AI risks from an Arab world perspective

AI risks from an Arab world perspective

AI risks from an Arab world perspective
Data is a significant factor in the peril of AI systems, particularly regarding value misalignment. (Shutterstock image)
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Imagine a future where machines work alongside us and make decisions that shape our societies, economies and even our daily lives. This is the promise and peril of artificial intelligence as it stands at the brink of transforming our world.

AI is offering unprecedented advancements across various sectors. However, this rapid development also brings significant risks. As the Arab world steps into this new era, it is crucial to understand these risks and their direct implications for our region’s unique context.

Unlike traditional software, which operates within predefined parameters set by developers, making its behavior more predictable and easier to control, AI systems, especially advanced ones, have the potential to make autonomous decisions that can significantly impact human lives, societies and ethical standards.

Therefore, we need to talk about AI values in a way that we do not typically discuss software values.

AI systems, particularly those involving machine learning and neural networks, can evolve and learn from data, leading to behaviors that are not explicitly programmed. Data is a significant factor in the peril of AI systems, particularly regarding value misalignment.

However, it is not the only factor. The overall alignment of AI systems with human values also depends on designing and implementing algorithms, training processes and other technical and ethical considerations.

Most AI systems are developed outside the Arab world, primarily in regions with different cultural, social and ethical values. This can lead to a significant misalignment between the values embedded in these systems and those of the Arab world.

The social and cultural fabric of the Arab world is deeply rooted in community values, ethics and traditions. Introducing advanced AI systems raises questions about their alignment with these values.

Systems developed in the West or in East Asia may not fully understand or respect the cultural norms and values of the Arab world. This can result in AI behaviors or culturally insensitive or inappropriate decisions.

Moreover, AI applications require a deep understanding of local contexts to function effectively and ethically. Without this, systems might make decisions that overlook important regional nuances.

The ethical frameworks guiding AI development in other regions might differ significantly from those in the Arab world. This can lead to AI systems that make decisions based on ethical principles not fully aligned with local values.

To address the potential misalignment, the Arab world needs to invest in local AI research and development to create systems aligned with regional values and contexts. This includes training local talent and establishing research institutions focused on culturally aware AI.

We are not advocating for decoupled AI development. On the contrary, working with international AI developers is paramount to ensure that the systems they create are adaptable to different cultural contexts.

The Arab world needs to invest in local AI research and development to create systems aligned with regional values and contexts.

Mohammed A. Al-Qarni

This collaboration can help integrate local values and norms into global AI systems. Such collaboration would require developing ethical guidelines for AI development and deployment that reflect the values and priorities of the Arab world. Such guidelines can serve as a benchmark for evaluating and adopting AI technologies from other regions.

As the science fiction writer William Gibson said: “The future is already here — it’s just not very evenly distributed.”

AI is the future, so we cannot fight it. Many experts and analysts describe its impact on the economy as akin to electrification and the industrial revolution. This comparison holds substantial merit.

Like electricity and the industrial revolution, AI has the potential to influence virtually every industry. From healthcare and finance to transportation and manufacturing, AI technologies are being integrated into various sectors, transforming how they operate.

AI can automate complex tasks, optimize processes and enable new levels of efficiency and productivity, driving substantial economic growth.

The promise of AI goes beyond traditional industries to enable the development of new technologies and industries, such as autonomous vehicles, personalized medicine and intelligent infrastructure.

The Arab world is undergoing a significant economic transformation, diversifying away from oil. Given AI’s potential, it can play a crucial role in this transition, but also faces the prospect of workforce displacement and economic disparity.

As AI is integrated into industries, managing its adoption to enhance productivity while creating new job opportunities and upskilling the workforce must be strategically managed.

Automation should be balanced with efforts to reskill workers and integrate them into new roles created by AI advancements.

The promised economic benefits of AI must be distributed equitably across different segments of society, preventing widening economic disparities.

These requirements can only be met by developing educational programs that prepare the workforce for the AI-driven future. This includes integrating AI literacy into school curriculums and offering specialized training programs in AI and related fields.

Policies and programs should be developed to support those most affected by AI-induced changes in the labor market. This might include supporting small- and medium-sized enterprises in adopting AI technologies and ensuring that rural and underserved areas can access AI resources and training.

The Arab world’s human capital must be enabled to innovate in the AI space and not remain a passive recipient of globally developed systems, encouraging the development of innovation hubs and ecosystems that support AI research, development and entrepreneurship. This can help drive economic growth and create new job opportunities in the AI sector.

In short, as the Arab world embraces AI’s transformative potential, it is crucial to consider the associated risks from a regional perspective.

