The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is transforming industries, economies, and job markets around the globe, and the Middle East is no exception. As governments and businesses strive to adapt to these sweeping changes, the region finds itself uniquely positioned to benefit from AI advancements, thanks to its abundant energy resources. However, while the opportunities are vast, there are also profound social, cultural, and political challenges to consider.
As an architect with expertise in urban planning, engineering, and cultural preservation, I see AI not only as a tool to enhance efficiency and drive innovation but also as a double-edged sword that could disrupt our society if left unchecked. The Middle East must move forward carefully, ensuring that the adoption of AI technologies respects our rich cultural heritage while promoting economic growth and social equity.
AI’s development is power-hungry. The computational resources required to develop advanced AI models—particularly very large language models (VLLMs)—demand immense energy. In this regard, the Middle East’s wealth of energy resources positions the region at the forefront of the global AI race. Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the energy sector, alongside the UAE’s ambitious renewable energy projects, makes these nations key players in powering the AI revolution. Oman, too, has the potential to harness its energy assets to fuel AI development, allowing the region to innovate at scale. By investing in AI-powered industries such as construction, urban planning, and engineering, these nations can not only boost economic growth but also establish themselves as global leaders in technology.
However, with great opportunity comes great responsibility. The way AI is implemented and governed will determine its long-term impact on our region, particularly when it comes to preserving cultural identity and ensuring societal balance.
The potential benefits of AI in the Middle East are undeniable. AI can optimize everything from energy consumption to transportation networks and streamline the design and construction of smarter, more sustainable cities. However, alongside these advantages are significant challenges, particularly the risk of cultural erosion. Global AI systems are often trained on vast datasets that may not reflect or respect the unique cultural values of our region. This can be particularly problematic in architecture and urban planning, where local traditions, aesthetics, and historical references are crucial. If AI systems are not adapted to Middle Eastern contexts, there is a risk that the buildings and urban spaces of the future may lose their cultural relevance. Cities may become increasingly homogenous, with generic designs that fail to resonate with local populations.
The danger is not just limited to architecture. AI’s widespread implementation could lead to job displacement across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, construction, and even design. Automation’s impact on the labour market requires urgent attention, as governments must prepare for the socio-economic implications of an AI-driven future. Workforce retraining and investment in new employment pathways are essential to ensure that those displaced by AI are equipped to thrive in a new economy.
In addition to the socio-economic risks, the potential for cultural homogenization is a pressing concern. The Middle East is home to a rich tapestry of traditions, architectural styles, and artistic expressions that must be preserved as we move toward an AI-powered future. The solution lies in developing culturally relevant AI systems. Middle Eastern countries must invest in AI models trained on local data that reflect our architectural heritage and social values. This will help ensure that future developments align with regional identities rather than imposing a globalized, one-size-fits-all aesthetic.
There is also an opportunity to leverage AI to enhance cultural preservation. Imagine an AI system that not only designs sustainable urban environments but also incorporates traditional elements into modern buildings. Such a system could help maintain the cultural richness of cities across the Middle East while benefiting from AI’s capacity for optimization.
Energy will play a pivotal role in the development of AI across the Middle East. As the world moves toward more energy-intensive AI solutions, the region’s ability to provide a stable and abundant energy supply offers a competitive advantage. Countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Oman must continue to invest in the infrastructure needed to support AI development, ensuring that their energy resources are used to power innovation sustainably.
At the same time, governments must implement ethical regulations that govern AI’s role in society. These regulations should promote inclusivity, protect jobs, and ensure that AI serves the greater good, rather than widening the gap between the elite and the rest of society. Strong governance will be essential in managing the social, cultural, and economic implications of AI, ensuring that its benefits are widely distributed.
To understand the potential impacts of AI on the Middle East, it helps to imagine possible future scenarios. In one possible future, Middle Eastern nations will successfully harness their energy resources to develop culturally specific AI models. Cities in the region thrive as global AI hubs, where technology enhances sustainability and quality of life while preserving cultural identity. In this scenario, the Middle East leads the world in designing smart cities that are not only efficient but also deeply connected to local heritage. In a less optimistic scenario, AI systems developed outside the region dominate the design of Middle Eastern cities. The result is the construction of buildings and public spaces that lack cultural relevance, leading to the erosion of local traditions. Over time, these cities lose their distinct identities, replaced by a globalized, generic aesthetic that disconnects citizens from their history and heritage.
The rise of AI and automation presents both extraordinary opportunities and significant challenges for the Middle East. As we look to the future, we must strike a balance between embracing technological progress and protecting our cultural identity. The region’s energy resources give us a unique advantage in the AI race, but we must also ensure that AI serves the people, preserving the rich cultural traditions that define our cities and communities.
As an architect, I am committed to using AI to enhance the built environment while respecting the cultural values that make the Middle East unique. Archiplexus (www.archiplexus.com), based in the UAE, is already working to integrate AI into architectural practice in a way that preserves cultural heritage and promotes human-centric design.
By leading the charge in responsible AI development, we can ensure that the cities of tomorrow reflect the traditions of the past, creating a future that is both innovative and deeply rooted in our region’s identity.
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