Amman, Sept. 22 (Petra) -- Jordan is expanding artificial intelligence applications across 12 priority sectors, opening new opportunities for local technology companies while increasing pressure on universities and training institutions to equip workers with skills demanded by an AI-driven labor market.
The Information and Communications Technology Association of Jordan (int@j) brought together government officials, education experts and technology companies for a strategic dialogue on how AI is reshaping economic and service sectors and where Jordanian businesses can develop solutions for emerging market needs.
The discussion examined AI opportunities across sectors including education, energy, agriculture, transport, government services, tourism and investment, with particular focus on connecting national priorities with the capabilities of Jordanian companies and professionals.
Int@j Chief Executive Officer Nidal Bitar said each sector faces distinct challenges and opportunities as AI adoption accelerates, making direct engagement between companies, policymakers and other stakeholders increasingly important.
He stressed the need to involve private-sector companies in shaping future policies and priorities, drawing on their practical experience to identify market challenges, business needs and areas where AI could generate new opportunities.
Lama Arabiyat, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technologies at the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, said Jordan's national AI strategy has translated the country's priorities into action tracks covering 12 sectors.
These efforts are being accompanied by an AI ethics charter and governance framework aimed at ensuring responsible development and use of the technology, she said.
AI applications are already moving into practical use across several areas, Arabiyat added, citing tools designed to support education, forecast energy demand and production, improve the quality and use of government data, and introduce intelligent assistants and language models into public services.
AI applications are also being developed for agriculture, tourism and investment.
Building the talent needed to support that expansion has become another priority. Arabiyat said 27 Jordanian universities now offer programs in artificial intelligence and data science, while thousands of students and government employees are developing AI-related skills.
Jordan is also focusing on Arabic-language AI models, expanding partnerships and investment and enabling local talent to develop new technology solutions, she said.
Arabiyat highlighted the role of the National Council for Future Technology, whose work is overseen by HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, in coordinating efforts to develop an integrated ecosystem for future technologies and translate national priorities into practical applications.
The expansion of AI is also changing the skills employers seek, placing greater emphasis on coordination between technology companies and educational institutions.
Yousef Abdallat, Assistant President and board member of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission, said education and training programs must be aligned more closely with labor-market requirements, with private-sector companies directly involved in identifying the skills needed for future jobs.
He also called for greater participation by technology professionals in university teaching, allowing students to gain exposure to practical industry experience and real workplace challenges while giving companies an opportunity to identify emerging talent.
The session, held under int@j's "AI Council -- Strategic Dialogue," focused on strengthening links between government policy, education and private-sector expertise as AI adoption expands across Jordan's economy.
//Petra// RZ
