The Emirates News Agency reported that TRENDS Group and the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry explored ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation during a meeting at TRENDS Group’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Discussions focused on leveraging research, studies and economic data to support informed decision-making while enhancing foresight across commercial and industrial sectors. The two sides examined mechanisms for government entities and businesses to utilise specialised insights that identify growth opportunities in regional and global markets. This initiative directly advances efforts by TRENDS, Ras Al Khaimah Chamber to partner to support knowledge economy objectives in the northern emirate.
Dr. Mohamed Abdulla Al Ali, Chairman of TRENDS Group, emphasised the value of partnering with the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry during the August 10, 2026 meeting. Al Ali stated that TRENDS Group would apply its research, knowledge, training and advisory capabilities to advance the chamber’s sustainable economic development goals. The parties agreed to launch specialised research projects, innovative initiatives and training programmes aimed at preparing young professionals. Additional work will include opinion polls, analytical studies and field research to address stakeholder needs.
Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Centre data places the UAE’s non-oil GDP at 1.5 trillion AED in 2025, accounting for 76.6 percent of total real GDP and reflecting the shift toward diversified activities. Real GDP growth reached 6.2 percent in the same year, according to the centre’s latest release. These figures illustrate the context in which the new research partnership will operate to further strengthen non-oil sectors.
A Future Center assessment found the UAE recorded a Knowledge Index value of 55.2 points in 2025, placing the country 26th out of 195 nations worldwide and first among Arab states. The assessment placed the UAE fifth globally in the information and communications technology sub-index and 13th in the economy sub-index. Such rankings highlight the foundation for collaborative projects between TRENDS Group and the chamber that target further gains in knowledge-based development.
The discussions also addressed alignment with Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030, which seeks sustainable growth and enhanced competitiveness across key industries. Participants reviewed how joint analytical work could help businesses establish high-value partnerships and expand operations both regionally and internationally. WAM noted that the partnership aims to improve the overall investment environment in the emirate through evidence-based strategies.
Dr. Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, joined Al Ali for the Abu Dhabi session that produced the cooperation framework. The two leaders committed to ongoing exchanges that combine the chamber’s business network with TRENDS Group’s research expertise. This structure will enable targeted studies that respond to evolving commercial requirements while supporting broader national priorities in innovation and human capital development.
