Artificial Intelligence in Arab Universities and Economies

Artificial intelligence (AI) involves the augmentation, acceleration and amplification of human intelligence and capacities through the use of novel technologies, enabling more rapid processing and analysis of information. For example, AI enables computers to perform tasks requiring human intelligence and to learn while doing so (machine learning). As AI develops, it will be able to selectively extract information that may be useful to, or manipulated by, specialists. The potential impact of AI on data mining, cognitive assistance/augmentation, health sciences, engineering industries, economic strategies and even social sciences is staggering. Thus, AI promises a significant social transition with great opportunities. In the Arab region, these opportunities have a direct impact on development and may directly lead to sorely needed improvements in health and education. Artificial intelligence can also advance the transformation of industries, decreasing the region’s dependence on the export of raw materials. More interestingly, AI and the consequent digital transformation can serve as a pivot between education and health services, and education and industry, facilitating their interaction and leading to results such as better employability. In fact, as AI and the consequent automation eliminate jobs held by humans, new, and different, job opportunities will be created. It is predicted that government, health care, education and hospitality services, for example, will continue to be major employers. Artificial intelligence has yet to penetrate Arab universities on a large scale. Indeed, of all the Arab countries, the Emirates seem to have made the greatest AI advances through a national strategy which has effectively encouraged the launch of AI Schools and programs in public universities. The present paper will assess AI progress in Arab universities and economies, with an overview of future prospects. The situation in the Arab region will be compared, when warranted, with other world regions.