Knowledge Summit 2025 Explores AI's Potential for Arabic Language and Future Knowledge Economies

The Knowledge Summit 2025, organized by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, featured critical discussions on artificial intelligence's transformative potential for Arabic language development and future knowledge economies during its second day. Global leaders, policymakers, and decision-makers explored how emerging technologies are reshaping the global knowledge landscape, with particular emphasis on linguistic infrastructure, human-avatar symbiosis, and addressing systemic inequalities in the technology sector.

A key panel highlighted how rapid artificial intelligence advancement presents unprecedented opportunities for the Arabic language, provided the region develops strong linguistic infrastructure. Experts emphasized the need for deep integration among research institutions, technical models, and credible data ecosystems to fully leverage AI's potential. Athir Al-Khalifa, Director of Labs at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, noted that sophisticated linguistic systems require more than technological solutions alone, stressing that a holistic ecosystem supported by robust data and institutions capable of developing large-scale Arabic language models is essential for meaningful progress.

Another session examined how emerging technologies, advanced data frameworks, and collaborative networks are reshaping knowledge economies globally. Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguro, Professor at Osaka University's Department of Systems Innovation, shared his vision of a human-avatar symbiotic society where AI-driven avatars could revolutionize healthcare, enhance service delivery, and transform knowledge exchange. He emphasized that advanced robotics should be embraced as tools that extend human capability rather than replace human workers, suggesting this approach could redefine human-machine collaboration across multiple industries.

The summit also addressed critical social dimensions of technological advancement, with experts highlighting the urgent need to close the global gender gap in the technology sector, where women currently represent only 20 to 26 percent of the workforce. Discussions focused on youth empowerment, multilingual knowledge accessibility, and cross-border collaboration as vital elements for building equitable, future-ready knowledge systems. A dynamic session on investment and entrepreneurship featured global experts outlining the essentials of a thriving knowledge economy, identifying talent, innovation, knowledge, and progressive legislation as key components, while noting Dubai's emergence as a global hub where people, ideas, and opportunities converge to shape future economic models.

The day included an inspiring session by Huda Al Matroushi, the UAE's first female mechanic and garage owner, who shared her personal journey and highlighted passion as the driving force behind achievement. Her testimony underscored the importance of diverse perspectives in building resilient knowledge economies and demonstrated how challenges can serve as transformative experiences that build determination and innovation capacity across different sectors of society.