Abu Dhabi
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy commended the UAE’s launch, in cooperation with the United States, of the first phase of the UAE-US Artificial Intelligence Complex in Abu Dhabi. The complex has a capacity of 5 gigawatts, considering the project a pioneering model for strategic partnerships with developed countries aimed at accelerating digital transformation and localizing future technologies.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, officially launched the project as part of a broader vision to leverage advanced technologies for sustainable economic, human, and environmental development.
Located in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi, a global hub for innovation and clean technology, the project represents a significant step in strengthening the UAE’s position as a global destination for investment in artificial intelligence and supercomputing, in addition to its pivotal role in knowledge transfer and human capacity building.
Statement by His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy:
His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohamed Al Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity and Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, said:
“The launch of the first phase of the Artificial Intelligence Complex is a strategic achievement that strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital innovation.
This initiative not only reflects the UAE’s ambitious vision, but also opens new horizons for Arab countries to engage in the global digital economy with confidence and a clear vision.
We at the Arab Federation for Digital Economy value this unique partnership that combines advanced technology and environmental sustainability, and we see it as a model that can be expanded to include other regional and international partners.”
Statement by His Excellency Atef Helmy, Chairman of the General Assembly of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy:
For his part, His Excellency Atef Helmy, Chairman of the General Assembly of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, praised this initiative and said:
“The UAE once again confirms that it is not only a global economic platform, but also a true laboratory for testing future digital solutions.
What distinguishes this project is not only its exceptional scale, but also its ambition to integrate artificial intelligence with environmental sustainability, which is fully in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
We at the Federation will work to expand the scope of this experience and transform it into a model that can be adopted in other Arab countries to build more resilient and knowledge-based economies.”
Statement by Her Excellency Ruqayya Al Derham, Board Member of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy:
Her Excellency Ruqayya Al Derham, Board Member of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, expressed her appreciation for this significant step:
“The UAE is working to redefine the concept of international cooperation in the field of technology, where the relationship is no longer solely two-way, but rather a collaborative one that seeks to achieve mutual benefit and social responsibility.
The Artificial Intelligence Complex paves the way for building advanced digital platforms, empowering youth in the digital economy, and creating future job opportunities.
We at the Federation encourage the adoption of similar policies in our countries and are working to provide technical and institutional support to build joint partnerships in this field.”
Dubai
Under the patronage of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Seamless Middle East 2025 Digital Economy Conference and Exhibition will be held in Dubai from May 20 to 22 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will be actively participated in by the League of Arab States and organized by the Arab Federation for Digital Economy and Terrapinn International Conference Management.
Seamless Middle East 2025 is the Middle East’s premier event dedicated to the digital economy and technological transformation, bringing together more than 750 exhibiting companies and 800 international speakers, with an expected attendance exceeding 30,000 participants from around the world.
His Excellency Dr. Ali Mohammed Al Khouri, Advisor to the Council of Arab Economic Unity and Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, said that the Seamless Middle East 2025 Conference and Exhibition constitutes an international platform for integrating visions and ideas aimed at building an integrated Arab model for digital development, based on innovation and multilateral cooperation. He emphasized that this international gathering in the UAE expresses the Arab region’s commitment to playing an active role in producing digital solutions and formulating cross-border policies.
He expressed his belief that the digital economy, when built on knowledge foundations and human values, can become a major driver of sustainable development, in line with the geopolitical and economic transformations the world is witnessing.
The conference will witness the launch of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030: a comprehensive institutional plan aimed at supporting efforts to build Arab digital integration and contribute to the development of digital infrastructure in the region. It will also stimulate investments in smart digital solutions and announce international strategic partnerships, including cooperation with the People’s Republic of China in the fields of digital economy and technological innovation. The conference will also announce the winners of the second edition of the Arab Digital Economy Award, 2025, which honors entities and individuals who have innovated in adopting modern digital solutions in the Arab world.
The conference activities include more than 200 specialized sessions and 70 workshops covering vital topics such as electronic payments, e-commerce, digital identity, financial technology, banking services, and the logistics sector.
The sessions will feature a select group of experts and decision-makers from the public and private sectors, making the conference a key platform for dialogue and exchange of expertise on the future of the digital economy at the regional and international levels.
