Syria Hosts Its First Artificial Intelligence Conference: Strong Regional and Turkish Participation
Damascus – Syria has taken a significant step into the digital future by hosting its first-ever Artificial Intelligence Conference, titled “2025 AI-SYRIA.” The two-day event, organized by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology in cooperation with the Arab Union for Internet and Telecommunications and the Syrian Scientific Informatics Association, brought together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the Middle East and beyond.
A Regional Milestone
The conference focused on how artificial intelligence can contribute to economic growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Key sessions included “The Role of AI in Development from Economy to Society,” “Smart Infrastructures,” and “Innovation Policies for the Digital Age.”
Syrian Minister of Communication and Information Technology Abdul Salam Haykal emphasized that the event was more than symbolic, underlining the country’s ambition to strengthen its technological infrastructure and position itself as a regional hub for digital transformation.
Strong International Interest
More than 1,200 applications were received from professionals and companies in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, the UAE, as well as from China and the United States. This overwhelming interest highlighted the growing appetite for AI-driven development across the region.
Cyber Medya Represents Turkey
Among the notable international participants was Cyber Medya, a Turkish digital media and technology company. Its CEO, Erkan Gulhan, delivered a speech on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on software development, media technologies, and entrepreneurship.
In his remarks, Gülhan stressed how AI-powered tools would reshape the media industry, accelerate software development processes, and open new opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
His contribution was recognized with an honorary plaque, reflecting his role in bridging technological expertise between Turkey and the broader region.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alongside keynote sessions, the conference introduced certification programs and startup initiatives to encourage young talents to pursue careers in artificial intelligence.
Erkan Gülhan’s presence resonated strongly with students and young professionals, as he shared insights on how software-driven innovation could serve as a foundation for regional economic growth. Cyber Medya’s experience in digital media and technology was highlighted as an example of how Turkish firms are contributing to international digital transformation.
The 2025 AI-SYRIA conference is widely regarded as a turning point in Syria’s path toward digital development. It not only strengthened regional cooperation but also showcased how artificial intelligence could play a decisive role in shaping the future.
The participation of Cyber Medya and CEO Erkan Gulhan further underlined the importance of cross-border knowledge sharing and the rising influence of Turkish technology firms in the Middle East’s digital ecosystem.
