Jordan and Saudi Arabia Partner to Build Arabic AI Models

Jordan is no longer content to simply use artificial intelligence. The country just signed a strategic agreement with Saudi Arabia's HUMAIN to help build the next generation of AI technology for the Arab world.

Jordan's Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and HUMAIN finalized their partnership at LEAP 2026 in Riyadh. The agreement marks a turning point for the region's role in shaping artificial intelligence rather than just adopting tools built elsewhere.

The collaboration focuses on five ambitious goals. Jordan and HUMAIN will develop advanced AI models designed specifically for Arabic, including ALLAM, a family of large language models built to understand the nuances of the Arabic language. They'll work to bring AI into Jordan's government services, making public sector operations smarter and more efficient.

The partnership also creates direct pathways for Jordanian tech startups to access cutting-edge AI tools, computing power, and potential investment. Training programs, fellowships, and talent exchanges will help Jordanian professionals gain hands-on experience with advanced AI development.

"This partnership represents an important step in Jordan's journey from adopting artificial intelligence technologies to actively contributing to their development," said Eng. Sami Smeirat, Jordan's Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship. He emphasized that Jordan's greatest strength lies in its people.

The initiative aligns with Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II's vision to establish Jordan as a leading regional technology hub. By connecting local talent with global AI development, the country is investing in its future economic foundation.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership could reshape how Arabic speakers worldwide interact with technology. Most AI models today are built primarily for English, leaving hundreds of millions of Arabic speakers with tools that don't fully understand their language's complexity and cultural context.

By developing AI models specifically for Arabic, Jordan and Saudi Arabia are ensuring their languages and cultures are represented in the technologies that will define the next decade. Jordanian companies will gain access to specialized computing infrastructure previously available only to tech giants in other regions.

The agreement also addresses data sovereignty, allowing countries to maintain control over their information while still advancing technologically. Training programs mean Jordanian professionals won't just use AI but will help build it, creating high-value jobs in an emerging field.

As more regions develop AI tailored to their languages and needs, the technology becomes more equitable and useful for everyone.

Jordan's commitment to moving from technology consumer to technology creator shows how smaller nations can claim their stake in shaping the digital future.