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"AI in Arabic with ARIJ"

#AI_بالعربي

This program, launched through a partnership between ARIJ (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism) and the Google News Initiative (GNI), aims to advance the understanding, application, and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the Arab world.

About the Program

This training program is designed to raise awareness and promote the responsible and effective use of AI. It is open to a broad audience, including journalists, fact-checkers, content creators, academics, professors, and students. The curriculum offers participants a solid foundation in the technical, practical, and ethical aspects of AI. Emphasis will be placed on hands-on application, equipping participants to use AI tools for research, writing, verification, and content production, while underscoring the need to identify and avoid ethical risks and biases embedded in these technologies.

5 months

Duration: from August 1st to December 30th, 2025.

Preparations

July 2025

Training of Trainers (TOT):

August 2025

In-person and Online Training in the Arab World

September - November 2025

Meeting at the ARIJ 18th Forum

"Raise To The Challenge"

December 2025



27 Trainers from 12 Arab countries

Get to know “AI in Arabic with ARIJ” project trainers!






Training agenda:

Over five intensive days—totaling 20 hours of interaction, discussion, and practical assessments—27 participants from across the Arab world took part in a specialized Training of Trainers (TOT) program on generative artificial intelligence and AI ethics.

The program began with foundational concepts, led by Saja Mortada, AI trainer and Manager of the Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN) from ARIJ, who guided participants through the basics of AI, its practical applications in journalism, and the ethical standards governing its use.

In the second phase, Samya Ayish, AI trainer and Communications Manager at ARIJ, explored the role of AI in creative journalism, showing participants how it can support storytelling, enhance content design, and streamline editorial workflows.

Topics

Dates

The "AI in Arabic with ARIJ" project: Objectives and Path

AI in Journalism: From Technology to Practice

17 August 2025

Writing Prompts for Generative AI

Ethical Guidelines and Dimensions in Embracing AI

18 August 2025

Tools: How Can We Use AI Effectively?

19 August 2025

From Needs to Impact: Designing Effective AI Training

20 August 2025

Live Training and Evaluation

21 August 2025

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What did the trainees say about the training?

"ARIJ is wonderful. Not only because it trains and spreads awareness about the use of artificial intelligence, but it also deepens the passion for learning and development among journalists in our Arab region in a way that promotes mutual respect and acceptance of professional differences. ARIJ also incites to raise the values of journalism ethics and their intersections with artificial intelligence, and finally, it sparks curiosity towards knowledge and the pursuit of more that is new."

Ahmad Jamjoum

Media Expert and News Editor at TRT

Arabi - Jordan

"The part on ethics was very helpful for me, and now I have excellent answers to questions that were on my mind. I developed my knowledge of different and varied tools such as prompt engineering and I knew how I can present them to the teams I will train."

Mais Qat

Investigative Journalist

Syria

"The training dispelled many of the fears that I had as a journalist and fact-checker of artificial intelligence, and drew a clear path for what must be done to deal with these tools and partner with them in a way that positively reflects on my work."

Ahmed Gamal

Journalist and Fact-Checker

Egypt

"This training on the use of artificial intelligence in journalism will contribute to enhancing the skills of journalists to use it in developing journalistic work and producing quality content while taking into account ethical and professional standards."

Hanen Zbiss

Investigative Journalist and Coach

Tunisia

The #AI_بالعربي journey has begun!

In the second phase of the project, 27 trainers set out to deliver a variety of in-person and virtual trainings across different countries in the Arab world and neighboring regions.


#AI_بالعربي Journey Details!



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96

Number of institutions that hosted the training sessions

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34

Civil society organizations NGO

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29

Media college

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9

Journalism institution

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14

Training center

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7

Independent media organization

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1

Government institution

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2

Research and higher studies center

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15

countries where in-person training sessions were conducted

Egypt

Iraq

Jordan

Kenya

Lebanon

Libya

Mauritania

Morocco

Palestine

Syria

Tunisia

Turkey

Uganda

Yemen

Qatar

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36

cities where in-person training sessions were conducted

Zagzig

Cairo

Giza

6th of October City

El Mahalla El Kubra

Baghdad

Amman

Jarsh

Nairobi

Beirut

Sidon

Tripoli

Gharyan

Benighazi

Zawiya

Nouakchott

Casablanca

Marrakech

Rabat

Ksar El Kebir

Larache

Fes / Fez

Meknes

Tangier

Beni Mellal

Bethlehem

Ramallah

Demascus

Tunis

Istanbul

Bolu

Bweyale

Kampala

Taiz

Doha

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93%

Overall satisfaction with training sessions

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127

In-person training sessions

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15

Countries

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36

Cities

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2881

Trainees

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55.50%

Females

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25

Online training sessions

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46

Nationalities

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853

Trainees

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58.03%

Females

Total

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3734

Trainees

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23.30%

Freelancers

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76.70%

Employees

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56.08%

Females

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What Did the TOT Trainees Say About the Training?

