Preparing Our Region for the Age of Intelligent AI Systems

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh
Intelligent AI systems are becoming part of the daily operations of governments, businesses, and public services, and they are beginning to influence how decisions are made, how work is organized, and how value is created. This is a reality that is unfolding across the globe, and it is reshaping the expectations placed on institutions and leaders.
As I observe the direction in which AI is moving, I see that organizations everywhere are trying to understand how to integrate these systems into their existing ways of working. Many are discovering that the traditional methods they rely on were designed for a different era and that these methods cannot fully support the capabilities that intelligent systems bring. The challenge is not to discard what has been built, but to adjust the way work is structured so that AI can be used effectively and responsibly. This requires institutions to become more flexible, more data‑driven, and more open to continuous learning. This is the approach I took when transforming AGIP, the largest IP firm in the World, from a traditional company to one based on technology.
AI systems today can analyze large volumes of information, identify patterns, propose solutions, coordinate complex tasks, and are already being used to support many company functions that will continue to expand as they become more capable and more trusted. The question is how to guide this transformation in a way that strengthens its competitiveness and protects its interests.
For the Arab world, this moment presents a strategic opportunity. Our region has a young population, growing digital infrastructure, and an increasing awareness of the importance of knowledge‑based development. These strengths can allow us to move quickly if we choose to act with purpose. We can design approaches to our work that incorporate AI from the beginning. We can build digital platforms that reflect our values and priorities. We can develop regional cooperation that enhances our collective capabilities and prepare our youth to become contributors to global innovation rather than passive users of technologies created elsewhere.
The decisions we make now will determine whether we become leaders in the intelligent age or followers of others. The global economy is shifting toward a model in which intelligence is the primary driver of growth, and nations that understand this shift will shape the future. Sovereignty in this era will depend not only on political and economic strength, but also on the ability to develop, manage, and govern these systems. This requires investment in education, digital infrastructure, and institutional adaptation, as well as a clear vision of what kind of future we want to build.
I believe that the Arab world has the capacity to lead if it approaches this moment with confidence and clarity. We must recognize that AI is not simply a technological trend but a foundation for the next stage of human development. We must ensure that our institutions are prepared to work with these systems in a way that enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability. We must support our youth with the skills and opportunities they need to thrive in a world shaped by AI and build platforms that protect our data and reflect our identity. We must participate actively in shaping the global conversation on AI governance, ethics, and responsibility.
If we hesitate, we risk becoming dependent on others who move faster and having the rules of this new world dictated to us. The path ahead requires commitment, cooperation, and vision, and it offers the possibility of a new era of progress for the Arab world.