Princess Sumaya University for Technology recently hosted a dialogue session titled “Beyond the Numbers: How Artificial Intelligence Shapes Our World.” The event was attended by PSUT President Prof. Wejdan Abu Elhaija; the Chairman of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation Arab Researchers Award, HE Prof. Labib Khadra; PSUT Vice President Prof. Bassam Hammo; university deans and professors; and researchers in the AI field. The session was part of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation’s Scientific Research Department activities.

The discussion, moderated by Dr. Adiy Tweissi, Assistant to the President, featured Prof. Rami Kahwaji, a visual computing specialist from the University of Bradford, and Dr. Mariette Awad, director of the AI, Data Science, and Computing Hub at the American University of Beirut and a 2024 Abdul Hameed Shoman Award winner for her work in computational modeling in data analysis.

Key topics included the impact of data analysis on industries, the role of machine learning in improving data processes, and AI’s potential to solve complex challenges like predictive modeling. Practical AI applications in the Middle East and North Africa region were also highlighted.

The event included extensive discussions on ethical challenges, data privacy, and security, as well as efforts to reduce bias in AI models. Future AI trends and the development of AI-driven tools for data analysis were also explored. Additionally, questions were raised about the role of local universities in adapting to AI and data science advancements, and how small and medium enterprises can use AI to compete on a global scale.

The session concluded with an emphasis on the importance of developing local AI talent, fostering innovation, and expanding collaboration between universities and global institutions in this field.