On August 28, 2025, the Arab League convened its first annual Arab AI Forum in New Alamein, Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s quest to harness artificial intelligence (AI) for sustainable development and global competitiveness. Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit delivered a compelling call to action, urging member states to deepen cooperation in AI and significantly increase investment in research and development (R&D) to keep pace with rapid global technological advancements. The forum, organized by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in collaboration with the Arab League, also saw Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, propose the establishment of a council of Arab ministers for AI and emerging technologies. The event, attended by policymakers, diplomats, academics, and industry leaders, underscored the urgency of collective action and introduced the League’s ethical charter for responsible AI use. With Egypt set to host the AI Everything Middle East and Africa Summit in February 2026, the forum positioned the Arab world as an emerging hub for AI innovation. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the forum, its key proposals, the regional context, and the broader implications for AI development in the Arab world.
The Arab AI Forum: A Platform for Regional Ambition
The inaugural Arab AI Forum, held in the coastal city of New Alamein, Egypt, was a landmark event aimed at fostering regional collaboration in AI and aligning Arab states with global technological trends. Hosted by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport in partnership with the Arab League, the two-day forum brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, diplomats, academics, industry experts, and business leaders. The event was designed to facilitate dialogue, exchange expertise, and chart a path for AI-driven sustainable development across the 22-member Arab League.
New Alamein, a rapidly developing city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, provided a fitting backdrop for the forum, symbolizing the region’s aspirations for innovation and modernization. The choice of venue also highlighted Egypt’s growing role as a regional leader in technology, bolstered by its investments in digital infrastructure and smart cities. The forum’s agenda focused on three key pillars: strengthening regional collaboration, promoting ethical AI use, and leveraging AI to address developmental challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, and economic growth.
Secretary-General’s Call: Deepening Cooperation and Investment
In his opening address, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit emphasized the transformative potential of AI and the need for Arab states to act swiftly to avoid being left behind in the global technological race. “Artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, societies, and governance worldwide. For the Arab world to thrive in this new era, we must deepen cooperation and significantly increase investment in research and development,” he said. Aboul-Gheit’s remarks underscored the urgency of collective action, warning that failure to prioritize AI could widen the technological gap between the Arab region and advanced economies.
A central component of Aboul-Gheit’s message was the introduction of the Arab League’s newly endorsed ethical charter for AI. The charter, developed through consultations with member states and experts, aims to guide the responsible and culturally sensitive use of AI across the region. It addresses concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the ethical implications of AI in areas like surveillance and labor markets. The charter emphasizes principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, ensuring that AI technologies align with Arab cultural values and societal needs.
Aboul-Gheit urged member states to adopt the charter as a framework for national AI policies, arguing that a unified approach would enhance the region’s influence in global AI governance. “By adopting this charter, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exploitation, reflecting our shared values and priorities,” he said. The charter’s introduction marks a proactive step by the Arab League to address the ethical challenges of AI, positioning the region as a thought leader in responsible technology adoption.
Egypt’s Leadership: A Vision for Regional Coordination
Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Amr Talaat, played a prominent role at the forum, outlining a bold vision for regional AI cooperation. Describing AI collaboration as a “pressing necessity,” Talaat proposed the creation of a council of Arab ministers for AI and emerging technologies. This council would serve as a permanent body to coordinate policies, share best practices, and drive joint initiatives across member states. “The Arab world cannot afford to approach AI in isolation. A coordinated effort will amplify our impact and ensure that our region benefits from the global AI revolution,” he said.
Talaat’s proposal reflects Egypt’s ambition to lead the Arab world in technology and innovation. The country has made significant strides in recent years, with initiatives like the Digital Egypt Strategy, which aims to digitize public services, and the establishment of the Knowledge City in New Alamein, a hub for research and education. Talaat announced that Egypt will host the inaugural AI Everything Middle East and Africa Summit in February 2026, further cementing its role as a regional hub for AI dialogue and innovation. The summit is expected to attract global tech leaders, policymakers, and investors, providing a platform to showcase Arab advancements and foster partnerships.
Egypt’s leadership in AI is also driven by its young, tech-savvy population and strategic investments in digital infrastructure. With over 60% of its 100 million citizens under the age of 30, Egypt is well-positioned to harness AI for economic growth and job creation. Talaat highlighted initiatives such as AI training programs, data centers, and partnerships with global tech firms as key drivers of Egypt’s AI ecosystem, urging other Arab states to follow suit.
Forum Discussions: Collaboration and Sustainable Development
The two-day forum featured a series of panels, workshops, and roundtables, with discussions centered on three main themes: regional collaboration, expertise exchange, and sustainable development through AI. Participants explored how AI could address pressing challenges in the Arab world, including:
Healthcare:
AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare in the Arab region, where access to quality medical services remains uneven. Discussions focused on AI applications such as diagnostic tools, telemedicine, and predictive analytics for disease outbreaks. For example, AI-powered systems could improve maternal and child health outcomes in rural areas, addressing gaps in healthcare infrastructure.
Education:
With a young and growing population, education is a priority for Arab states. AI-driven tools, such as personalized learning platforms and virtual classrooms, could enhance access to education, particularly in underserved communities. The forum highlighted initiatives like Egypt’s Digital Learning Initiative, which uses AI to tailor educational content to students’ needs.
Economic Growth:
AI offers opportunities to diversify Arab economies, many of which rely heavily on oil and gas. Participants discussed how AI could drive innovation in sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, creating jobs and reducing dependence on volatile commodity markets. For instance, AI-powered precision agriculture could boost food security in arid regions like the Gulf.