"Before the workshop, my interaction with AI was limited to basic tasks like searching. After the training, my vision for it broadened as an essential component in the newsroom, and I learned to employ it in content production and quick verification. I got to know QuillBot for paraphrasing and Hunter for extracting professional addresses."

Zainab Benayach

University Student

Morocco

"I now have a clearer understanding of the technologies and the ability to use AI tools practically and professionally. I learned to use tools like HeyGen for video production, NotebookLM for organizing ideas, Hunter for verifying emails, and verification tools for images and videos like InVID."

Idriss Bensaid

Journalist/Student

Morocco

"I didn't know much, and the workshop contributed to developing my skills in using AI and understanding its ethics. I learned the most important verification and image generation tools."

Fahad Mahmoud Khudeir

Journalist

Iraq

"Before the training, my knowledge and skills in using AI were limited, as I was using them in a narrow scope. After the training, I became more professional and was able to employ them in multiple fields such as analysis and media production. I learned not to trust the machine emotionally."

Taqi Ahmed Mahmoudi

Journalist

Mauritania

"I had theoretical information about limited applications, and I gained greater knowledge about other types and the function of each, such as Perplexity and Elicit for scientific research, and proofreading tools. I learned how to categorize research in NotebookLM and convert assignments into reports or tests."

Dr. Khadija Abdulmalik Dawood Al-Hadabi

University Professor

Yemen

"I learned how I can use AI correctly, systematically, and ethically, and how to deal with the tools professionally. I acquired many skills such as image and voice generation tools, and how to use it in scientific research as a Master's student."

Ayman Said Sabry

Master's Student

Iraq

"My knowledge was limited to simple things, and I didn't understand how to benefit from it in multiple fields. The training expanded my perception of how to utilize AI, analyze data, and create content such as articles, videos, and podcasts. I learned that AI is an assisting tool, not a substitute for humans."

Bassant Mohamed Abdelzaher El-Qadi

University Student

Egypt

"My knowledge was very superficial about AI, and my use of it was limited in scope. After the training, I have a clear and detailed concept, and I got to know tools other than ChatGPT and how to deal with each tool and what it serves."

Hafsa Abdel Aal Ali

Linguistic Proofreader and Content Creator

Egypt

"My skills transitioned from relying on general generative AI capabilities to applying its specialized analytical tools to serve the truth. I started seeing it as an engine for acceleration, not a substitute for the journalist. I learned to move from merely a 'responder' to a 'smart partner and analyst'."

Abdulrahman Mohammed Qasim

Journalist and Fact-Checker

Yemen

"My knowledge deepened in using AI, especially at the level of research and fact-checking documents. I discovered the Pinpoint tool for searching and verifying information amidst thousands of documents, verifying sources via Gemini, and quick searching via Elicit."

Suhair Al-Sha'bani

Journalist

Tunisia

"I was ignorant of many AI tools that could be utilized in research and making materials easy for students. After the training, I learned how to use these tools to our advantage, focusing on not sharing personal information. There are many tools for creating videos and images and transcribing audio that will benefit us in our academic and professional lives."

Lina Mohammed Qasim

University Professor

Yemen

"My skills were modest and limited to using a few tools. I now know more tools that can deepen my research and obtain more accurate results, such as the Pinpoint tool for analyzing and summarizing books, and the AI or not tool for examining materials."

Alaa Mohammed Al-Rubaie

Journalist

Syria

"I got to know and delve deeper into the specific AI tools we need as journalists, and I learned how to use them in the future, such as Adobe Firefly, Copyleaks, and ElevenLabs."

Anis Seif El-Din Belmeli

Journalist

Algeria

"I learned how to train AI to get the required sources and information without sharing private information, along with knowing many AI tools and the ethics that must be taken into account, such as Runway for image generation and DeepL for translation."

Zina Fadel Al-Sajjani

University Student

Iraq

"During the training, I learned several new skills such as using AI tools in research, content generation, and analyzing information quickly and accurately. I learned to use Perplexity for quick search, DeepL for accurate translation, and MidJourney for visual content."

