Arabic AI Models Take Centre Stage at LEAP

AI expert calls for stronger data, research partnerships and an Arab Artificial Intelligence Alliance to advance large language models

Dr Jassim Haji, President of the International Group of Artificial Intelligence, delivered a lecture on artificial intelligence during the opening day of the LEAP International Technology Conference and Exhibition in Riyadh.

Speaking on the conference’s main stage, Dr Haji addressed the current state of large language models (LLMs) in Arabic, highlighting the urgent need to develop their capabilities in line with global technological advancements while preserving Arab cultural identity.

He pointed to existing gaps in the performance and standards of Arabic large language models and presented a roadmap for their development. The proposed approach focuses on improving data quality and expanding the capabilities of these models.

Among his recommendations was the establishment of an Arab Artificial Intelligence Alliance, alongside stronger partnerships between universities and the private sector to support artificial intelligence research and development.

Dr Haji also explained the key stages involved in building large language models, outlining a process that begins with data collection and progresses through coding, architecture design, initial training, fine-tuning, evaluation and testing before deployment.

He stressed the importance of these stages in ensuring that AI systems provide users with accurate, safe and useful answers.

The LEAP conference and exhibition, now being held for the fifth year in Riyadh, has established itself as one of the largest international technology gatherings in the region and globally, attracting significant attendance and investment.