Date: May 20, 2025
Dubai
On Tuesday, May 20, 2025, on the sidelines of Seamless Middle East 2025, the annual meeting of the General Assembly and Board of Directors of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy was held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center. Members of the General Assembly, representatives of official bodies, international observers, and a group of experts in the field of digital economy participated.
The session was opened by His Excellency Engineer Atef Helmy, Chairman of the General Assembly, who welcomed the attendees and emphasized in his speech the importance of the Federation’s growing role in supporting Arab digital transformation plans. He noted that the next phase requires Arab countries to redouble their efforts to leverage digital capabilities in the service of economic and social development.
His Excellency Ambassador Mohammadi Ahmed Al-Ni, Secretary-General of the Council of Arab Economic Unity, also delivered a speech in which he emphasized the General Secretariat’s full support for the Federation’s initiatives, considering the digital economy to be one of the tools The pivotal role of achieving Arab integration, as well as the vision of the Council of Arab Economic Unity to build a unified economic system based on innovation and technology, was highlighted.
For his part, His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Chairman of the Union’s Board of Directors, reviewed the Union’s new strategic plan until 2030, including its comprehensive programs and projects aimed at enabling Arab countries to adopt advanced digital policies, enhance digital infrastructure, and achieve sustainable economic growth based on knowledge and innovation.
The meeting also discussed developments in the Union’s branches in Arab countries, the status of establishment in several countries not currently represented, and a review of the Union’s most prominent current and future projects, including strategic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China and some proposed development initiatives aimed at developing Arab digital systems and skills capabilities at the local and regional levels.
The meeting also discussed the budget and operating expenses report, and the specialized committees’ report on their work progress.
Members’ Interventions
In an intervention by His Excellency Hani Mahmoud, former Minister of Communications and Information Technology and member of the Union’s Board of Directors, he emphasized the need to continue institutional work and strengthen partnerships with the public and private sectors, as well as the growing role of artificial intelligence, which requires a structured approach. A strong infrastructure and regulatory frameworks enhance trust and ensure the ethical and responsible use of this technology.
For her part, Her Excellency Ms. Rkia Derham, former Minister of Digital Economy of the Kingdom of Morocco and a member of the Board of Directors, emphasized the importance of the regional and integrated dimension in implementing digital economy initiatives, noting that the challenges facing Arab countries require collective solutions based on innovation and cooperation.
Her Excellency said, “We must believe that Arab digital integration can constitute an economic force comparable to global blocs, if properly leveraged through unified legislation and cross-border projects.”
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed El-Qersh, Assistant Minister of Agriculture of the Arab Republic of Egypt and a member of the Board of Directors of the Union, emphasized that digital transformation, although a technical option, has become a strategic necessity for achieving economic, food, and social security in the Arab region. He praised the Union’s role in launching the Mahseel Agricultural Platform and the Arab Food Market in this context.
His Excellency Counselor Khairy Kabbash, former President of the Court of Appeal in Egypt and Chairman of the Union’s Policy and Legislation Committee, pointed to the committee’s ongoing efforts to prepare a package of projects. Common Arab laws in the digital economy, and providing policy recommendations that contribute to unifying legal visions supporting digital transformation.
Dr. Najwa Samak, a member of the Advisory Council of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, also expressed her appreciation for the progress made by the Federation in formulating an ambitious strategic vision for the Arab digital economy, stressing the need for this vision to take into account the specificities of Arab societies and their developmental and social challenges.
In her speech, she said:
“Achieving digital transformation is not only linked to the technical infrastructure, but also to creating an economic, social, and cultural environment conducive to embracing this transformation and ensuring the inclusion of everyone—individuals and institutions—in this journey. Focusing on digital justice and knowledge empowerment are two essential elements that cannot be ignored.”
Active Online Participation
The meeting witnessed the participation of several General Assembly members via videoconferencing, who interacted with the agenda and presented constructive proposals on expanding and activating partnerships with international institutions and the Union’s role in the next phase.
Thanks and Appreciation to the UAE
The meeting’s closing statement expressed the General Assembly’s gratitude and appreciation for the UAE’s hosting of its annual meetings and the institutional support it provides to the success of the Union’s work, enhancing its ability to achieve its mission of supporting digital transformation and building a comprehensive and integrated Arab digital economy.
His Excellency Atef Helmy, President of the General Assembly, also expressed his thanks to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, for his great support for the “Arab Vision for Digital Economy” initiative, which is overseen by the Union, praising His Highness’s strategic role in advancing the region’s position in the global digital landscape.
His Excellency also expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Supreme President of the Union, emphasizing that the Union’s great achievements would not have been possible without the grace of God Almighty, then His Highness’s unlimited support and exceptional leadership vision, which links human security and well-being with the development of the digital economy and its adoption as a strategic pillar for achieving sustainable development.
The President of the Assembly emphasized that His Highness’s vision is the foundation for the Union’s continued journey of strengthening joint Arab cooperation, building an advanced digital system capable of addressing global challenges, and harnessing emerging technologies to serve the future of the Arab economy.
The meeting concluded with His Excellency the President of the General Assembly thanking the members of the Assembly and committee representatives for their attendance and constructive contributions, emphasizing the importance of institutional documentation of the outcomes of this vital meeting in the path of the Arab digital economy.
