Dubai
His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity and President of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, affirmed that the world is on the verge of entering a new phase of technological acceleration, in which the digital economy and artificial intelligence are increasingly prominent as key drivers of global economic growth.
This came during a speech by His Excellency at the session “Formulating Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Policies to Enable Future Knowledge Markets” within the activities of the (Knowledge Summit) organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, in the presence of a select group of experts, policymakers and international bodies concerned with the digital future.
His Excellency explained that the digital economy now constitutes about 15% of the global GDP, while global estimates indicate that business-to-business e-commerce will reach nearly $32 trillion in 2025, with expectations of it rising to more than $60 trillion by 2030.
He also noted that artificial intelligence technologies are poised to add more than $15 trillion to the global economy by 2030, in the biggest transformation modern economies have seen.
His Excellency added that World Trade Organization reports indicate that artificial intelligence is capable of increasing the volume of global trade by up to 37% by 2040, equivalent to adding between $10 and $15 trillion in global trade value, driven by the massive expansion of cross-border digital services .
The digital divide in developing countries
His Excellency Dr. Al-Khouri pointed out that the economic benefits of these transformations are uneven globally, noting that the Arab region currently accounts for less than 2% of the expected economic value of artificial intelligence. He explained that estimates from the Arab Federation for Digital Economy indicate the potential to generate approximately $900 billion from digital transformation if Arab economies act collectively and effectively in the coming years .
His Excellency noted that, at the global level, a third of the world’s population is still outside the scope of digital connectivity, and that more than 92 million jobs will be affected by automation technologies during the next ten years, warning of the risks of widening the digital divide, and the complex economic and social challenges it may cause .
Three Arab priorities
His Excellency addressed the proposed Arab action plans in partnership with international organizations and bodies, explaining that the next phase requires the formulation of a unified Arab framework for AI governance based on the principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible innovation, ensuring the coordination and harmonization of national policies. He also called for the establishment of an Arab knowledge and data network through a shared digital platform and Arabic-language AI models capable of serving vital sectors such as health, education, trade, and services. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of developing an Arab AI readiness charter that brings together governments, the private sector, academic institutions, and international bodies to develop digital skills and build innovation ecosystems and collaborative work at the regional and international levels .
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy… A unified Arab vision for the future
His Excellency noted that the Arab Federation for Digital Economy is proceeding with the implementation of the Arab Vision for the Digital Economy, which was adopted by Arab leaders in 2022 and enjoys the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. He emphasized that the Federation’s strategy aims to develop unified digital standards and policies, data and knowledge infrastructure, and establish platforms for institutional and industry coordination. He added that the Federation continues its efforts to encourage international investments and partnerships in Arab digital sectors, highlighting the significant economic potential of the Arab digital market and demonstrating the potential of Arab digital spaces and their multiplier effect when integrated into the global economy .
Thanks and appreciation to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation
In closing, His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri expressed his appreciation and sincere thanks to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, and to His Excellency Jamal bin Huwaireb, the Foundation’s CEO, for hosting the knowledge forums, and for the Foundation’s pioneering role in supporting the knowledge industry and providing platforms for scientific and future-oriented dialogue at the Arab and international levels .
