Key Highlights:
- Egypt will host AI Everything MEA 2026 on February 11–12 in Cairo, focusing on innovation and AI readiness.
- The country aims to generate $42.7 billion annually from AI by 2030 as part of its national strategy.
- Top global tech leaders and companies will discuss AI ethics, semiconductors, startups, and digital transformation.
These days countries in the Middle East have been making headlines for AI-related developments. We recently reported on investments and initiatives run by the UAE and Saudi Arabia to focus on AI literacy and upskilling. Now, Egypt is jumping on the AI bandwagon with the announcement of Ai Everything Middle East & Africa (MEA) Egypt 2026 conference.
It was announced at an invite-only event at the historic Sultan Hussein Kamel Palace in Cairo this week. Do note that the conference itself is scheduled for February 11 – 12, 2026, at NCIEC Cairo. Given the number of top figures attending, it seems the main conference would be one the biggest tech gatherings in the region.
Egypt’s AI vision and details about discussions
This isn’t just another conference, Egypt is apparently looking to position the capital city Cairo as the AI and innovation capital of the Middle East and Africa. And, yes, plans are as big as it can get. As announced by the Ministry of Communications, Egypt plans to generate above $42.7 billion yearly from AI, by 2030. That’s five years from now. Not to mention it’s a bold move by the country but not something impossible.
The event was centered around how international expertise can contribute to Egypt’s National AI Strategy 2025-30. Several government ministers, local innovators, multinational tech companies, and tech executives around the world reportedly attended the event and had their say at the event hosted by Egypt’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
Now, you must be wondering what was discussed at the event, right? Well, topics reportedly ranged from AI-powered public services and semiconductor manufacturing to startup growth and digital transformation. All of which will power Egypt’s biggest push in years to boost its digital economy.
“AI today is a core driver of economic and societal transformation,” said Eng Ahmed Elzaher, CEO of ITIDA. “Hosting Ai Everything MEA Egypt is part of Egypt’s mission to stay at the forefront of the global technology revolution.” Meanwhile, Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of Dubai World Trade Centre and CEO of KAOUN International, described the country as entering an “AI renaissance,” adding that the event will empower Egypt’s public and private sectors.
Egypt’s journey in the AI era
The above statements are more than just optimism. In case you’re unaware, Egypt has already made incredible progress in AI readiness. The country climbed 46 ranks up in the Global AI Readiness IndexEgypt’s AI vision from 2019. All thanks to policies focused around computing access, strong data governance, and sector-specific AI adoption.
Towards the end of the event, a special panel discussion brought in top leaders from IBM, HPE, Deloitte Innovation Hub, Widebot AI, Intella, and Plug & Play Tech Centre, who jointly discussed scaling AI startups, expanding computing infrastructure, and forming stronger public–private partnerships.
When Ai Everything MEA officially kicks off next February, we expect to see AI enterprises, investors, startups, and policymakers from over 60 countries joining the conference. As reported, the focus will be on responsible AI growth, ethics, and building the necessary infrastructure for the AI-powered future. Moreover, you can also expect announcements related to semiconductors, digital health, cybersecurity, fintech, and clean tech.
AI in focus among other Middle East nations
The collective effort among Middle East countries ensures that the region and its citizens know more about AI, how to use it efficiently, safely, and ethically. Speaking of AI education, Saudi Arabia has announced that it achieved the AI training milestone set under One Million Saudius in AI (SAMAI) initiative. Interestingly, at least 52 percent of the AI trained population were female.
Similarly, the UAE has been racing in the AI race, when we talk in respect of Middle East nations. The country recently topped the global chart of AI adoption. Per Microsoft’s AI Diffusion Report, nearly 59.4 percent of the working-class population use AI in some way or other in their daily lives. Microsoft is also among one of the top AI investors in the region. The Redmond giant recently announced a $15.2 billion AI investment in the region, under which it plans to expand data centers, upskill and educate citizens of the UAE about AI.