Climate and Sustainability:
The Arab region is highly vulnerable to climate change, with challenges like water scarcity and desertification. AI applications, such as predictive models for water management and renewable energy optimization, were highlighted as tools for building resilience. The forum emphasized the need for global partnerships to access climate-focused AI technologies.
The discussions underscored the importance of exchanging expertise among Arab states, with countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia sharing lessons from their AI strategies. The UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritize AI and digital transformation, were cited as models for regional collaboration.
The Ethical Charter: A Framework for Responsible AI
The Arab League’s ethical charter for AI is a cornerstone of the forum’s outcomes, providing a framework to ensure that AI development aligns with regional values and priorities. Key elements of the charter include:
Transparency: AI systems must be transparent in their operations, with clear explanations of how decisions are made, particularly in sensitive areas like healthcare and criminal justice.
Accountability: Developers and deployers of AI must be held accountable for any harm caused by their systems, with mechanisms for redress and oversight.
Cultural Sensitivity: AI applications must respect Arab cultural and religious values, avoiding biases that could marginalize communities or erode trust.
Inclusivity: AI development should prioritize equitable access, ensuring that marginalized groups, such as women and rural populations, benefit from technological advancements.
The charter’s adoption is a significant step toward harmonizing AI policies across the Arab world, addressing concerns about privacy, surveillance, and job displacement. It also positions the region to contribute to global debates on AI ethics, challenging the dominance of Western frameworks and advocating for culturally relevant standards.
Regional and Global Context
The Arab AI Forum comes at a time when AI is transforming economies and societies worldwide. Global AI investment is projected to reach $200 billion by 2025, according to industry estimates, with major powers like the United States, China, and the European Union leading the charge. However, the Arab region, despite its economic potential, lags in AI adoption, with R&D spending accounting for less than 1% of GDP in most member states, compared to 2–3% in advanced economies.
The forum’s emphasis on cooperation reflects the need to pool resources and expertise to overcome these gaps. Countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have made significant strides, with initiatives like the UAE’s AI Ministry and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM smart city project. However, smaller or less resource-rich states, such as Jordan and Tunisia, face challenges in scaling AI infrastructure, highlighting the need for regional collaboration.
The global context also underscores the urgency of the Arab League’s call to action. The rapid pace of AI development raises concerns about digital divides, with developing regions at risk of being left behind. By prioritizing AI cooperation, the Arab world can position itself as a competitive player, leveraging its young population, strategic location, and growing digital economy.
Reactions and Implications
The forum and its proposals have generated significant interest across the Arab world and beyond:
Support from Policymakers:
Arab leaders have praised the forum as a step toward regional unity and technological advancement. Egypt’s hosting of the 2026 AI Summit has been welcomed as a sign of its leadership, with other states expressing interest in hosting future events.
Industry Enthusiasm:
Tech companies, both regional and global, have expressed support for the council of ministers and the ethical charter, seeing them as opportunities to expand markets and partnerships. Firms like Microsoft and Huawei, which have a presence in the region, are likely to play a role in supporting AI initiatives.
Public and Academic Discourse:
On platforms like X, discussions have focused on the potential for AI to address regional challenges, though some users have raised concerns about job displacement and privacy. Academics have called for greater investment in AI education to build a skilled workforce.
Global Attention:
The forum has drawn international attention, with organizations like the United Nations and the World Economic Forum noting the Arab League’s proactive stance on AI ethics and cooperation. The 2026 summit is expected to further elevate the region’s profile.
The forum’s outcomes have significant implications for the Arab world’s technological and economic future. By fostering collaboration, the region can address shared challenges, from climate change to unemployment, while enhancing its influence in global AI governance. The proposed council of ministers could serve as a model for other regions, demonstrating the power of collective action in the digital age.
Challenges and Opportunities
The push for AI cooperation presents both challenges and opportunities:
Challenges:
Resource Constraints: Limited R&D budgets in many Arab states could hinder AI development. Regional funding mechanisms, such as an Arab AI Fund, could address this gap.
Coordination: Aligning 22 member states with diverse priorities requires strong leadership and institutional frameworks. The proposed council of ministers will need to navigate political and economic differences.
Ethical Risks: Ensuring that AI aligns with cultural values and avoids harm, such as surveillance overreach, will require robust oversight and public engagement.
Opportunities:
Economic Diversification: AI can drive growth in non-oil sectors, creating jobs and reducing dependence on volatile commodities.
Youth Empowerment: With a young population, the Arab world can leverage AI to create opportunities in tech, healthcare, and education.
Global Leadership: By championing ethical AI and regional cooperation, the Arab League can influence global standards, enhancing its soft power.
Conclusion
The first Arab AI Forum in New Alamein, Egypt, on August 28, 2025, marked a defining moment in the region’s technological journey. The Arab League’s call for deeper AI cooperation, led by Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit and bolstered by Egypt’s Minister Amr Talaat, reflects a strategic vision to transform the region into a global AI hub. The ethical charter, proposed council of ministers, and the upcoming AI Everything Summit underscore the Arab world’s commitment to responsible and impactful AI development.
As the region navigates challenges like resource constraints and coordination, the opportunities for economic growth, youth empowerment, and global influence are immense. By harnessing AI to address healthcare, education, and climate challenges, the Arab world can redefine its role in the global economy. The forum’s success will depend on sustained collaboration, investment, and a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that AI serves as a catalyst for a prosperous and united Arab future.
