TThe convergence of cutting-edge technologies and the explosion of data are enabling a transformative moment for artificial intelligence (AI) in the Arab world. In this keynote address, I will outline the key components that make this the right time for Arab nations to embrace AI and the unprecedented opportunities that arise as a result.

Recent advancements in accelerator hardware, particularly from companies like NVIDIA, have revolutionized data centers, providing unprecedented computational power. Simultaneously, the rise of Arm-based edge devices and sensors innovations are facilitating real-time data processing and analytics, ensuring that AI is accessible not just in centralized locations but also at the edge of networks. This technological evolution coincides with an exponential increase in online data generated through social applications such as Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn. These platforms have significantly contributed to the rapid maturation of machine learning and recognition technologies.

The emergence of large language models (LLMs) has further transformed user experiences, fueling innovations like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and other intelligent assistants that enrich productivity and customer engagement. From virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa to AI-driven professional services, these applications illustrate AI's pivotal role in enhancing both personal and organizational eQiciency. As we share and integrate vast amounts of data across enterprise, government, and consumer levels, many now refer to data as the "currency of the future," akin to a new form of oil.

This journey toward digital transformation is not without its challenges. Critics warn of AI potentially becoming the fifth leading danger to humanity, comparable to nuclear threats, global warming, pandemics, and societal inequality. In response, international agencies—including the UN, EU, and Arab League—are being urged to take proactive roles in establishing ethical guidelines for AI development and application. The regulatory landscape is dynamic, facing challenges not only from technological advancements but also from evolving migration issues that complicate existing frameworks.

In my talk, I will share my own experiences navigating this complex landscape, emphasizing the dual responsibility of harnessing AI’s immense potential while safeguarding humanity’s rights and interests. Together, we can chart a responsible path for AI adoption in the Arab world, ensuring that the digital transformation serves as a catalyst for inclusive growth and societal well-being.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just an emerging technology; it is a transformative force reshaping industries, economies, and societies on a global scale. The rapid evolution of AI has opened unprecedented opportunities in fields such as industry, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, and smart cities, revolutionizing how we generate, analyze, and interpret data.

However, this is not merely an opportunity—it is a necessity. The adaptation and application of AI are essential to ensuring sustained progress and remaining competitive in an increasingly digital world. Those who fail to integrate AI into their strategies risk falling behind in the global race for innovation.

This presentation will explore the current breakthroughs in AI, emphasizing the role of advanced models in data processing, automation, and decision-making. Additionally, it will highlight the ethical and regulatory challenges that must be addressed to ensure AI’s responsible implementation. The central message is clear: embracing AI is not optional but imperative. The time to act is now, and those who seize this technological shift will be at the forefront of the next era of human and industrial advancement.

As global investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) continue to rise, it is essential to prioritize applications that have a transformative impact on humanity. While AI is revolutionizing sectors such as healthcare, banking, automation, e-commerce, and transportation, the strategic selection of AI applications tailored to specific organizational or regional needs remains critical.

In the Arab World, leveraging AI to enhance education and learning presents a unique and profound opportunity. With a predominantly young population and education systems that, while functional, fall short of being cutting-edge, AI offers two transformative pathways. First, it can improve the efficiency of disseminating existing knowledge through advanced training and education programs. Second, and more significantly, it can drive the creation of new knowledge, innovative practices, and future-ready processes for the next generation.

This talk will explore how the remarkable advancements in AI can be harnessed to elevate education and learning systems in the Arab World, positioning them as global leaders in innovation and excellence.

This abstract summarizes the material to be presented by Kosar Jaff, former executive in engineering at Amazon et al., at the Arab Dialogue Circle on Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World in Cairo on February 2, 2025. The talktraces the historical progression of artificial intelligence (AI) from its conceptual origins in the Islamic Golden Age to its modern-day applications. AI, defined by its capacity to mimic human cognitive functions like learning and decision-making, has become a critical component of modern technology, with various subtypes such as machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI.

