ELIA holds seminar on knowledge investment in the ‘AI age’

January 26, 2026 / 12:46 PM

Sharjah 24: The Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA), in collaboration with the Arab Organization for Administrative Development (ARADO) and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), hosted a special symposium titled “Prospects for Knowledge Investment in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.” This event took place at ARADO’s headquarters in Egypt and brought together a notable group of Arab leaders, experts, and specialists in knowledge, libraries, and digital transformation.

The symposium featured prominent participants, including Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, the CEO of the Sharjah Book Authority; Dr Emad Issa Saleh, President of AFLI; Dr Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives; and Fahad Ali Al Amri, Chairman of ELIA's Board of Directors. The event also included academics, researchers, and specialists from various Arab countries.

During the symposium, attendees discussed various important topics, particularly how artificial intelligence can be used to create visual content that showcases folklore. They also highlighted the challenges and risks of documenting information in our digital world, focusing on issues like reliability, long-term preservation, and safeguarding cultural memories online.

Participants stressed the need for closer cooperation among Arab nations in the fields of knowledge and information. They believe that sharing successful experiences and expertise can help improve the region's knowledge systems, ensure the long-term sustainability of Arab cultural content, and adapt to the fast changes brought on by the digital age.