AI Policy in the Gulf and Middle East: Educational Leadership at the Intersection of Innovation and Tradition

Document Type

Article

Source of Publication

Transforming Policy and Practice Through AI Driven Educational Leadership

Publication Date

3-10-2026

Abstract

This chapter explores how Gulf and Middle Eastern educational leaders integrate artificial intelligence while balancing technological progress and cultural preservation. Drawing on case studies from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, it compares centralized and decentralized leadership approaches in implementing AI within conservative societies. The analysis reveals that effective adoption requires not only infrastructure but also cultural adaptation, stakeholder engagement, and ethical alignment. The UAE’s model of culturally responsive innovation exemplifies successful integration, while Jordan and Egypt highlight the need for pragmatic, resource-sensitive strategies. The chapter offers policy recommendations for aligning AI initiatives with national visions and Sustainable Development Goals to ensure inclusive, ethical, and culturally grounded educational transformation. This chapter examines how educational leaders in the Gulf and Middle East manage the complexities of integrating artificial intelligence while balancing technological advancement with cultural preservation. Drawing on an in-depth analysis of national strategies and stakeholder perspectives, it compares centralized and decentralized leadership approaches to implementing AI within conservative societies. The analysis indicates that effective adoption requires not only infrastructure but also proactive cultural adaptation, meaningful stakeholder engagement, and strong ethical alignment rooted in local values. The UAE’s model of culturally responsive innovation is presented as an example of successful integration, while case studies from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt illustrate the need for pragmatic, resource-sensitive strategies. The chapter concludes with actionable policy recommendations for educational leaders to align AI initiatives with national visions and Sustainable Development Goals, promoting an inclusive, ethical, and culturally grounded educational transformation that addresses the important tension between innovation and tradition.

ISBN

[9798337349084, 9798337349091, 9798337349107]

ISSN

2327-0411

Publisher

IGI Global Scientific Publishing

First Page

133

Last Page

154

Disciplines

Education

Keywords

Middle East (0.76) | Vision (0.73) | Stakeholder (0.56) | Political science (0.46) | Economic growth (0.36) | Cultural diversity (0.34) | Sustainable development (0.34) | Comparative case (0.32) | Environmental ethics (0.3) | Sociology (0.29) | Public policy (0.28) | Economy (0.28) | Public administration (0.28) | Corporate governance (0.28) | Policy learning (0.28) | Best practice (0.28) | Cultural issues (0.27) | Stakeholder engagement (0.27) | Public relations (0.27) | Sustainability (0.26) | Business (0.26) | Middle management (0.26) | Grounded theory (0.26) | Delegation (0.26)

Scopus ID

105049149904

Indexed in Scopus

yes

Open Access

no

Link to Full Text

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