Rabat — Morocco and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) seem to be keen to strengthen scientific partnership, as evidenced by the launch of a groundbreaking collaborative publication exploring artificial intelligence applications in agriculture and healthcare.
The official launch of the book “Digital Minds, with a Renewed Identity: UAE-Moroccan Studies in Artificial Intelligence and Innovation” took place today at the UAE Embassy in Rabat, bringing together researchers, diplomats, and academics from both countries.
The book chapters include various studies that encompass different fields, from healthcare to agriculture, education to poetic heritage, cybersecurity to cultural heritage and identity.
The Secretary General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation Abdelouahhab Zaid described the event as a milestone in bilateral cooperation.
In an interview with Morocco World News (MWN), he said, “We launched together the first book of its kind in regard to artificial intelligence and its impact on the agricultural sector, mostly in both countries.”
The publication represents a “jewel collaboration” between the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation and the UAE Embassy in Rabat, Zaid noted.
He noted that the work features contributions from “seven scientists from each country who contributed to the development of such a book.”
Zaid expressed confidence in the publication’s potential influence, stating that “it will have a great impact on the agricultural policy in the near future.”
Healthcare sector focus
Among the book’s contributors is El Mehdi Kail, a lecturer at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques (ISPITS) in Rabat and associate professor at Mohammed V University, who co-authored a chapter examining AI mechanisms in healthcare.
“We conducted a comparative study between the Emirates and Morocco,’ Kail explained in an interview with MWN at the launch event. The research recommends adopting the UAE as “a model to be emulated for developing the healthcare sector in Morocco, as well as using all advanced mechanisms in digitization and artificial intelligence.”
The UAE has established itself as a regional leader in AI-powered healthcare solutions, with investments in smart hospitals, telemedicine platforms, and AI-assisted diagnostic tools — infrastructure that Morocco is now working to develop.
Strengthening bilateral ties
Mohamed Salim Alkhanbashi, Manager of Student Life at the Higher College of Technology UAE, spoke of the broader significance of the collaboration.
“This is a cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco related to the health and science cooperations for the futures of Morocco,” he said to MWN.
Alkhanbashi described the publication as “a great offer” and expressed optimism that “it will soon be implemented for good relations in the future.” He pointed to the potential for expanded academic and scientific partnerships between the two countries.
The book launch reflects growing ties between Morocco and the UAE in technological advancement and innovation.
Bringing together researchers from both countries to explore how artificial intelligence intersects with agriculture, healthcare, and cultural identity in the digital age, the publication establishes a framework for continued collaboration.
The book itself testifies to the rising interest in AI applications across key sectors in both countries, signaling potential policy developments in the coming years.
