Iran Emerges as Key AI Player in Persian Gulf

Dubai, UAE – In a significant declaration made on Monday, Iranian Minister of Information and Communication Technology Seyed Sattar Hashemi emphasized Iran’s pivotal role in the burgeoning field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Persian Gulf region. Speaking at the Iran Corridor 2025 conference in Dubai, Hashemi articulated Tehran's readiness to foster meaningful collaboration with neighboring countries to harness the transformative potential of AI.

According to the Public Relations Department of the Ministry of ICT, leading a high-level delegation, Hashemi arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Sunday to inaugurate the conference, which is dedicated to showcasing the rapid advancements in telecommunications technology, innovation, and connectivity within Iran. His remarks underscored the strategic importance of the Persian Gulf as a hub for AI development, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

"The Persian Gulf region has a pivotal role in the evolving artificial intelligence ecosystem," Hashemi stated in his opening speech. "AI is reshaping how we approach challenges and seize opportunities. It is not only a technological revolution but also a catalyst for economic growth and social transformation." He noted that the region's unique strengths position it to harness AI’s potential and emerge as a global leader in the digital landscape.

As countries in the region increasingly invest in AI infrastructure, Hashemi emphasized the importance of establishing a foundation for innovation-driven economies that can shape the future. "The Persian Gulf offers an unparalleled opportunity to foster AI initiatives that cater to our collective aspirations," he said. "By cultivating environments that encourage collaboration and investment, we can transform our region into a powerhouse of AI excellence, attracting global tech giants while strengthening intraregional partnerships for shared prosperity."

Iran, according to Hashemi, is a major stakeholder in this digital transformation. The country boasts a robust domestic mobile phone operator with over 50 million users, alongside thriving digital service platforms such as Snapp! and Digikala, each serving more than 30 million users. These platforms generate a wealth of multifaceted data, a critical component for the development of AI technologies.

Despite the challenges posed by international sanctions, Iran has demonstrated resilience, particularly in its fintech ecosystem, which continues to thrive and innovate. Hashemi pointed out that Iran ranked second in the region for both the quantity and quality of scientific papers published in AI in 2023. This achievement underscores the country’s commitment to advancing research and development in this vital field. Furthermore, Iran is home to a significant number of AI developers and firms, holding the second and fourth positions in the region, respectively, which showcases the depth and dynamism of its skilled workforce and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"Available at competitive costs, our human capital is a strategic advantage that positions Iran as a valuable partner in regional AI initiatives," Hashemi remarked. He asserted that this combination of talent, data, and innovation makes Iran a key player in the regional AI value chain, capable of driving meaningful cooperation and development.

Looking to the future, Hashemi reiterated Iran's commitment to fostering regional cooperation and building a future where AI serves as a driver of prosperity and unity. He proposed a strategic framework for collaboration that would leverage the collective strengths of the region, combining Iran’s skilled workforce and infrastructure with the investment capabilities of its neighbors.

"By establishing AI acceleration hubs, facilitating joint investment in free zones, and enhancing academic collaboration and elite exchange programs, we can unlock new opportunities for innovation and economic growth," he suggested. Hashemi further emphasized that the shared processing capacity of regional companies, along with the creation of integrated ecosystems, would enhance collective competitiveness on the global stage.

In closing, the ICT minister painted an optimistic picture of the future, envisioning the Persian Gulf region as a leading force in AI development. "Together, let us act boldly, invest wisely, and transform our shared vision into a reality," he urged. "The future of AI belongs to us. The time to act is now."

As the conference continues, it is evident that Iran is positioning itself not only as a leader within the Persian Gulf but also as a key player in the global AI landscape, advocating for collaboration and innovation that could reshape the region's economic future