Abu Dhabi:The sixth annual TRENDS conference has called for enhanced regional security cooperation, emphasizing the need for strategic partnerships, robust economic and cybersecurity foundations, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The event highlighted the importance of translating strategic dialogue into actionable policies to build a safer Middle East capable of addressing crises and geopolitical shifts.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference's recommendations were presented in Abu Dhabi under the theme "Sustainable Security The Future of the Middle East After the War." It underscored that achieving sustainable security requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond traditional military considerations. This includes economic, food, and digital security, strengthening societal resilience, and enhancing early-warning and crisis-management mechanisms.
The recommendations, delivered by Awad Al Breiki of TRENDS Global, focused on four key areas deterrence and regional security, the information domain as a conflict arena, evolving strategic partnerships, and the security of energy and trade flows amid geoeconomic competition. They stressed the need for early warning mechanisms, intelligence coordination, and integrating defense systems to address shared threats effectively.
International partnerships were also highlighted as crucial, urging the establishment of sustainable strategic relationships with global partners like the United States and Europe. These partnerships should extend beyond government to include universities, businesses, and civil society institutions to ensure continuity amid political changes.
The conference also called for economic resilience to be central to national security, emphasizing the protection of critical infrastructure such as energy facilities and supply chains. It pointed out the necessity of regional integration in transport, logistics, and digital connectivity.
Cybersecurity was another priority, with recommendations to protect digital infrastructure and counter information manipulation. The conference advocated for moving from dialogue to practical cooperation, deepening Gulf region collaboration, and expanding partnerships with European, Asian, and African counterparts.
The first session explored the implications of war on deterrence and regional security, while the second session examined the information domain as a conflict arena. The third session focused on shifts in power dynamics, and the fourth session discussed securing energy and trade flows amid geopolitical tensions.
On the sidelines, TRENDS Research and Advisory launched a book titled "The Middle East After the War," analyzing the region's transformations following military confrontations involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.