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Rabat – At the International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) in Rabat, conversations about literature often stretch beyond storytelling and into the pressing questions of our time. One such conversation unfolded during the book signing of Abdessamad Fatmi, whose latest publication tackles artificial intelligence, one of the most transformative, and debated, topics today.
Written in English and Arabic, the book, “The Dawn of Artificial General Intelligence: Genesis and Implications for the Arab World,” aims to bring a complex technological revolution closer to the general public, especially readers in the Arab world who are often consumers of technology rather than producers.
Making AI understandable
Fatmi explained his core motivation in comments to Morocco World News, stressing that the objective of this book is “to try to make this new revolution that we are living more accessible to the general public.”
Artificial intelligence can often feel abstract or intimidating, surrounded by technical jargon and rapid developments. Fatmi’s approach aims to break down the subject into understandable parts, starting with a historical overview that connects today’s innovations to centuries-old knowledge.
Instead of presenting AI as a purely modern Western invention, he recalls the foundational contributions of Arab and Muslim scholars. “Today we cannot talk about an algorithm without paying tribute to Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi,” he said, referring to the mathematician whose work gave us the very concept of algorithms.
Fatmi also pointed to figures like Ibn al-Haytham, who helped formalize the scientific method, and Ibn Sina, whose intellectual legacy continues to influence modern science. Indeed, his book reframes AI not as something distant, but as part of a longer intellectual tradition in which the region once played a central role.
From Turing to today’s chatbots
After establishing this historical grounding, Fatmi moves into the modern era of artificial intelligence. He traces its development from the 1950s, when pioneers like Alan Turing laid the groundwork, to the current explosion of tools that are now part of everyday life.
He describes how AI has evolved through cycles of enthusiasm and disappointment, or what he calls the “spring and fall” of AI, before reaching the current moment of rapid progress. Today, systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok are reshaping how people interact with information.
Fatmi takes time to explain what these systems actually are. He breaks down the core building blocks of large language models (LLMs), including data, computing infrastructure, and human expertise. He emphasizes the role of powerful hardware such as GPUs, which are essential for training and running these models.
By simplifying these concepts, the book aims to help readers understand what AI does, as well as how it works, and why it matters.
One of the most compelling parts of Fatmi’s analysis is his focus on the global competition shaping AI today. He highlights what he describes as a “digital war” between the United States and China, two dominant forces in the field.
According to him, these competing models represent different approaches to technology, governance, and data. But for the Arab world, the key question is not which side to choose, but how to avoid being left behind.
“What I’m trying to answer is the relevance for the Arab world,” he said. “What does it mean for us? What do we need to do as a country, but also as individuals and as institutions?”
This question runs throughout the book. Fatmi does not simply describe global trends; he asks how they translate into concrete challenges and opportunities for the region.
‘A mental and social atrophy’
While the tone of the book is forward-looking, it does not ignore the risks associated with AI. Fatmi warns against the dangers of over-reliance on technology, especially at the individual level.
“If we start to rely exclusively on answers that any chatbot gives us, we are risking mental atrophy,” he explained. “We are also risking social atrophy.”
This concern reflects a broader debate about how AI affects human thinking and interaction. Many experts warn that if people stop questioning, analyzing, or engaging deeply with information, they may lose essential cognitive and social skills.
Fatmi’s argument is not to reject AI, but to use it critically and responsibly. He encourages readers to remain active participants in knowledge, rather than passive consumers.
Beyond identifying risks, the book offers practical recommendations, with education as a major focus. For Fatmi, current systems must evolve to prepare students for a world shaped by AI.
He calls for reforms that emphasize critical thinking, digital literacy, and innovation, adding that the goal is not just to teach people how to use AI tools, but to understand and build them.
At a broader level, he discusses the importance of technological independence. “We cannot rely on models produced by others,” he said. Instead, countries in the region should invest in developing their own systems.
This shift from consumption to production is central to his vision. It involves building local talent, investing in infrastructure, and fostering research ecosystems capable of competing globally.
Fatmi’s book extends this idea beyond national borders, suggesting a pan-Arab approach that encourages collaboration across countries. Such cooperation, he argues, could help the region pool resources and expertise in a rapidly evolving field.
Ultimately, “The Dawn of Artificial General Intelligence” is about balance, as Fatmi does not present AI as purely positive or negative. Instead, he explores both its potential and its risks.
On one hand, AI offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and knowledge creation. On the other, it raises serious questions about dependency, inequality, and human autonomy.