The talk will cover the transformative influence of AI in key domains such as drones and robotics. AI offers promising advancements in fields as diverse as agriculture, emergency response, healthcare, manufacturing, and security, but also presents challenges such as the high cost of implementation and ethical considerations, especially regarding autonomous systems. The abstract emphasizes that responsible AI integration is paramount for striking a balance between technological progress and societal well-being.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way we interact with technology, and Agentic AI—systems that exhibit autonomy, adaptability, and decision-making capabilities—is at the forefront of this revolution. But what does this mean for the Arabic language, one of the richest and most complex languages in the world?

As we advance AI-driven agents, ensuring they understand, process, and generate Arabic with the same fluency and nuance as English or other dominant languages is not just a technological challenge but a cultural imperative. In this speech, we will explore how Agentic AI can empower Arabic speakers, enhance accessibility, and preserve the linguistic heritage of over 400 million people while driving innovation across industries.

The future of AI is agentic. The future of Arabic in AI depends on how we shape it today.

AI assistants have been in our lives since the 1990s. Building AI agents from LLMs has changed the way we do research, development and deployment of assistants as agents. Agents are AI systems with various degrees of reasoning and planning that can anticipate user needs, autonomously figure out the steps to fulfill such needs, access knowledge and tools external to the LLM, and accomplish user tasks. They are the new AI assistants in the LLM era.

AI is still viewed by many as a fantastic glimpse of a future world where machines control the world. In this presentation, we focus on today’s reality and share an Egyptian experience in building a growing an innovation team that develops and deploys state-of-the-art AI solutions that are designed to make a large scale impact on the nation. The challenges that the team is facing and the lessons they have learned so far will be discussed with candor and addressed with pragmatism.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than just a technological revolution—it is a defining force shaping the future of societies, economies, and governance. While AI adoption in the Arab world has accelerated in recent years, the true challenge lies in moving beyond passive adoption to active innovation and leadership in the global AI landscape.

This talk will explore the strategic pathways for Arab nations to leverage AI not only as consumers but as creators and thought leaders. With vast datasets, young and tech-savvy populations, and ambitious national AI strategies, the region is uniquely positioned to contribute to the next wave of AI advancements. However, this transition requires addressing three critical dimensions:

• 1- From Innovation to Impact: While AI research is expanding, scaling real-world applications remains a challenge. We must bridge the gap between research labs and industry by fostering AI-driven startups, cross-border collaborations, and regionally tailored AI models.


• 2- Building Ethical and Inclusive AI Ecosystems: AI must reflect Arab cultural, linguistic, and ethical values. The talk will highlight the need for transparent AI governance, investment in AI literacy, and the development of culturally aligned large language models (LLMs) that preserve and enhance Arab identity.


• 3- From Policy to Global Influence: The Arab world must actively participate in global AI governance rather than just reacting to policies set by tech giants and Western regulators. By contributing to AI ethics frameworks, cybersecurity strategies, and AI-for-good initiatives, the region can position itself as a shaper, rather than just a follower, of global AI trends.

A prime example of how the AI landscape is evolving is the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI company that has rapidly challenged industry giants with its open-source, cost-effective, and highly efficient AI models. Despite being founded just recently, DeepSeek managed to develop DeepSeek-R1, a model that rivals GPT-4o at a fraction of the cost. Within weeks of launching a free chatbot based on this model, it overtook ChatGPT as the most-downloaded app in the U.S., shaking global markets and leading to an 18% drop in Nvidia’s stock price. This example highlights a crucial lesson: the AI revolution is no longer confined to Silicon Valley or a handful of dominant corporations. It demonstrates that regions with strategic vision, talent, and investment can become AI leaders in their own right. For the Arab world, this signals an opportunity—not just to consume AI but to develop, scale, and globalize our own AI innovations. The question is: how can we leverage our resources, data, and strategic positioning to foster the next DeepSeek, but with an Arab identity and vision?

The session will conclude with a call to action: AI should be a pillar of the Arab renaissance—one that drives economic diversification, knowledge-based economies, and global influence. The time to move from adoption to leadership is now.

Cultural diplomacy has become increasingly important in international relations, becoming a key element in the government's foreign policy agenda. Countries use culture as a strategic means to foster rapprochement between nations, project a positive image in the global arena and strengthen their influence on the international stage.