Cairo
As part of the second day of the First Arab Judicial Conference, organized by the Arab Administrative Development Organization (ARADO) – League of Arab States, in cooperation with the State Lawsuits Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt, two specialized sessions were held to discuss the legislative and ethical challenges related to the use of artificial intelligence in judicial systems. The sessions were attended by a select group of judges and legal experts from various Arab countries.
His Excellency Counselor Dr. Khairy Al-Kabbash, President of the Court of Appeal of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Chairman of the Policy and Legislation Committee of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, chaired the third session, titled “Legislative and Ethical Challenges of the Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Judiciary.” In his opening remarks, he emphasized that the conference represents an important platform for shedding light on the potential of artificial intelligence in developing the judicial structure and enhancing the efficiency of the justice system. He emphasized the need to address the legal and ethical considerations accompanying this transformation, as well as the importance of building human capacity capable of absorbing these technologies.
The session was attended by a number of prominent speakers, including:
The two sessions concluded with the need to develop unified Arab legislative frameworks to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the judiciary and enhance human capacity building to keep pace with digital transformations, while preserving ethical values and justice. The discussions also emphasized the importance of exchanging experiences and coordinating efforts between Arab and developed countries to ensure the responsible and safe use of modern technologies in the judiciary.
The conference sessions also included rich discussions on the potential of leveraging modern technological models to enhance judicial transparency and expedite procedures, while also highlighting the ethical and legal challenges that require careful handling and international cooperation.
The sessions featured open discussions between speakers and participants, emphasizing the importance of enhancing Arab and international cooperation to establish unified legal frameworks, supporting judicial innovation, and building human capacity to address accelerating digital transformations.
Abu Dhabi
Returning for its 25th annual edition, Seamless Middle East remains the region’s most established and influential platform for the digital economy – bringing together the leaders shaping the future of digital commerce and fintech.
This year, in response to the event’s growth and the industries it serves, Seamless has been reimagined into three focused experiences – Seamless Fintech, Seamless Digital Commerce and Home Delivery Middle East – each offering curated content, dedicated zones and unparalleled opportunities for business and collaboration.
As a longstanding supporter of regional digital transformation, The Arab Federation for Digital Economy has renewed its strategic partnership with Seamless Middle East for 2025. This continued alliance underscores a shared commitment to enabling digital growth across the Arab world.
Dr Ali M. Al Khouri, advisor to the Arab Economic Unity Council, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, Chief Executive at the General Secretariat of the Office of the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, highlighted the importance of Seamless Middle East as a key enabler of digital growth across the region:
“Seamless continues to serve as a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration among Arab and international stakeholders,” he noted. “This year, the Arab Federation for Digital Economy will unveil new strategic initiatives including a landmark partnership with China aimed at deepening economic and technological cooperation.”
He also confirmed that the Federation will present the latest developments of the Arab Digital Economy Vision designed to guide the region’s transition toward more connected, competitive and sustainable digital economies.
“We believe this event marks a pivotal moment for aligning regional digital efforts with global innovation trajectories,” he added.
Joseph Ridley, General Manager of Seamless, welcomed the Federation’s continued support:
“The Arab Federation for Digital Economy has long played a central role in championing digital progress in the region. Their renewed partnership with Seamless underscores just how important this platform has become in advancing those goals – not only for the UAE but across the Arab world.”
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy will once again deliver a powerful opening address and host a series of strategic sessions focused on cross-border collaboration, future economies and digital policy frameworks.
Seamless Middle East 2025 takes place from 20–22 May at Dubai World Trade Centre. 25,000 attendees from across the globe will converge to explore the technologies, trends and partnerships reshaping the Arab world’s digital future.
Register to attend and witness the opening speech from the Arab Federation for Digital Economy.
Registering via either link below gives you full access to all three co-located events – Seamless Digital Commerce, Seamless Fintech and Home Delivery Middle East: Register for Seamless Digital Commerce | Register for Seamless Fintech
Media enquiries: Apply for your all-access press pass via either event site: Media Pass – Seamless Digital Commerce | Media Pass – Seamless Fintech
– ENDS –
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy aspires to support digital transformation, financial inclusion and the development of knowledge-based, legislative and technological infrastructure in the Arab world. It aims to mobilise Arab and international capacities and unite efforts to positively influence Arab societies and improve quality of life in member states.
