Iran Champions AI Collaboration: A New Era of Regional Innovation
Iran is emerging as a significant player in the regional Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape, thanks to its unique blend of talent, data, and innovation. The country is dedicated to fostering regional cooperation that will harness AI to drive economic prosperity and unity across the Persian Gulf. This message was highlighted by Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s Minister of Information and Communications Technology, during the Iran Corridor 2025 conference held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
At the conference, Hashemi emphasized Iran’s pivotal role in the digital sphere of the Persian Gulf, asserting that the nation is prepared to initiate collaborative projects with neighboring states in the field of AI. He noted that Iran’s mobile operators and popular digital platforms like Snapp! and Digikala serve over 30 million users, providing a rich source of multifaceted data essential for AI development.
Despite the economic sanctions imposed on Iran, Hashemi pointed out the resilience of the country’s fintech ecosystem, which continues to thrive and innovate. He stated, “Our country’s academic and research capabilities have propelled us to the forefront of AI advancements. In 2023, Iran ranked second in the region in terms of the number and quality of scientific papers in AI, demonstrating our commitment to cutting-edge research and development.”
Moreover, Iran holds the second position in the region for the number of AI developers, reflecting the depth of its skilled workforce, and ranks fourth in terms of AI firms, showcasing a dynamic and rapidly growing ecosystem. Hashemi highlighted the significance of Iranian human capital, which is available at competitive costs, making the country a valuable partner in regional AI initiatives.
He expressed optimism about the potential for the Persian Gulf region to evolve into a powerhouse of AI excellence. “By cultivating environments that encourage collaboration and investment, we can attract global tech giants while strengthening intraregional partnerships for shared prosperity,” he stated.
Hashemi reiterated that the Persian Gulf region presents a unique opportunity to foster AI initiatives that align with collective aspirations. He emphasized the region’s critical role in advancing the AI ecosystem, stating, “This region possesses unique strengths that position us to harness AI’s potential and become a global digital leader.”
The minister outlined several key strategies for enhancing regional cooperation in AI:
- Establishing AI acceleration hubs to drive innovation.
- Facilitating joint investments in free zones to enhance economic growth.
- Enhancing academic collaboration through elite exchange programs.
According to Hashemi, these strategies would unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth across the region. He proposed a strategic framework for collaboration that would leverage Iran’s skilled workforce and infrastructure in conjunction with the investment capabilities of neighboring countries.
Overview of Iran Corridor 2025
The Iran Corridor 2025 conference aimed to highlight Iran’s communication infrastructure as a secure route for data transmission in the region. This initiative is designed to promote regional cooperation in advancing the digital economy by enhancing interconnected digital infrastructures.
Iran plays a strategic role as a vital corridor, linking various regions through terrestrial and submarine fiber optic networks. This connection fosters diversity in digital facilities and enables the integration of regional digital platforms alongside reliable, high-speed data communication.
During the conference, opportunities for co-investment in interregional cable systems were explored, capitalizing on Iran’s geographical position at the crossroads of critical Trans-Eurasian corridors:
- Middle East to Central Asia and the Caucasus
- Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea
- Persian Gulf to the Black Sea
In summary, Iran’s commitment to advancing its AI capabilities, coupled with its strategic geographical position and rich talent pool, positions the country as a key player in the regional digital landscape. As nations in the Persian Gulf region increasingly invest in AI infrastructure, the potential for collaborative innovation and economic growth becomes more apparent.
