Amman, May 20, 2026 — The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Global Digital (TAG.Global), the Arab Network for Creativity and Innovation (ANCI), the Arab Satellite and Digital Broadcasting Authority and the Arab Smart Cities Forum on Wednesday opened the "Innovation in the Time of Challenges Forum" in Amman, bringing together Arab leaders, experts and decision-makers in innovation and technology. Senate President Faisal Fayez delivered opening remarks, while Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, ANCI Secretary-General Fahd Al‑Amleh and former ministers including Yacoub Sarraf and Maen Qatamin addressed the gathering on the risks and opportunities posed by rapid technological change. "Innovation is a defining moment of the age, where the capacity to keep pace with rapid technological change has become indispensable for progress and prosperity," Senate President Faisal Fayez said in his opening remarks. Key announcements and messages Talal Abu‑Ghazaleh, chairman and founder of TAG.Global and chairman of the board of trustees of the Arab Network for Creativity and Innovation, said "investment in the future is the real investment and the true path to success for individuals, institutions and states." He used the forum to announce the launch of the Arab Authority to Support Investment in Innovation and unveiled plans for a scientific and artistic education initiative aimed at equipping graduates for labor market needs. ANCI Secretary‑General Fahd Al‑Amleh emphasized youth agency at the event: "the forum underlines that Arab youth are capable of shaping the future and leading it, rather than being on the sidelines." He added that "Innovation is no longer an intellectual luxury, but a prerequisite for survival," warning that nations that fail to produce knowledge will remain dependent on those who do. Discussion topics and regional context Faisal Fayez framed Jordan as a regional model for innovation and entrepreneurship, crediting "a favorable investment climate and advanced digital infrastructure" and b…