Key Themes
AI, Robotics, and Digital Economies in the MENA Region
This theme explores how artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping economies across the Middle East and North Africa. Key topics include digital transformation strategies, automation in industry, policy frameworks for AI adoption, cross-border digital trade, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity and competitiveness. Authors may also consider case studies of robotics integration in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing, as well as the challenges of digital readiness, regulation, and workforce adaptation in the MENA region.
Business Innovation & Performance through AI-Driven Transformation
Here, the focus is on how businesses leverage AI to boost innovation, efficiency, and value creation. Potential paper topics include AI applications in marketing, customer experience, supply chain optimization, financial technologies, and decision-making. Contributions may also examine organizational change, AI-driven business models, ethical adoption of AI in corporate settings, and performance measurement frameworks.
AI and Sustainability in Higher Education
This theme invites research on the intersection of AI technologies and sustainable practices within higher education institutions. Possible directions include AI in personalized learning, sustainable campus management, digital inclusion, and the role of AI in curriculum innovation for sustainable development goals (SDGs). Authors may also discuss policy strategies, environmental impacts of AI infrastructure, and case studies of AI-enabled teaching and research practices that advance sustainability.
Economic Diversification and Smart Manufacturing
Papers under this theme should investigate how AI, digitalization, and Industry 4.0 technologies enable economic diversification and sustainable growth. Key topics include smart factories, predictive maintenance, robotics in production, supply chain resilience, and new digital value chains. Authors may also examine policies that encourage diversification away from resource-based economies, challenges of workforce reskilling, and opportunities for SMEs in smart manufacturing ecosystems.
STEAM Education & Youth Employment in the AI Era
This theme highlights the role of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education in preparing young people for the future of work. Topics include AI-enabled learning platforms, curriculum design for digital skills, entrepreneurship education, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Authors may also address youth employability, digital literacy, gender inclusion, and national strategies for developing AI talent pipelines.
AI-Powered Smart Cities and Urban Resilience
This theme invites contributions on how AI technologies enhance urban governance, infrastructure, and resilience. Key areas include smart mobility, energy efficiency, predictive analytics for disaster preparedness, sustainable housing, IoT integration, and citizen-centered services. Authors may also explore data governance, privacy, and ethical challenges in AI-powered cities, as well as successful urban innovation case studies from the MENA region and beyond.
Leveraging AI for Knowledge Economies and Entrepreneurship
Here, the emphasis is on AI’s role in driving knowledge-based economies and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems. Topics include AI in research and innovation hubs, digital entrepreneurship, start-up ecosystems, intellectual property in AI, and strategies for scaling AI-driven ventures. Authors are encouraged to discuss how AI can bridge skills gaps, accelerate knowledge transfer, and create new opportunities for regional and global competitiveness.