Media contact: patrick.osta@arabfde.org
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Abu Dhabi
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy announced the deadline for applications for the second edition of the Arab Digital Economy Award, 2025. Saturday, May 10, 2025, is the deadline for submitting applications. The Federation invites individuals and institutions wishing to participate to complete their applications and submit research and projects aligned with the award’s areas before the deadline.
The award represents one of the Arab institutional mechanisms for recognizing excellence in the digital economy, by honoring pioneering projects, technical and innovative initiatives, and highlighting practices of practical and societal value.
The award covers four main categories: leadership, digital transformation, applied research and innovation, institutional excellence, smart transformation, and digital solutions with social impact.
Through this award, the Union targets the public and private sectors, startups, research centers and universities, and youth initiatives that have presented practical models that contribute to achieving sustainable development goals and developing smart systems in the Arab world.
The awards will be officially presented at the Seamless Middle East 2025 Digital Economy Conference and Exhibition, scheduled to be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from May 20 to 22, 2025, in the presence of a number of senior officials and representatives of Arab and international institutions.
The Federation invites all those wishing to participate to download the application form from the Federation’s official website, fulfill the required conditions, and submit their entries via the award’s designated email address.
Abu Dhabi
As part of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025, the intellectual sessions featured a prominent symposium delivered by Dr. Mohamed Osman Elkhosht , Advisor to the Arab Federation for Digital Economy. He addressed the issue of cognitive stagnation and its impact on hindering economic and social development, emphasizing the need to adopt new thinking patterns based on innovation and critical analysis.
In his speech, Dr. Elkhosht focused on the challenges facing developing societies, which lie not only in a lack of resources, but also in the dominance of what he described as the “static mind,” which repeats the familiar and opposes innovation, as opposed to the “active mind,” which contributes to building a knowledge economy capable of adapting to the changes of the era.
He explained that modern economies are not built solely on technology and infrastructure, but rather on flexible intellectual systems that view knowledge as a productive and renewable resource, not a closed inheritance. He emphasized that the transition to a truly digital economy begins with changing the way we think and adopting a critical mindset as an essential tool for understanding reality and formulating solutions.
Dr. Elkhosht pointed out the importance of building an educational and research environment that encourages analytical thinking and liberates new generations from the tendency toward indoctrination, in order to develop human competencies capable of producing knowledge and managing digital and innovation projects efficiently.
He also spoke about the need to link education to the economy , emphasizing that an effective mind does not operate in a vacuum, but rather is formed within a system that believes in the role of knowledge in enhancing productivity and achieving sustainable development. He explained that many countries that have achieved tangible economic leaps did not begin with natural resources, but rather by investing in minds and technology, and adopting new approaches to thinking and management.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Elkhosht called for the adoption of a new intellectual model in the Arab world , one based on cognitive awareness and engagement with economic variables. This model seeks to establish a digital economy capable of leveraging artificial intelligence and data analysis technologies within an environment that encourages creativity and stimulates sustainable transformation.
The session was widely attended by academics, researchers, and those interested in knowledge and economics. They commended the importance of linking intellectual transformation with digital transformation, viewing it as an urgent call to renew the intellectual foundations upon which the future of the Arab economy is based.
Hainan – China
Reflecting the growing trend toward deepening the digital economic partnership between the Arab world and China, Dr. Abdullah Al Darmaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, led the Federation’s delegation in a series of high-level official meetings during the 11th China-Arab Business Conference and the 9th Investment Forum, hosted by Haikou, Hainan Province, China.
In the panel discussion titled “Deepening Scientific and Technological Innovation to Drive Industrial Upgrading,” Dr. Al Darmaki presented the innovative practices of Middle Eastern capital in supporting the development of Chinese technology industries. He emphasized the importance of building joint investment models that enhance the efficiency of digital infrastructure and contribute to the creation of new smart markets in third-party regions.
High-level government meetings: Supporting a joint forum and future industrial investment
The Federation’s delegation met with a number of Chinese leaders, including Hainan Provincial Government Governor Liu Xiaoming and Party committee secretaries from the municipalities of Haikou and Sanya. During the meetings, Dr. Al Darmaki presented the Federation’s activities and areas of work, proposing the establishment of the “Arab Federation for Digital Economy – China Forum,” as well as the launch of a joint industrial investment fund based in Haikou or Sanya.
