026minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 24 April 2026Participated as Knowledge Partner at UAE Agricultural Conference and Exhibition 2026 held at ADNEC Center in Al Ain. Featured interactive pavilion showcasing studies on agriculture, sustainability, climate-smart farming, and carbon footprint reduction. Ministry of Climate Change and Environment selection of TRENDS reflects growing confidence in scientific research supporting national directives.
• Loyola University SpainminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026TRENDS delegation conducted academic meetings in Spain to explore cooperation in political Islam studies, AI-enhanced interfaith dialogue, research translation, and comparative research. Discussions focused on expanding institutional partnerships, exchanging publications, and organizing joint academic events alongside participation in Sixth Scientific Conference in Córdoba.
• Casa Árabe FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 February 2026Academic meetings held to explore cooperation in political Islam studies, AI-enhanced interfaith dialogue, research translation, and comparative research with Spanish research institutions. Discussions focused on expanding institutional partnerships, exchanging publications, and organizing joint academic events.
• New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 February 2026NYU Abu Dhabi delegation visited TRENDS headquarters in UAE for official visit to explore institutional cooperation in research, academic, and training fields. Discussions focused on potential joint research initiatives and specialized training programs for students and faculty, aligning with TRENDS' strategy to expand partnerships with leading international universities.
• Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 14 February 2026TRENDS Research & Advisory serving as organizing partner for chess competitions at Open Masters Games Abu Dhabi 2026, featuring over 1,500 participants from 144 countries. Event underscores importance of strategic intelligence and intersection of sports and scientific research.
• Forbes Middle EastcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 6 February 2026Strategic media cooperation agreement signed during World Government Summit 2026 to collaborate on research, analysis, and knowledge sharing. Partnership aims to produce joint studies on global economic and strategic issues, especially related to AI and governance, while fostering dialogue and training programs.
• Arab Academy for Science and TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 29 January 2026Launched UFUQ initiative during a roundtable in Cairo aimed at promoting scientific research and media skills among Arab youth with focus on artificial intelligence and sustainable water security. Initiative includes training programs, research projects, and workshops to develop leadership, innovation, and impact-making in media and science.
• Middle East Institute SwitzerlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 January 2026Organized 'Europe-Middle East Strategic Dialogue' on sidelines of 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, bringing together ministers, policymakers, CEOs, and thought leaders from Europe and Gulf countries. Dialogue explored cooperation in digital sovereignty, AI governance, energy security, and climate transition, concluding with affirmation to launch sustainable strategic dialogue shaping international order in post-2026 era.
• Mitsubishi Research Institute (MRI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025Partnership agreement signed December 18, 2025 to promote policy research and intellectual exchange between UAE and Japan. First collaborative activity was the Japan-UAE Symposium on AI and Space on December 16, 2025 at TRENDS headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Plans include joint research, conferences, seminars, and workshops combining Japan's technological expertise with UAE's strategic focus on AI, space, and advanced technologies.
• Embassy of Japan in UAEcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 December 2025Co-hosted joint seminar on December 16, 2025 in Abu Dhabi exploring bilateral cooperation in AI and space between Japan and UAE with participation from governmental, industrial, and academic bodies from both countries. Event featured keynote addresses from UAE and Japanese officials including sessions on UAE AI and space policies, Japan-UAE space cooperation, and cross-sector AI applications.
• Sea of Culture FoundationflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Renewed strategic partnership agreement during delegation visit to TRENDS Abu Dhabi headquarters, signed by Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Ali and Sheikha Sheikha bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan. Partnership aims to enhance UAE's soft power through in-depth research and studies in social, cultural, literary, and artistic fields aligned with national priorities. Next phase focuses on high-impact partnerships around major cultural events and 'Year of the Family' initiative.
• World Government SummitcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual strategic partnership at World Government Summit where TRENDS releases major reports and signs partnership agreements. At 2026 summit, released 'Algorithmic State' report and signed media cooperation agreement with Forbes Middle East.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Brookings Institution: Brookings is one of the largest US policy research organizations covering economics, geopolitics, and technology. Comparable in mission and output to TRENDS, but at much larger scale and broader subject coverage.
• RAND Corporation: RAND is a US-headquartered global policy think tank providing research and analysis on defense, technology, and international affairs. Comparable to TRENDS in delivering evidence-based strategic research to government clients, though at vastly greater scale and with broader coverage.
• World Economic Forum: WEF convenes global leaders at Davos and publishes research on international issues. Comparable to TRENDS in convening function and Davos participation, though WEF operates as multi-stakeholder platform rather than a specialized research firm.

Direct peers

• Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs): Chatham House is a London-based international affairs think tank producing independent research on geopolitics, security, and economics. Directly comparable to TRENDS given its core focus on policy research, convening power, and global advisory role for governments.
• Atlantic Council: Atlantic Council is a Washington D.C.-based think tank on international affairs and geopolitics. Comparable to TRENDS given overlap in convening function, policy research, and presence at high-level international forums.
• International Crisis Group: Crisis Group is a global organization working on conflict prevention and resolution. Comparable given TRENDS' work on conflict analysis frameworks and geopolitical risk research with government clients.
• International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS): IISS is a UK-based think tank focused on defense and security analysis. Highly comparable to TRENDS' work on defense, trade, and geopolitical strategy, especially the 'Defence, Competitiveness, and Trade' report thrust.
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace: Carnegie is a US-headquartered global think tank producing research on international affairs and geopolitics. Comparable in policy research, regional analysis, and convening role, though with broader geographic centers of operation.
• Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS): CSIS is a Washington D.C.-based think tank on international affairs, defense, and AI/technology governance. Directly comparable given TRENDS' US office and shared focus on policy analysis, convening, and AI governance.
• Royal United Services Institute (RUSI): RUSI is a UK-based defense and security think tank publishing research and analysis. Directly comparable to TRENDS' defense-related research, including maritime security and military strategic analysis.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/TrendsRA
• Facebookfacebook.com/trends.research
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/trendsra

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TRENDS Research & Advisory