By developing robust regulatory frameworks, fostering cultural sensitivity and ensuring equitable economic benefits, the region can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding against its potential harms.

Engaging with global thought leaders and adopting best practices will further enhance the region’s ability to navigate the complex landscape of AI risks and opportunities.

Mohammed A. Al-Qarni is an academic and consultant on AI for business
 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene

A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene
Updated 2 min 6 sec ago
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A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene

A Thousand and One festival amplifies the Kingdom’s music scene
  • The dance music festival is equipped with four stages — Sahaab, Bustan, Qafilah, and Qasr
  • The festival also features the Bizarre Bazaar, a reimagined Middle Eastern souq where music, food, art, and culture collide

RIYADH: Crowds from across the world flocked to attend A Thousand and One, MDLBEAST’s new festival concept, where global musicians like DJ Snake and R3hab have come to Saudi Arabia to perform.
The dance music festival is equipped with four stages — Sahaab, Bustan, Qafilah, and Qasr — each designed with their own sub-theme under the main concept, inspired by the timeless folktale.
“I think (the theme) is really smart. It’s a good way to attract Saudi people as well as the expats,” Irma Saric from Bosnia told Arab News.
She came to the festival alongside her friend, Ifeta Selimovic. The two Bosnians have been living in Saudi Arabia for several years and were excited to see a DJ from their home country, Salvatore Ganacci, on stage.
“What attracted me the most is the diversity in techno music and how there’s a mix of culture, but yet it’s so modern here … The music scene in Saudi is amazing. I love everything about it. I love the diversity the most. I love how they’re also trying to mix Arabic music with modern beats,” Saric told Arab News.
Selimovic is a regular attendee of MDLBEAST’s events, including its flagship Soundstorm festival, and was excited to see DJ Snake and Turkish DJ Mahmut Orhan alongside Ganacci.
“I love the DJs a lot, the atmosphere, how they made this whole concert and everything. And I love, also, ‘her’ zone, because it’s only us girls gathering and having fun … You are in your own world. You are just focusing on the music, and that’s it, and it’s not too crowded,” she told Arab News.
Located in Banban, where Soundstorm’s underground section took place, the four stages have transformed into magical, folkloric sets. The Qasr stage is inspired by a sultan’s palace with Arabian architecture, where electronic and experimental sounds take over; the Qafilah stage echoed the spirit of camel caravans and Saudi Arabia’s rich trading heritage, with tech house and melodic beats; the Bustan stage is a lush, immersive garden experience inspired by the ancient “Kalila Wa Dimna” tales, featuring a diverse mix of genres; while the Sahaab stage was inspired by Aladdin’s flying carpet.
The festival also features the Bizarre Bazaar, a reimagined Middle Eastern souq where music, food, art, and culture collide.
“These kinds of festivals only happen, like, every three months, so I love to come and dance and have fun,” Saudi attendee Fares Alkudsi, who came especially for DJ Snake, said.
“The music scene has been good here ever since, but before 2019 there was not much attention to it, so now they’re giving a lot of attention to the youth, they’re giving a lot of attention to the artists that we love, so it’s a good thing for us.”
William Shakkour, from Syria but born and raised in Saudi Arabia, decided to attend the festival on a whim, and said it reminded him of the first edition of Soundstorm.
“It was basic, simple, and fantastic, so I think in the next versions, it (A Thousand and One) will be better than this one,” he told Arab News.
“Saudi Arabia has become an icon for music festivals, for the Red Sea Festival, for cinemas, for everything. I think in the near future, it will be the icon of the Middle East in different ways, like cinema, music festivals, and all the other things (in) entertainment,” he said.
Vinyl Mode has been a part of the underground music scene for two decades, where many local DJs convened for the love of music, and he has since performed on countless stages during his career. On Thursday, he closed off the Sahaab stage with his house music set.
“I am excited because it’s a very new concept. We are used to the massive production at the end of the year, and I have been always thinking, ‘well, you know, what if we do something mid-year,’ and it’s happening, but with style,” he told Arab News. “What makes it special is that it’s a new moment, a new feeling, a new experience.”
Hyped-up Saudi crowds have become a testament to the strength and growth of the music landscape in the region.
“The people (are) loving the music, the people getting more, learning more, being more educated. So I believe we are very lucky to be a part of this movement,” he said.


Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss

Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss
Updated 18 min 44 sec ago
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Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss

Saudi aid chief launches Sama’a program in Tunisia for children affected by hearing loss
  • Over the course of a decade, KSRelief has implemented nearly 4,000 projects in 106 countries at a cost of nearly $8 billion
  • Al Rabeeah said: “The Saudi hearing volunteer program, the first project of which we are launching in Tunisia, is one of the most prominent initiatives that KSrelief is proud of”

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief’s supervisor general, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah launched the Sama’a Volunteer Program, a Saudi hearing volunteer program for cochlear implants and hearing rehabilitation, in Tunisia.
The launch of the program on Thursday in Tunis was also attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tunisia Dr. Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, members of the diplomatic corps in Tunisia, and representatives of Arab and international organizations, according to a statement from the KSrelief media department to Arab News on Friday.
In his speech at the inauguration, Al-Rabeeah expressed his happiness to attend this distinguished group of Saudi medical personnel for the launch of the program in Tunisia, affirming the depth of the relations between the two countries, which extend back nearly a century.
Al-Rabeeah emphasized that humanitarian and volunteer work is an integral part of the Saudi identity, elevating its culture from mere material aid to a civilized vision that restores hope to those in need, strengthens ties between people, and revives the spirit of solidarity among all humankind.
The establishment of KSrelief was intended to transform this humanitarian legacy into an institutionalized effort that moves steadily, swiftly and professionally to respond to calls for help from anywhere in the world.
Over the course of a decade, KSRelief has implemented nearly 4,000 projects in 106 countries at a cost of nearly $8 billion.
Al Rabeeah said: “The Saudi hearing volunteer program, the first project of which we are launching in Tunisia, is one of the most prominent initiatives that KSrelief is proud of, given its profound humanitarian dimension. Through this program, thousands of children have been able to hear their mothers’ voices for the first time, and hope has been instilled in their families as they witnessed their children speak their first words.
“Today, we have come to expand the scope of this pioneering program in our second home country through four volunteer projects. Through these projects, 50 cochlear implant surgeries will be performed, and 50 families with children will be trained on hearing aids and how to use them. This will ensure the sustainability of the impact, in addition to fostering links between health care professionals in both countries and sharing expertise.”
The Sama’a Program is part of KSrelief’s broader efforts to expand access to specialized health care for vulnerable communities in Africa and beyond.
Commenting on the program, Dr. Aqeel Al-Ghamdi, assistant supervisor-general for planning and development at KSrelief, said: “Hearing loss affects each child differently. Some are born with it, others lose it later, but what they share is the potential to connect, learn and thrive when given the right care. That is what this program is here to support.”
KSrelief launched the Sama’a Volunteer Program in Kenya last week with children from Somalia also among the expected beneficiaries of this vital medical support to children affected by hearing loss.
These humanitarian efforts are part of the volunteer programs organized by the Kingdom, represented by KSrelief, to support the health sector in countries in need and improve medical services provided to patients.


Saudi, French foreign ministers discuss Gaza crisis and upcoming peace conference

Saudi, French foreign ministers discuss Gaza crisis and upcoming peace conference
Updated 20 min 12 sec ago
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Saudi, French foreign ministers discuss Gaza crisis and upcoming peace conference

Saudi, French foreign ministers discuss Gaza crisis and upcoming peace conference
  • Discussions covered ongoing preparations for Palestinian settlement conference, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot in Riyadh on Thursday to discuss ties and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two officials reviewed cooperation between the Kingdom and France and addressed pressing international issues, with a particular focus on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

Discussions also covered preparations for the Palestinian settlement conference, co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France, scheduled for June. The conference aims to advance efforts toward a two-state solution.

The meeting was also attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, adviser to the minister for political affairs, Fahd Al-Ruwaili, Saudi ambassador to France, and Manal Radwan, adviser at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Guardiola says Man City must show ‘spirit’ to get back on top

Guardiola says Man City must show ‘spirit’ to get back on top
Updated 35 min 13 sec ago
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Guardiola says Man City must show ‘spirit’ to get back on top

Guardiola says Man City must show ‘spirit’ to get back on top
  • It was a display of unity that Guardiola didn’t see earlier in the season
  • “We learn to do better. To create another bond with the team, to celebrate when we score a goal,” he said