Azza Al-Trabelsi

Journalist

Tunisia

"My knowledge was confined to Chat GPT and I had no knowledge of other programs. I learned multiple skills including video preparation via AI, information verification, and how to conduct scientific research using specialized tools."

Sumaia Abdo Ali

University Student

Yemen

"I began to understand its concepts and applications more deeply, and I can now use its tools to analyze data, create content, and improve productivity. The Runway tool attracted my attention due to my interest in image design and editing."

Riham Fouad Abdelkader

University Student

Yemen

"Before the training, my knowledge was limited, but after it, my skills clearly developed, and I now know how to use AI professionally in research and information verification. I learned fact-checking skills to detect fake news, and improve productivity through planning and writing tools."

Yusra Shakhbit

University Student

Morocco

"Before the training, my knowledge and skills in using AI were limited and restricted to basic uses. After the training, I became more capable of dealing with the tools practically and advanced, and I understood how they can be used to improve the quality of journalistic work in research and content drafting."

Fatima Zahra Latrach

University Student

Morocco

"Honestly, I improved a bit, especially knowing new AI tools and how to use them to reduce errors. I got to know tools like Firefly, Runway, ElevenLabs, and Pinpoint to help with image and video production, information verification, and interview transcription."

Fawzi Ben Jameh

Journalist

Algeria

"I was using AI to summarize some books that interested me, and now I have gained information about new applications that help me in my work and study. ARIJ's toolkit seems interesting, and I am working on checking most of the tools in it."

Rami Ghassan Abdulhai

University Student

Lebanon

"Through my use of AI, my knowledge was moderate, but after the training, my knowledge of the tools, their functions, and means of protection expanded. The training benefited me greatly in developing my skills, especially data accuracy and research, and how to summarize and create infographics."

Ahmed Abdullah Abdulghani Al-Dabab

Journalist

Yemen

"I moved from the stage of a traditional user to an advanced user. I learned how to formulate prompts professionally, and how to employ AI in analysis, research, content production, and time management. I became capable of generating new ideas and drafting innovative content more quickly."

Nancy Abdul Rahim Moussa

Journalist

Syria

"Honestly, before the training, I knew simple things, but now I understand the practical uses in work and study, especially in summarizing, organizing meetings, and content creation. I learned to use tools like ChatGPT, Google Meet, and Notion for organization and planning."

Maysoon Mohamed Nour Issa

University Student

Sudan

"My skill was very basic in using AI, but after the training course, I gained a lot of skill and knowledge about the tools and how to use them, in addition to how to protect ourselves and privacy. I learned transcription, proofreading, content creation, and academic research tools."

Najwa Abdo Mohammed

Media Student and Journalist

Yemen

"I was using AI limitedly in research, but during this course, I got to know a number of tools and the possibility of using them as needed. What benefited me most was knowing the means of verifying images and data, especially in light of the spread of information via social media."

Alaa Adel Mohamed

Civil Society Employee

Egypt

"I benefited from the course in knowing the ability to collect information and the necessity of caution and vigilance. I learned many links that will help us analyze texts and give a brief overview of them while mentioning the sources, and I hope the benefit will be great in the field of teaching."

Lamia Ibrahim Al-Hardalo

Teacher

Sudan

"I had some misconceptions about AI, but after the training, I realized it is a vast and kind world, not scary if used correctly. I learned tools like Elicit for articles, AI or Not for image detection, DeepL for translation, and how to protect my personal data."

Ruqayya Abulhassan Ammar

University Student

Egypt

"Before the training, my knowledge and skills in using AI were limited and based on using simple tools like translation. After the training, I became able to utilize tools like NotebookLM and Transkriptor and apply them in my media work."

Iman Bent Al-Touhami Al-Sakouhi

Journalist

Tunisia

"My information about AI tools was good, but after the lecture, I became more distinguished in how to employ the tools skillfully and professionally to accomplish tasks. I learned many skills, most notably image and voice creation, summarizing scientific studies, and translating texts."

Sulaiman Saleh Mahdi

Journalist

Iraq

"To be honest, I am curious and plan, after the training, to explore every tool we learned today and employ it in a way that suits the nature of my work."

Mokhtar Abdo Saleh Shaddad

Journalist

Yemen

"I gained valuable smart tools that I had never used before, and I can say it was a wonderful experience!"

Wahbaddin Sultan Al-Awadhi

Journalist

Yemen

"The training broadened my horizons and introduced me to many tools... The best part was the emphasis on the ethics of using technology, especially since we live amid digital chaos."

