An-Najah University leads the innovation and scientific research scene by launching its first conference on artificial intelligence applications

Bethlehem - Ofoq News - Under the patronage of Professor Dr. Rami Hamdallah, Vice Chairman of the University’s Board of Trustees and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of An-Najah National University Hospital, and in his presence, An-Najah National University launched, today, Sunday, October 18, 2026, the activities of the first An-Najah National University Conference on Artificial Intelligence Applications, with the participation of an elite group of researchers, academics, and experts from Palestine and around the world, to discuss the latest applications of artificial intelligence and enhance its role in scientific research and innovation.

The opening took place in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdul Razzaq Al-Natsheh, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, and His Excellency Dr. Basri Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, representing His Excellency Minister Prof. Dr. Amjad Barham, His Excellency Professor Dr. Abdel Nasser Zaid, President of the University, his deputies and assistants, a number of college deans, members of the academic and administrative bodies, and representatives of national, academic, research and technological institutions.

The conference was opened with an innovative experience in employing artificial intelligence, through “Maryam,” the ceremony’s host, with artificial intelligence technology, implemented by the “Liminal” department of the University’s Media Center.

Dr. Abdel Halim Khader: Artificial intelligence is an opportunity to enhance the Palestinian scientific presence

During his opening speech at the conference, Dr. Abdel Halim Khidr, President of the Conference, welcomed the attendees and stressed that artificial intelligence has become present in various disciplines, from medicine and agriculture to education, economics, law, media and the arts, which makes cooperation between scientific fields a necessity to develop solutions that respond to the needs of society.

He pointed out that the conference includes more than 160 research contributions covering various applications, stressing that artificial intelligence provides Palestine with promising opportunities for innovation and global competition, despite the exceptional circumstances, praising the participation of researchers and academics from the Gaza Strip. He added that the university will work to publish selected research in special issues of its scientific journals, and circulate the conference’s recommendations to enhance its research impact.

University President: Artificial intelligence is a strategic focus for development and innovation

For his part, Professor Dr. Abdel Nasser Zaid affirmed that the conference embodies the university’s orientation towards developing scientific research and keeping pace with technological transformations, explaining that the university is enhancing its investment in this field by developing the Success Innovation Park, establishing the College of Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence, offering programs for bachelor’s and postgraduate studies, in addition to creating the position of Vice President for Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Affairs.

He added that the university is working to modernize its academic programs and offer short qualifications in line with the needs of the labor market, noting that the second Al-Najah Expo attracted more than 150,000 visitors, and contributed to providing thousands of job interviews and employing hundreds, as part of the university’s efforts to link knowledge with application and enhance graduates’ opportunities.

He stressed the importance of employing artificial intelligence to develop innovative solutions that serve the Palestinian community, stressing the role of universities in transforming scientific research into practical applications and sustainable partnerships, and praising the efforts of the committees and those organizing the conference.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy: A national partnership to develop artificial intelligence applications

In turn, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Razzaq Al Natsheh stressed the importance of enhancing national readiness to keep pace with technological transformations, noting that artificial intelligence has become a major driver of digital transformation and the development of services, production and innovation.

He stressed the need to expand the partnership between the government, universities and the private sector to support scientific research and technical applications, develop digital skills and link education to the needs of the labor market, in a way that contributes to empowering Palestinian youth and enhancing their participation in the digital economy.

Undersecretary for Higher Education: Al-Najah Conference promotes the employment of artificial intelligence in education and scientific research

In his speech, representing His Excellency the Minister of Education and Higher Education, A. D. Amjad Barham, His Excellency the Vice Dean of Higher Education, Dr. Basri Saleh, praised the pioneering role played by An-Najah National University in keeping pace with scientific and technological developments, stressing the importance of organizing this conference in highlighting the applications of artificial intelligence, expanding the horizons of its employment in higher education and scientific research, and promoting integration between academic disciplines.

Dr. pointed out: Saleh pointed out that the Ministry is working to review academic programs to ensure a unique embodiment of digital transformation and artificial intelligence in all programs, including medical and engineering programs and all fields, and this has reflected positively on the increase in the number of students enrolled in these programs.

The agent also spoke about the importance of applied scientific research, which must link scientific research in universities, the private sector, and the industrial sector, in a way that contributes to achieving social and economic development, pointing out the importance of creating a partnership between higher education institutions and the private sector with regard to training students and enhancing their opportunities to achieve leadership.

Saleh pointed out that the Ministry established the National Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies with Korean support amounting to $20 million, which provides a great opportunity to build Palestinian human capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence, provide scholarships at the doctoral level, and enhance scientific research in the field of artificial intelligence by providing large databases and capabilities to analyze data within large search engines, pointing to the project’s focus on the relationship between the economic and academic sectors, especially in the field of applied scientific research.

The conference’s axes were embodied in the medical and health axis, the scientific and agricultural axis, the humanitarian and social axis, and the fine arts axis. It included scientific presentations and posters of the participants’ research, while providing the opportunity to publish the complete research in special issues in An-Najah National University’s journals.

The conference comes within the university’s direction to consolidate its research and innovation environment, enhance its contribution to the production of knowledge and develop technical solutions that contribute to serving the Palestinian community and keeping pace with global developments.