Jordan's Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship (MoDEE) and Saudi Arabian artificial intelligence company HUMAIN signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on September 6 in Riyadh. The agreement, signed on the sidelines of LEAP 2026, aims to strengthen cooperation in artificial intelligence. Its objectives include supporting the development of Arabic AI models, fostering talent, aiding startups, and enhancing advanced technology infrastructure. HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin signed the agreement on behalf of his company. This significant partnership shows a shared vision for advancing digital transformation and technological innovation across the region.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines five primary areas for collaboration between Jordan and HUMAIN. These include initiatives to advance Arabic AI models, accelerate the integration of artificial intelligence within the public sector, and provide support for startups and investment opportunities in the digital economy. The partnership also focuses on developing AI talent and skills within Jordan, alongside strengthening cooperation in AI infrastructure and specialized computing capabilities. These pillars are designed to create a full framework for AI development and adoption.
Jordan and HUMAIN are set to collaborate on the development of advanced artificial intelligence models specifically tailored for the Arab world. This joint effort will encompass the creation of ALLAM, a family of advanced large language models designed to serve the region's linguistic and cultural needs. The cooperation between the Jordanian government and the Saudi AI firm will also extend to supporting sovereign AI strategies. This includes efforts to promote data localization, ensuring that data processing and storage adhere to relevant national legislation and regulatory frameworks. This focus on localized data governance is key for maintaining data sovereignty and trust in AI systems. The collaboration will also explore opportunities to accelerate the adoption of AI in government operations by identifying priority sectors and developing scalable AI solutions that can transform public services.
Jordan's National AI Ambitions
The agreement between Jordan’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and HUMAIN is a component of wider initiatives led by the National Council for Future Technology. This council is tasked with transforming Jordan’s national aspirations in emerging and future technologies into tangible projects and strategic alliances. Its mandate includes shaping the Kingdom's technological future through actionable plans. The council's strategic approach is designed to ensure Jordan remains competitive and innovative in the rapidly evolving global technology landscape.
Through enhanced cooperation with both global and regional technology leaders, Jordan intends to expedite innovation across its digital landscape. This strategic approach aims to expand the nation’s digital economy significantly. Additionally, by fostering such partnerships, Jordan seeks to solidify its standing as a prominent regional hub for technological advancement and artificial intelligence development. The collaborative efforts are designed to ensure Jordan remains at the forefront of technological progress in the Middle East, attracting further investment and talent into its burgeoning digital sector. This proactive engagement with leading technology firms like HUMAIN is central to Jordan's long-term digital economic growth strategy.
Ministerial Vision for Talent
Eng. Sami Smeirat, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Future Technology and Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, signed the agreement on behalf of Jordan. The partnership aims to explore opportunities to accelerate the adoption of AI within government operations by identifying priority sectors and developing scalable AI solutions. Additionally, the collaboration will support full training, upskilling initiatives, fellowships, practical training programs, and talent exchange. These programs are designed to cultivate a highly skilled workforce capable of driving AI innovation and implementation across various sectors. Eng. Smeirat stated, "This partnership represents an important step in Jordan’s journey from adopting artificial intelligence technologies to actively contributing to their development. Our focus is on investing in talent, supporting practical AI use cases, and ensuring that Jordanian companies and professionals are part of the global ecosystem shaping the future of artificial intelligence." He added, "Jordan’s strength lies in its people. We are focused on creating greater opportunities for Jordanian talent and companies while attracting global and regional technology leaders to build, innovate and invest in Jordan." This vision emphasizes the critical role of human capital in achieving Jordan's AI ambitions and positioning the country as a leader in regional technological advancement.