The proposal received positive feedback from the Chinese side, and the integration between this initiative and the strategic vision of the Hainan Free Trade Port was discussed, particularly with regard to maritime financial innovation and the establishment of an international data center. Dr. Al Darmaki also extended an official invitation to attend and participate in the Seamless Middle East 2025 Summit, scheduled to be held in Dubai on May 20.
Strengthening institutional cooperation with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
The institutional meetings included a meeting with the senior leadership of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), where CCPIT Chairman Ren Hongbin expressed his appreciation for the Federation’s goals and strategic vision in supporting digital transformation in the Arab region.
Vice Minister Wang Li gave a detailed presentation on the Council’s network, which covers more than 300 Chinese cities, proposing direct logistical support to expand the Union’s activities within China. It was also agreed to activate the role of the Council’s regional representative in the Gulf region, extending invitations to more than 218 Middle Eastern institutions operating in China, spanning sectors such as energy infrastructure, smart equipment, and green technology, to participate in Seamless 2025.
Technical cooperation with ChenAn Technology to enhance digital infrastructure
As part of the visit, the Federation delegation met with the management of ChenAn Technology, a subsidiary of China Telecom Global Group, who showcased its technical capabilities in the fields of smart cities, the Industrial Internet of Things, and emergency systems management.
A preliminary understanding was reached regarding cooperation in developing third-party markets and exporting digital infrastructure standards based on both parties’ expertise. It was also proposed to launch pilot projects that leverage the union’s network of relationships with Gulf governments and the region’s private sector.
Towards an advanced Arab-Chinese partnership in the digital economy
Together, these meetings reflect a shared interest between the Arab and Chinese sides in enhancing digital and industrial integration through collaborative investment models that combine smart financing, advanced technology, and a flexible regulatory structure, with the goal of building a more connected and efficient economic system in the region.
Hainan – China
A high-level roundtable meeting was held in the Chinese city of Hainan as part of the China-Arab Economic Cooperation Forum. Government delegations, Arab and Chinese chambers of commerce, and representatives from the public and private sectors participated in the meeting, which aimed to review cooperation opportunities in the digital economy, smart trade, and innovation.
This meeting comes within the framework of the 11th Chinese-Arab Businessmen Conference and the 9th Investment Symposium, which were organized pursuant to an official circular issued by the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States – Economic Affairs Sector, addressed to relevant specialized Arab organizations.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Darmaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, participated in the meeting as a representative of the Federation. He presented the most prominent initiatives and projects led by the Federation in the field of building an integrated Arab digital economy. During his speech, Al Darmaki emphasized the importance of partnership with the Chinese side, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, smart supply chains, and digital solutions that contribute to supporting sustainable development efforts in the Arab region.
His Excellency Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, also delivered a speech in which he emphasized the need to raise the level of trade and investment exchange between China and Arab countries through the integration of logistics services and the modernization of the digital trade infrastructure.
The meeting was attended by a significant number of representatives from major Chinese companies operating in the fields of advanced technology, logistics, and smart services, as well as delegations from various Arab countries. This reflects a shared interest in building an innovative Arab-Chinese cooperation model based on technology and digital transformation.
These meetings come amid the rapid transformations taking place in the global economy and the need to expand the horizons of the strategic partnership between China and the Arab world, particularly in the digital economy, innovation, and future of global trade.
Hainan – China
The Arab Federation for Digital Economy participated in the 11th Chinese-Arab Business Conference and the 9th China-Arab Investment Symposium, hosted by Hainan, People’s Republic of China, from May 27 to 29, 2025. The symposium was jointly organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the General Secretariat of the League of Arab States, in cooperation with the Union of Arab Chambers. High-level participation included government officials, businessmen, and representatives of economic organizations from both the Arab and Chinese sides.
The Union’s participation comes as part of its efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships in the digital economy and explore opportunities for cooperation between China and Arab countries in priority technology sectors, in line with the Arab vision for the digital economy adopted by the 2022 Arab Summit in Algeria.
During the conference sessions, Dr. Abdullah Al Darmaki, Deputy Secretary-General of the Arab Federation for Digital Economy, emphasized that the Arab world and China possess significant opportunities to develop strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence, smart supply chains, and digital government platforms—sectors that form the backbone of modern, knowledge-based economies. He noted that joint investment in these areas will contribute to building interconnected digital infrastructures and providing efficient, scalable smart services across borders.
