Amman: The Association of Arab Universities (AArU) hosted a high-level scientific seminar, "Transforming the Future," featuring Professor Omar Hattamleh, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and international AI expert: The event, held under the patronage of AArU Secretary-General Professor Amr Ezzat Salama, brought together Jordanian academics and specialists, alongside more than 150 virtual participants from 14 Arab countries.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hattamleh highlighted artificial intelligence as a transformative force reshaping education, healthcare, the economy, and the labor market. He noted that generative AI is now widely accessible, impacting not only manual jobs but also professional fields, including medicine, engineering, law, and accounting. In healthcare, he emphasized AI's potential for early diagnosis, supporting physicians, and improving system efficiency.
He cautioned against over-reliance on AI, stressing the importance of critical thinking and using AI as a tool to inform dialogue and decision-making rather than replace human judgment. He also addressed ethical challenges, urging the establishment of frameworks based on transparency, fairness, privacy, and human rights.
Hattamleh forecasted a decline in traditional human jobs in coming decades, calling for new economic approaches such as universal basic income and equitable AI access. He further noted that advances in AI and precision medicine could extend human life expectancy to 120-130 years, highlighting the need to focus on quality of life and well-being.
The seminar concluded with an interactive discussion led by Professor Anas Ratib Alsoud, Executive Director of the AArU, exploring practical mechanisms to implement AI solutions in Arab higher education institutions.