AI reshaping creative economy but human creativity key to original ideas

The rapid advances in artificial intelligence are creating unprecedented opportunities for content creation and the creative economy but human creativity is key to develop original ideas and deliver authentic experiences that create genuine value for audiences, says an AI expert during a panel discussion at MWC Doha 2026, held in the Qatari capital.

Engineer Mohamed Saieed, AI expert and Director of Artificial Intelligence and Development at Digital Lab made these remarks during his participation in a panel discussion titled “Creative & Experience Economy”. The session brought together leading experts, technology executives and digital economy specialists to explore the impact of artificial intelligence, immersive technologies and advanced connectivity on the future of creative industries.

During the discussion, Saieed explained that artificial intelligence has fundamentally transformed the content creation landscape. Production tools that once required specialised teams and substantial budgets are now accessible to individuals through smartphones and generative AI applications.

He described this development as one of the most significant steps towards democratising creativity in the modern era, while emphasising that the ease of producing content does not necessarily translate into genuine creativity or meaningful influence.

“Artificial intelligence gives everyone the ability to produce content, but it doesn't give everyone an idea worth telling. The real value will always lie in creative vision, understanding audiences and building meaningful connections with people,” Saieed said.

Addressing the future of human creativity amid the rapid expansion of AI-generated content, Saieed noted that the enormous volume of AI-produced images, videos and music will make authenticity and genuine human experiences more valuable than ever.

He stressed that audiences connect with content creators not solely because of production quality, but also because of trust, credibility, personal experiences and the cultural identity that makes each creator distinctive.

“In a world where artificial intelligence can generate almost anything, human authenticity will become the ultimate luxury. Technology can simulate content, but it cannot possess the personal experiences, memories and emotions that give creativity its true meaning,” he said.

Saieed further emphasised that the future of content creation will not be defined by competition between humans and machines, but by leveraging AI capabilities to expand the boundaries of human imagination and transform ideas into creative experiences that were previously impossible.

Discussing the future of the creative economy in the Middle East, Saeed stressed the importance of moving beyond simply consuming global technologies towards actively contributing to their development and creating digital experiences that reflect the region's distinctive cultural identity and heritage.

He explained that augmented reality, extended reality and artificial intelligence offer significant opportunities to preserve and revitalise Arab heritage through interactive experiences that enable younger generations to explore history and civilisations in their own language and local dialects.

Saieed pointed out that developing authentic digital experiences requires the involvement of regional creators, artists, historians and cultural institutions from the earliest stages of design and development, rather than simply translating foreign digital experiences into Arabic.

“Our ambition should not be limited to making global technology speak Arabic. We should make technology truly understand our culture, identity and history. The Middle East should not merely consume the future of digital experiences; it should play a leading role in creating them,” he stated.

The discussion also addressed the impact of immersive digital experiences on human interaction and real-world connections.

Saieed explained that the true value of technology lies in its ability to enrich real-world experiences rather than replace them with virtual alternatives.

He highlighted how augmented reality applications in museums, tourism and cultural events can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of destinations and historical narratives, while preserving the importance of physical presence and direct human interaction.

He also warned of the challenges associated with excessive use of digital platforms, calling for a broader reassessment of how technological experiences are evaluated.

According to Saieed, the success of digital technologies should not be measured solely by screen time or engagement metrics, but also by the educational, cultural and social value they deliver to users.

“The success of technology should not be measured by how much time we spend in front of screens, but by the value it adds to our lives. Technology should serve humanity, not the other way around,” he emphasised.

Concluding his remarks, Saieed highlighted the significant opportunities emerging across the Middle East's creative economy for content creators, entrepreneurs and cultural institutions, particularly as investment in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and immersive technologies continues to grow.

He noted that the next phase of digital transformation will favour those who successfully combine technological innovation with human identity and authenticity.

While artificial intelligence will make creative tools increasingly accessible to everyone, Saieed concluded that original ideas, authenticity and trust will remain the defining factors that distinguish truly influential creators and meaningful digital experiences in the years ahead.