National Defence College Hosts CEO of Hedaya International Center for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the National Defence College hosted His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Al Qasimi, CEO of the Hedaya International Center for Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism, to deliver a lecture entitled “Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism.” This was part of an introductory meeting with members of the 13th National Defence Course, where His Excellency was received by Brigadier General Saif Al-Yammahi and the college's wing commanders.

 During his meeting with the students, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Al Qassimi reviewed the progress of the Hedayah Center, which is a leading international platform supporting policies and programs aimed at preventing violent extremism. He explained that since its inception at the Global Counterterrorism Forum, the Hedaya Center has been working to develop practical strategies, prepare specialized research studies, and offer training programs aimed at building the capacities of institutions and individuals to confront the phenomenon of extremism and terrorism, the national concept of which varies from one country to another. 

His Excellency also referred to the active role played by the center in formulating international policies and setting timetables for activities and initiatives that it implements based on partnerships with countries, regional organizations, international bodies, and institutions concerned with combating extremism and terrorism, thereby contributing to supporting the efforts of these communities to promote peace, security, and combat extremist ideology.

At the end of the lecture, His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Al Qasimi, CEO of the Hidayah Center, welcomed questions and inquiries from students of the 13th National Defence Course 2025-2026, in collaboration with his team of advisors.

It is worth noting that the National Defence College, as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting intellectual awareness among its members, always emphasizes the importance of such lectures and seminars, which open up horizons for academic and research cooperation with