Abu Dhabi, UAE. Prof. Mariette Awad, Director of Artificial Intelligence at the American University of Beirut, shared insights on AI governance, media innovation, and societal impact during the Machines Can Think Summit 2026. Prof. Awad spoke in an interview with Justin Cooke following her participation in the Women in AI Roundtable at the summit.
At the roundtable, Prof. Awad joined global experts to examine how artificial intelligence transitions from research laboratories into real-world deployment. The discussion focused on policy, governance, and the uneven adoption of AI across industries.
“AI is no longer experimental,” Prof. Awad said. “It is now embedded in society, and governance must evolve alongside implementation.”
She noted that AI adoption varies significantly by sector. While areas such as healthcare and finance have seen rapid progress, media remains underexplored despite its enormous potential.
“Media has one of the highest impact points for AI,” she said. “It can make information more trustworthy, more accessible, and more personalized.”
Prof. Awad emphasized that AI could strengthen media ecosystems by improving content verification, accessibility, and audience relevance. However, unlocking this potential requires addressing key challenges, particularly AI literacy and misuse.
“One of the biggest gaps is understanding,” she said. “Both creators and consumers need stronger AI literacy.”
She also highlighted the growing challenge of deepfakes and synthetic media. Establishing authenticity, traceability, and trust mechanisms is critical to ensuring responsible use of AI in journalism and digital content.
“When authenticity is unclear, trust erodes,” Prof. Awad said.
Reflecting on the region, Prof. Awad described the UAE as a unique environment for AI experimentation and deployment. She compared Abu Dhabi and Dubai to living laboratories where advanced technologies move quickly from concept to reality.
“This region is science fiction made real,” she said. “You see innovation not in theory, but in daily life.”
Drawing from her background in Beirut and Lebanon, Prof. Awad highlighted the resilience and energy of the region’s talent, noting a shared drive to remain at the forefront of innovation despite challenges.
Looking ahead, she expressed excitement about the UAE’s vision for AI as a tool for societal good.
“What excites me most is the focus on AI for the betterment of humanity,” she said. “Technology guided by human values.”
The interview reflected core themes of the Machines Can Think Summit 2026, responsible AI governance, media integrity, education, and the role of AI in improving quality of life.
About American University of Beirut (AUB)
The American University of Beirut (AUB) is a leading international university in Lebanon, founded in 1866. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across fields like arts and sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and more. AUB is known for high academic standards, research contributions, and a diverse global community.
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Interview conducted by Justin Cooke at Machines Can Think Summit 2026