Abed Mohammed Abdul Salam

Journalist

Yemen

"Most importantly, I learned about the responsible use of artificial intelligence, enabling me to balance benefiting from technology while upholding professional values."

Lamia Ali Farea

Journalist

Yemen

"I am currently preparing my master's thesis, and I believe these tools will greatly assist me in my academic research."

Jamal Jamil Saif Al-Maqtari

Civil Society Organization Employee

Yemen

"The training helped alleviate my fears about AI taking over by developing real skills... I was able to transform these tools into practical, operational solutions."

Muqtada Yasser Abdo Hassan

University Student

Yemen

"My understanding of AI has changed... I learned how to interact with AI and how to direct it according to my own prompts and instructions."

Maab Mirghani Mohammed

Journalist

Sudan

"My knowledge was general and unorganized... but after the training, I now have an excellent mental map of how to approach AI tools."

Abdulrahman Saad Mohammed

Journalist

Egypt

"The training improved my efficiency in journalistic production (faster and more accurate drafts) and enhanced the level of source security and verification."

Inaam Al-Nour Mohammed

Journalist

Sudan

"I was very enthusiastic about discovering AI tools, especially those that can assist me in the field of fact-checking and verification."

Marwa Hassan Mustafa

Fact-checker at "Chayyek" Platform

Lebanon

"I discovered a large and excellent set of new websites and tools. Most importantly, I learned exactly how to leverage their capabilities and extract the maximum benefit from them."

Worood Abdul Wasea Al-Hakimi

University Student

Yemen

"Dealing with these tools must be done consciously and cautiously, where the user is the intelligent leader guiding the tool, not just a passive recipient of information."

Hamza Abdul Jalil Dabwan

University Student

Yemen

"I learned the skill of understanding and questioning, which is the most important step... and that AI does not replace the human mind, but rather strengthens it."

Tasnim Arif Ahmed Al-Maqtari

University Student

Yemen

"My skills before the training were basic... Now, after the training, I understand how to use AI for research and information verification."

Odai Ahmed Abdo Saeed

Journalist

Yemen

"I wasn't familiar with all the tools, but after this workshop, I was introduced to many tools that will be a real asset to the future of journalism."

Al-Siddiq Hamed Al-Dakhry

Journalist

Sudan

"The training included new tools and skills useful in my personal and professional life. For example: NotebookLM for organizing information, ElevenLabs for converting text into natural-sounding voices, OpenART for creating designs and images, Runway for producing AI-generated videos, and Transcriptor for converting speech into accurate text, which saves time and effort in transcribing interviews and simultaneous translation."

Faten Sultan Al-Maamari

Activist

Yemen

"I had basic skills in dealing with some AI applications... The training added a great deal to my knowledge of handling AI and also opened a window for exchanging knowledge with other trainees. It also gave me the opportunity to learn about tried-and-tested, highly useful applications."

Asma Abdul Malik Al-Shaibani

Activist

Yemen

"I rely heavily on some AI tools for my postgraduate studies and my work, but I was only using the common ones. Today, I have many more specific options tailored to the tasks I need."

Dunya Ali Hassan

Researcher

Yemen

"I had no idea about the risks of using AI incorrectly. Now, I've discovered many important details about data, accuracy, and which programs are beneficial for my work, in addition to how to use them safely."

Jihan Muzahim Kadhim

University Student

Iraq

"The training reinforced my conviction not to overstate AI's capabilities or its superiority over the human element, backing this with practical evidence. I knew this, but I used to rely on my journalistic instinct; this training provided practical skills that can be applied, rather than relying solely on intuition."

Maram Ibrahim Al-Nabulsi

Independent Journalist

Jordan

"Through the workshop, I was able to learn about various and diverse AI tools. I also realized the danger of using personal information with AI, which could later be used in a way that violates privacy principles."

Tasneem Hani Ahmed

Journalist

Egypt

"Honestly, I had no prior knowledge of artificial intelligence, but thanks to the training, I understood concepts and was introduced to tools for the first time. I am very grateful for that."

Eman Raafat Ibrahim

Nurse

Egypt

"Of course, using AI technologies and tools continuously is at the core of our journalistic work. However, with ARIJ's sessions, especially this one, we were introduced to several techniques that help us verify information, images, and more."

Mohammed Hisham Fouad

Journalist

Egypt

"After the training, my perspective expanded significantly. I now know how to employ AI tools for verification, advanced research, and developing storytelling techniques. The training helped me understand the practical side more clearly and introduced me to direct ways of applying these tools in my daily journalistic tasks."

Nada Hassan Muharram

Independent Journalist

Egypt