Artificial Intelligence Transforms Arab Cultural Practices
The UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan held a one-day workshop in Cairo, titled “AI and Culture in the Arab Region: Regional Vision from Cairo,” to discuss the growing impact of artificial intelligence on cultural practices in the region. The event, held on June 25, 2025, brought together academic experts, heritage professionals, and cultural practitioners from various Arab countries. The discussions focused on how AI is impacting tangible and intangible cultural heritage, arts and cultural education, and the vibrant cultural and creative industries. The event aimed to provide valuable insights and strategic policy approaches.
AI’s Role in Cultural Heritage Preservation
The workshop discussed the importance of artificial intelligence in preserving cultural heritage. Dr. AbdelRahman Medhat highlighted AI-powered conservation strategies, highlighting their resilience in climate change. Professor Fekri Hassan presented digital heritage management techniques, showcasing how technology can protect historical assets. Dr. Nabil Bachagha from Tunisia highlighted machine learning’s potential for archaeological research and discovery in Roman fortified sites. These examples showcase the Arab region’s leadership in integrating AI into heritage science, enhancing public access to cultural treasures and ensuring their longevity and accessibility for future generations.
AI in Creative Industries and Arts Education
The workshop discussed the integration of AI in creative industries and arts education in the Arab region. Arab academics and artists shared their experiences and innovative approaches to leveraging AI to improve teaching methodologies, revolutionize media production, and expand artistic expression. Dr. Noha Abou-Khatwa and Dr. Haytham Nawar from American University in Cairo showcased curriculum innovations in Islamic art and digital media.
Dr. Noha Mellor from UAE examined AI’s role in journalism education, while Sudanese writer Emad Blake explored the relationship between human authorship and AI technologies. Dr. Riham Arram emphasized the need for policies supporting ethical and inclusive AI integration in cultural programming to ensure technological advancements serve human values and diversity.
Aligning National Strategies with Global Norms
The workshop emphasized the importance of aligning national AI strategies in the Arab region with global norms and international cultural frameworks. Participants emphasized the need to adhere to conventions like the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence was also emphasized. Egypt’s proactive efforts, such as its comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Egypt Charter for Responsible AI, prioritize cross-sectoral digital transformation while incorporating ethical considerations, demonstrating a commitment to responsible technological progress.
Building a Collective Arab Knowledge Base
A significant outcome of the workshop was its substantial contribution to building a collective Arab knowledge base specifically focused on the intersection of AI and culture. By facilitating the sharing of practical experiences, diverse case studies, and policy insights from across the region, the event created a rich repository of understanding and best practices. This collaborative knowledge-sharing is crucial for fostering informed decision-making and strategic planning in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
The workshop also played a vital role in strengthening institutional cooperation among academic experts, heritage professionals, and cultural practitioners from various Arab nations. This enhanced collaboration is essential for developing unified approaches to AI integration in cultural domains, promoting ethical innovation, and ensuring that technological advancements are deeply rooted in and respectful of diverse cultural values. Such initiatives are fundamental for empowering the region to collectively navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by AI.
UNESCO’s Role in Fostering Responsible AI
The UNESCO workshop on AI and culture, organized by the UNESCO Regional Office in Cairo, emphasized the importance of responsible technological progress that enhances diversity, creativity, and heritage. The workshop emphasized the need to align national digital strategies with international cultural frameworks, such as the 2022 MONDIACULT Declaration, which calls for culture to be recognized as a global public good and integrates it into inclusive cultural governance. The dialogue at the workshop contributes to the ongoing 2025 MONDIACULT, reinforcing the Arab region’s commitment to integrating culture into digital transformation and aligning with UNESCO’s global priorities for sustainable development.
The Future of AI and Culture in the Arab Region
As artificial intelligence continues its relentless evolution, initiatives like the Cairo workshop become increasingly vital to ensure that cultural identity, education, and heritage remain central to the digital future of the Arab region. The discussions and collaborations fostered during this event lay a strong foundation for a future where AI serves as a powerful tool for cultural enrichment and preservation, rather than a threat.
By embracing ethical AI frameworks, investing in local language datasets, and fostering regional partnerships, the Arab world can position itself as a leader in responsible AI development that respects and promotes cultural diversity. This forward-looking approach ensures that the transformative power of AI is harnessed to enhance human creativity, safeguard invaluable heritage, and enrich educational experiences, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and culturally aware digital society across the entire Arab region.
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