Preparing for AI: How Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria hope to navigate the coming revolution

GCC 04-02-2026 | 17:37

Preparing for AI: How Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria hope to navigate the coming revolution

From Lebanon to Jordan and Syria, ministers reveal how digitization, artificial intelligence, and human-capacity building are shaping the future of public services.
Preparing for AI: How Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria hope to navigate the coming revolution
World Government Summit. (AFP)
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On the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai, with events continuing for a second day, Arab ministers spoke to Annahar about their governments’ preparations for the age of artificial intelligence.

 

Lebanon

Minister of Social Affairs Hanin Al-Sayyed noted that "Lebanon seeks to enter the age of artificial intelligence amid rapid global progress."

 

She added, "In our government, a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Technology has been established. The goal, of course, is for Lebanon to enter this era and keep up with the rapid progress we see today at the summit. In all ministries, we are carrying out what we call digital transformation automation."

World Government Summit. (AFP)
World Government Summit. (AFP)

She explained, "In the Ministry of Social Affairs, which is changing its name and approach to social development, one of its pillars is automation and social intelligence. So far, we have reached advanced conditions in implementing these initiatives, which provide citizens with transparency and faster services."

 

She concluded, "Soon, there will be a pivotal change in the performance of ministries, including the Ministry of Social Affairs, through digitization and artificial intelligence."

 

Jordan

Minister of State for Public Sector Development Badriya Al-Balbisi emphasized that the government aims to be ready to implement artificial intelligence in its administrations.

 

She said, "We can say there is an excellent level of readiness regarding various aspects, but there are still some matters we focus on or prioritize."

 

She noted, "Data is collected, managed, classified, and documented in a unified way because it forms the foundation for all AI initiatives. Another important aspect in this field is human resources, and Jordan seeks to invest in them."

 

She added, "We are speaking with you— the Council of Ministers has decided to establish the Jordanian Academy for Government Administration. This platform will rebuild government capacities to be ready for the future and meet the requirements of this readiness in general."

 

Syria

Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haykal stressed that entering the age of artificial intelligence is not optional, noting that the issue is not just entering this era but how to align AI and its standards with state sovereignty regarding data, infrastructure, and culture.

 

Haykal explained that artificial intelligence reflects local identity, character, needs, and information security, all of which are key considerations for the state.