In his speech, Dr. Al Darmaki also emphasized the importance of Arab-Chinese digital integration through the establishment of joint smart systems in the areas of digital commerce and government services, emphasizing that the transition to a data-driven economy requires cooperation across technologies, sectors, and policies.
He explained that the Arab world is witnessing a rapid expansion in the use of big data and artificial intelligence, opening the door to fruitful cooperation with China, a global leader in this field. He noted that one of the most prominent aspects of this cooperation is the development of digital solutions tailored to the Arab region, enhancing the effectiveness of development decision-making and supporting the goals of sustainability and economic growth.
The Union’s participation in this event reflects its commitment to expanding the framework of Arab digital cooperation with global powers, particularly China, contributing to building a smarter, more integrated Arab economy based on knowledge and modern technologies and leveraging successful global experiences.
مؤتمر رجال الأعمال الصينيين والعرب 28-4-2025
Cairo
Source: Al-Wafd newspaper
Dr. Ali Mohamed Al-Khouri
The Arab world today stands at a historic threshold, where economic and technological transformations are forcing a redefinition of its position in the global economy. For decades, the region’s countries have relied on oil revenues as the basis for growth, while other productive sectors remained marginal and unable to drive sustainable development. However, in a world accelerating toward innovation, technology, and a knowledge economy, traditional models can no longer be maintained. The question today is not whether change is necessary, but rather how can the Arab world transform into an influential economic force that contributes to shaping the new global economy?
Arab economies possess tremendous potential, but this remains underutilized due to structural imbalances that require radical reform. Reliance on the state as the primary economic actor has created inflexible economies, with the private sector suffering from regulatory constraints that hinder its growth, while youth suffer from high unemployment rates despite representing the largest proportion of the population. With more than 100 million young people entering the labor market over the next decade, investing in human capital becomes a priority that cannot be postponed. The coming battle is not just an economic one, but a battle for the future of entire generations seeking opportunities that guarantee their place in the global economy.
The geopolitical shifts taking place in the region, coupled with climate change and economic turmoil, require a reconsideration of development strategies. Oil is no longer the sole guarantee of financial stability, and the sharp fluctuations in its price have made oil-producing countries more aware of the need to diversify their sources of income. However, diversification does not only mean investing in new sectors; it also means building dynamic economies capable of innovation, stimulating entrepreneurship, and creating a legislative environment that attracts capital. The transition to a knowledge-based economy requires massive investments in scientific research, education, and technology, so that Arab countries become producers of knowledge rather than mere consumers.
One of the biggest challenges facing the region is the lack of Arab economic integration, despite the potential for cooperation among Arab countries that could create a unified market that would increase investment volume and generate millions of jobs. Global economic experience has proven that large markets are more attractive to capital, and that economic alliances enhance competitiveness. However, the absence of a unified strategic vision has prevented the realization of this potential, while Arab economies continue to operate independently, leaving them vulnerable to global turmoil and fluctuations.
In the face of these challenges, traditional solutions are no longer sufficient. The region needs bold strategic thinking that goes beyond temporary policies to building economic models based on sustainability, fairness, and efficiency. Reforming financial markets, stimulating the business environment, and investing in the digital economy are all necessary steps to ensure the Arab world enters a new phase of growth. Renewable energy, for example, is not just an environmental option; it is an economic pillar that can reshape the region’s economic landscape, especially as the world moves towards reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. Investing in smart infrastructure and the transition to sustainable cities will determine the extent to which Arab countries can compete in the global economy.
Youth are the key to true economic transformation. A modern economy cannot be built without empowering this segment and providing opportunities that enable them to innovate and participate actively. Digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and startup development are areas through which youth energies can be unleashed and their integration into the economic cycle. However, this requires a radical shift in educational policies, so that education becomes a tool for empowering individuals rather than merely a system for producing academic degrees. Involving youth in the economic and political decision-making process will also ensure that economic reforms align with the aspirations of new generations.
Building a competitive Arab economy requires a strategic vision that transcends traditional frameworks and embraces an approach based on innovation, sustainability, and regional integration. The region can no longer afford to postpone fateful decisions, because the world does not wait. Either Arab countries invest in their future, or remain on the margins of the global economy, their fate determined by others. The real question today is not whether the challenges are difficult, but whether there is a genuine political and economic will to overcome them. Ultimately, history is unforgiving to hesitant nations; it rewards those who have the courage to shape their future.
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