In the contemporary context, digital transformation has created both opportunities and challenges for cultural diplomacy. The ubiquity of the Internet, the rise of smartphones and the development of the Internet of Things have reshaped the way in which states can interact with global audiences. These innovations have enabled the construction of coherent and engaging narratives, strategically disseminated to strengthen the image and prestige of countries in the international arena.Artificial Intelligence is transforming international diplomacy by automating processes, facilitating global cooperation and offering new tools for conflict resolution in the international landscape. However, this technological revolution also poses threats such as the use of cybersecurity or inequality in access to technology.

In its international projection, Spain stands out as an example of cultural diplomacy by integrating technology and identity in its international projection. In the Arab world, AI is driving very ambitious projects, but also redefining international relations. Finally, China is emerging as a leader in technological diplomacy, challenging the traditional hegemony of the United States.

Bridging Worlds: Building Culturally Aligned, Fair, and Human-Like AI for a Responsible AI Future large language models (LLMs) become integral to various domains, the need for responsible, culturally sensitive, and human-aligned AI has never been more pressing. This talk explores a multi-faceted approach to advancing ethical and effective LLMs, drawing on recent research in cultural alignment, transparency, bias mitigation, professional standards, and personality modeling. By combining such insights, we can develop LLMs that not only meet technical standards but also align with the values, expectations, and diverse needs of their users. This keynote will inspire AI practitioners to consider these dimensions as essential pillars for the next generation of language models.

Dr. Hoda Baraka, Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, addresses in her opening presentation during the session dedicated to artificial intelligence ethics and responsible use a range of key topics focusing on the ethical principles that must be upheld when utilizing artificial intelligence. Dr. Hoda highlights the ethical framework and principles aimed at ensuring the responsible use of this advanced field, emphasizing how to strike a balance between fostering innovation and creativity while safeguarding the rights of individuals and society.
She also sheds light on the efforts made by the international community, including Arab countries, to achieve this balance through the development of various strategies and tools. Dr Baraka will offer an overview of Egypt’s efforts in this respect. The presentation touches upon the fundamental ethical challenges facing the use of artificial intelligence in different economic sectors, providing practical examples of issues that may arise in this context, such as privacy violations, algorithmic bias, and impacts on the job market, and how to address these issues to protect citizens’ rights.
Additionally, Dr. Hoda presents several initiatives and mechanisms developed by multilateral organizations to tackle these ethical challenges, whether they are regulatory tools, principles related to AI design, internal company policies, or strategies to raise consumer awareness and protection. The presentation also delves into current international standards and agreements applied across different parts of the world, highlighting their relationship with the human rights system and global governance frameworks. It underscores the importance of integrating these frameworks to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence, which upholds human rights and serves communities in a comprehensive and sustainable manner.

In this talk, we will explore the primary challenges and emerging trends in language-driven AI applications. We will share insights and lessons learned from our collaborations with global strategic customers on Generative AI (GenAI) applications in various industries. This includes navigating the complexities of AI platforms, multi-agent systems, and custom implementations. We will discuss the importance of balancing engineering and business perspectives, the indispensable role of subject matter experts, and the critical necessity for high-quality data.

Additionally, we will discuss the specific linguistic, cultural, and technical hurdles faced by AI practitioners in the Arab region, and the potential for AI to drive significant advancements in various sectors. We will highlight the importance of creating AI models that understand and respect the rich diversity of Arabic dialects and cultural nuances, and the need for high-quality, region-specific data to train these models effectively.

We are now witnessing a unique time where there is an exponential growth trend of AI application and AI systems including hardware capabilities, software innovations and knowledge acquisition accompanied by significant investments and high expectations. Major technological shifts often bring new challenges. On the systems side, the power required for training models and inference is a key driver for hardware innovations. Security and privacy are increasingly critical as applications handle sensitive and confidential data.

Generative AI applications, such as ChatGPT, which utilize large language models, have sparked a global demand for AI systems and are driving the transition to Edge AI.

Physical AI, where AI is embedded within physical systems, is another trend expected to impact sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare.

This talk will present the driving factors behind hardware innovations for AI Data Centers and Edge AI, as well as the role of the Arab World as an active participant in the AI growth trends.