This paper examines how artificial intelligence is represented and integrated into national policies across the Arab world. It highlights how Arab countries are developing and deploying national AI strategies to support economic, social, and geopolitical transformation. The authors note that a growing number of states are formulating National AI Strategies in preparation for a new “geopolitical balance” that AI is expected to bring. To support their analysis, the researchers examined a dataset comprising publicly available national AI strategies from the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Morocco, and Jordan. The analysis focused on several key themes: AI as part of national vision frameworks, AI as a driver of economic growth, AI as a creator of new employment opportunities, AI as a facilitator of regional and global leadership, concerns regarding limited control over AI, and AI as a potential threat to employment.
The study finds that each country frames AI in line with its specific national priorities and the role it seeks to play in the global AI landscape. The UAE and Saudi Arabia, for example, emphasize global leadership and economic transformation, positioning AI as a critical tool for achieving long-term national objectives such as the UAE’s Centennial Vision and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Qatar, by contrast, promotes an “AI+X” vision, aiming to integrate AI across all aspects of life, business, and governance. Egypt underscores AI’s potential to drive sustainable development while also acknowledging risks to labor markets, cultural norms, and gender equality. Jordan places particular emphasis on improving institutional efficiency, fostering economic growth, and addressing inequality and unemployment. Overall, Arab National AI Strategies portray AI as a transformative force capable of stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing regional leadership, while recognising ethical, regulatory, and employment-related challenges, governments must address to ensure responsible and inclusive adoption.