During a visit to the United Arab Emirates to attend the 2025 Arab Media Summit in Dubai, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reaffirmed the core principles shaping the government’s political agenda. At the heart of his message were state sovereignty, institutional reform, and a determined embrace of emerging technologies.
In a notable announcement, Salam revealed plans to establish a new ministry dedicated to artificial intelligence and information technology – an unprecedented move for Lebanon. The initiative aims to modernize public administration and help revive the country’s struggling economy.
"We are here in the UAE to learn from and adapt the best practices in artificial intelligence," Salam said, praising the Gulf region’s pioneering leadership in the field.
This technological push is part of a broader strategy to rebuild trust with citizens and investors from the Gulf. Salam said his government is working to improve security measures and streamline arrival procedures at Beirut International Airport in a bid to encourage the return of Gulf tourists, visitors, and investors.
On the political front, the prime minister reiterated a key tenet of his vision: "Our project is rooted in the inseparability of reform and sovereignty," he stated, underlining the need for the state to hold the exclusive right to bear arms. He criticized the "duality of weapons," which he described as a key obstacle to unified political decision-making. Salam also reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
On the sidelines of the summit, Salam met with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, a central figure in Sunni Islamic thought. The two discussed regional challenges related to stability and social cohesion. Following the meeting, Salam stressed the importance of fostering a culture of dialogue and openness to counter extremist rhetoric.
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