1. Why did you decide to launch the AI for Lebanon initiative, and what inspired the creation of this inaugural conference?
I launched the AI in Lebanon Conference out of a deep belief that Lebanon has immense untapped talent and intellectual potential, particularly in the tech sector. Despite the many challenges our country faces, our people, especially our youth—remain brilliant, capable, and eager to contribute. The inaugural AI in Lebanon Conference was inspired by a desire to bring together Lebanese minds from across the globe and create a national momentum for digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable growth through AI.
2. What is the main vision or mission behind the AI Lebanon Conference, and how do you see it impacting Lebanon’s tech and innovation ecosystem?
Our mission is to ignite a national movement where artificial intelligence becomes a catalyst for economic recovery, institutional development, and social resilience. We envision Lebanon not just as a consumer of technology, but as a regional hub of AI talent, startups, and innovation. By spotlighting our local and diaspora experts, we aim to connect ideas with resources, and knowledge with opportunity.
3. Who is this conference for – and what value does it bring to government bodies, startups, students, and professionals in Lebanon and the region?
The conference is designed for everyone: government leaders, startups, students, educators, tech professionals, and the general public. For government bodies, it provides a platform to explore AI-powered public services. For startups, it offers visibility, networking, and investment opportunities. For students and professionals, it’s a learning environment and a launchpad for ideas, careers, and collaborations.
4. Can you highlight some key speakers, sessions, or announcements that participants should look forward to? And what are we expecting during the 5 days event?
We have a dynamic lineup of Lebanese and international AI experts, including prominent voices from academia, industry, and government. The conference spans five cities—Beirut, Tripoli, Sidon, Zahle, and Aley—featuring panel discussions on AI in education, medicine, manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and more. Key moments include the nationwide AI Bus Tour, live startup showcases, and a special surprise entertainment segment featuring songs and performances generated entirely by artificial intelligence.
5. How does the event aim to connect Lebanon’s AI ambitions with global trends and regional digital transformation efforts?
The conference bridges local expertise with global AI movements by hosting diaspora experts, international companies, and regional AI leaders. It aligns with digital transformation strategies across the MENA region and invites Lebanon to re-enter the global stage of innovation through collaborative initiatives, policy discussions, and tech diplomacy.
6. What are the biggest challenges you foresee in AI adoption in Lebanon, and how does this event address them?
The biggest challenges include infrastructure gaps, brain drain, limited investment, and fragmented policy frameworks. This event addresses them by building connections between government, academia, private sector, and international players. It’s not just a tech conference, it’s a unifying platform to advocate for smart policy, youth empowerment, and long-term investment in AI capacity.
7. Beyond the conference, what are your next steps for AI for Lebanon? Are there any initiatives or long-term strategies planned to sustain this momentum?
Yes. The conference is just the beginning. We plan to launch ongoing initiatives such as an AI Academy, mentorship programs, annual innovation awards, and partnerships with chambers of commerce and universities. Our long-term strategy is to build a Lebanese AI ecosystem that’s future-ready, globally connected, and locally rooted.
Register for the conference here: https://ailebanonconference.com/registration/