Uneven Progress in a Rapidly Evolving Field
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how historians, linguists, and cultural scholars analyze data—from digitized manuscripts to audiovisual archives. Tools such as natural language processing (NLP), machine learning, and computer vision now enable researchers to process vast amounts of information quickly and uncover patterns that were previously impossible to detect.
In the Arab world, this transformation holds immense promise due to the region’s rich and diverse cultural history. However, the study shows that progress is uneven. Wealthier Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, have made substantial investments in AI infrastructure and research. In contrast, other regions—especially those affected by economic constraints or conflict—struggle to keep pace.
Why This Research Matters Now
The global shift toward AI-driven research is accelerating. In humanities, AI can digitize fragile manuscripts, analyze centuries of literature, and preserve endangered cultural heritage. For Arab countries, this capability is particularly critical, as many historical archives remain undigitized and at risk of deterioration or destruction.
At the same time, the complexity of the Arabic language—characterized by diverse dialects, rich morphology, and varying writing systems—creates additional challenges for AI development. Without targeted solutions, these linguistic factors limit the effectiveness of existing AI tools, many of which are designed primarily for English or other Western languages.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research uses a qualitative, exploratory approach based on extensive desk research. The authors analyzed secondary data from peer-reviewed journals, international reports, policy documents, and academic databases such as Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science.
Rather than relying on numerical datasets, the study synthesizes existing knowledge to map out key barriers and identify patterns across different Arab countries. This approach provides both a regional overview and a thematic analysis of challenges affecting AI adoption in humanities research.
Key Findings: Four Major Barriers
The study identifies four interconnected categories of barriers that limit AI implementation in Arab humanities research:
1. Technological Barriers
- Limited access to high-performance computing infrastructure
- Shortage of digitized Arabic-language datasets
- Fragmented and inaccessible cultural archives
2. Institutional Barriers
- Weak collaboration between computer science and humanities departments
- Lack of interdisciplinary academic programs
- Limited research culture focused on AI in humanities
3. Cultural and Ethical Barriers
- Skepticism among scholars about AI replacing traditional methods
- Concerns over data privacy and sensitive cultural or religious content
4. Policy and Regulatory Barriers
- Absence of national strategies specifically targeting AI in humanities
- Policy focus on economic and defense applications rather than cultural research
These barriers do not operate in isolation. For example, the lack of digitized data makes it harder for universities to integrate AI into curricula, while limited funding further restricts training and infrastructure development.
Regional Disparities Highlight Deep Inequality
One of the study’s most striking findings is the “two-speed” development across the Arab world. GCC countries benefit from advanced infrastructure, strong government support, and international partnerships. Meanwhile, countries in the Levant and North Africa face funding limitations and bureaucratic challenges.
In conflict-affected nations such as Yemen, Syria, and Libya, the situation is even more severe. Infrastructure damage, brain drain, and limited institutional capacity make AI adoption in humanities research nearly unattainable.
Real-World Implications
The implications extend beyond academia. Without addressing these barriers, Arab countries risk widening the global knowledge gap in digital humanities. This could lead to:
- Underrepresentation of Arab culture in global AI systems
- Loss of valuable historical and linguistic data
- Dependence on foreign-developed AI technologies that may not reflect local contexts
Conversely, overcoming these challenges could unlock major benefits, including improved cultural preservation, enhanced multilingual research access, and stronger global academic collaboration.
Dr. Ismail Adaramola Abdul Azeez of Riphah International University emphasizes that “without localized datasets and culturally relevant AI tools, the region may remain dependent on external systems that do not fully capture its linguistic and historical richness.”
Policy Recommendations and Future Directions
The study outlines several practical strategies to accelerate AI adoption in Arab humanities:
- Develop AI systems tailored to Arabic language and dialects
- Expand digital literacy and AI training in universities
- Build regional research networks to share data and resources
- Establish culturally sensitive AI ethics frameworks
- Increase funding for digitization and interdisciplinary research
Collaboration between governments, academic institutions, and technology companies is identified as a critical factor in driving progress.
Author Profiles
Dr. Ismail Adaramola Abdul Azeez holds a doctoral degree and is affiliated with the Riphah Institute of Public Policy at Riphah International University, Pakistan. His expertise includes public policy and technology integration.
Murad Bibi Tariq Ali is a researcher at Riphah Institute of Public Policy, specializing in educational policy and technological innovation.
Shuad Ismail Adaramola is an academic at Passion International University in the United States, focusing on the intersection of technology and humanities research.
Source
Azeez, I. A. A., Ali, M. B. T., & Adaramola, S. I. (2026). Barriers to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Implementation in Humanities Research Across Arab Countries. International Journal of Sustainable Applied Sciences, Vol. 4(2), 157–174.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsas.v4i2.354
URL: https://dmimultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijsas
This study makes clear that the future of AI in Arab humanities depends not only on technology, but on coordinated efforts in policy, education, and cultural preservation.
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