LONDON: Pep Guardiola has vowed Manchester City will be back to their best next season after losing their “spirit” during a turbulent campaign that exposed an unexpected lack of hunger in his side.
Currently third in the Premier League, City — who had won the previous four English titles — want to salvage a dismal year by winning the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League via a top five finish.
Guardiola’s side face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinals on Sunday knowing defeat at Wembley would condemn them to finish without a major trophy for the first time since 2016-17.
But Guardiola is already thinking about how to avoid a repeat of City’s stunning struggles and he believes he has found the solution.
The City boss noticed the passion his players celebrated with after Bernardo Silva put them ahead in a crucial 2-1 win against top-five rivals Aston Villa on Tuesday.
It was a display of unity that Guardiola didn’t see earlier in the season, when he felt City took success for granted after winning six of the last seven Premier League titles.
“We learn to do better. To create another bond with the team, to celebrate when we score a goal,” he told reporters on Friday.
“When Bernardo scored the first goal on Tuesday we celebrated. The body language, the passion.
“We didn’t celebrate the same way when we scored in October. That stupid detail tells a lot.
“We have to recover the spirit we had in the first nine years. This year we didn’t have it.”
Guardiola hopes his quest to reignite his players’ fire will eventually close the gap on champions-elect Liverpool.
“Next season will be better. Everybody learned the lesson. I think we will compete a bit better for the Premier League,” he said.
“I’m not saying we will win it but we will be more who we are. I think the players understand. You have to fight to defend your club. I’m pretty sure we will be back again.”
Guardiola took heart from the way Rodri has been trying to inspire his team-mates as the Spain midfielder recovers from the knee injury that has sidelined him since September.
“I love that,” Guardiola said. “The guy doesn’t play and I allow him to be a manager.
“He will help the guys and it is the way we create a team. It is something special.”
City are aiming to reach the FA Cup final for a third successive season after winning the competition in 2023 and losing last year’s showpiece against Manchester United.
They face a tricky test from Nuno Espirito Santo’s team after losing 1-0 at the City Ground in the Premier League in March, a result that maintained Forest’s unexpected push for a first Champions League campaign since 1980-81.
“It would be good to make the final but we have a serious and tough rival. Nuno has been incredible,” Guardiola said.
This is the seventh successive season that City have reached the FA Cup semifinals, but they have only lifted the trophy twice in the Guardiola era.
No matter the result at Wembley, Guardiola acknowledged the season has been a failure.
“I said many times the season has not been good, regardless if we reach the final or go to the Champions League,” he said.
“Too many matches have not been good. We would avoid bigger damage for the club if we win the cup. But what will dictate the season is the Premier League.”


Pakistan warns Indian suspension of Indus Waters Treaty could set precedent for China

Pakistan warns Indian suspension of Indus Waters Treaty could set precedent for China
Updated 43 min 33 sec ago
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Pakistan warns Indian suspension of Indus Waters Treaty could set precedent for China

Pakistan warns Indian suspension of Indus Waters Treaty could set precedent for China
  • New Delhi suspended the river-sharing agreement after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir
  • PM Sharif’s aide says Pakistan is discussing the situation with friendly countries and the United Nations

ISLAMABAD: India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) could set a precedent for China to block the Brahmaputra River, a senior aide to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warned on Friday, potentially putting New Delhi in a difficult position.
India relies on rivers that originate in China, particularly from the Tibetan Plateau, where major waterways like the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers begin.
China’s dam-building activities and lack of a formal water-sharing agreement have raised concerns in India about future water security during floods or droughts. The absence of binding treaties leaves India vulnerable to upstream decisions made by Beijing.
In 2016, China blocked the flow of the Xiabuqu River, which feeds the Brahmaputra, as part of a hydropower project in Tibet after a militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir.
“If India does something like this that they stop the flow [of rivers] to Pakistan, then China can also do the same thing,” Rana Ihsaan Afzal said while speaking to Geo News. “But if things like this happen then the entire world will be in a war.”
The IWT is a landmark water-sharing agreement signed in 1960 between India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank, to manage the use of rivers flowing through both countries from the Himalayas. Under the treaty, India was granted control over the three eastern rivers — Ravi, Beas and Sutlej — while Pakistan received rights over the three western rivers — Indus, Jhelum and Chenab.
Despite multiple wars and ongoing tensions, the treaty has largely held as a rare example of sustained cooperation.
However, India on Wednesday suspended the six-decade-old river-sharing treaty with Pakistan as part of a series of measures following a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, for which it holds Islamabad responsible.
Pakistan has denied any involvement in the attack, in which gunmen killed 26 people at a tourist site in Pahalgam, a scenic town in Anantnag district, marking the deadliest assault on civilians in the country in nearly two decades.
Highlighting that India’s actions threatened the food security of 250 million people, Afzal said under international water laws, upper riparian countries cannot “stop” water but may only “regulate” it.
He added that upper and lower riparian countries coexist peacefully across the world and warned that India’s threat could undermine the entire system of peaceful water-sharing mechanisms, potentially escalating tensions toward conflict.
“This will not be easy at all,” he said. “The United Nations and lower riparian countries throughout the world will raise their voice against it.”
Afzal confirmed that Pakistan was engaging friendly countries through diplomatic channels and was also in contact with the UN.