Crown Prince’s Estonia visit highlights AI’s role in shaping Jordan’s future
The visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein to Estonia offers an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of nations, and on how Jordan can harness this rapidly advancing technology to strengthen its economy, improve public services and enhance national security.
During his visit to Järva County on Friday, the Crown Prince observed live demonstrations of advanced drone and counter-drone technologies and was briefed on AI-powered field intelligence, border surveillance, air traffic control and security systems. These technologies demonstrate how artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an essential component of modern defence capabilities, enabling faster data analysis, improved monitoring and more informed decision-making. His participation in the Tallinn Digital Summit 2026 also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI in strengthening national competitiveness.
Beyond the defence applications showcased during the visit, Estonia’s experience provides valuable lessons for Jordan in understanding how technological innovation can be translated into practical benefits for society and the economy.
Estonia has established itself as one of the leading examples of digital transformation, demonstrating how sustained investment in digital infrastructure, secure data systems and technological innovation can reshape government operations and public services. Its experience highlights an important principle: successful digital transformation is not simply about introducing new technologies, but about integrating them into the way institutions operate and deliver services to citizens.
For Jordan, this experience is particularly relevant as the Kingdom seeks to accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen its position as a regional hub for technology and innovation. The country has already taken important steps in this direction through its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023–2027, which includes 68 projects designed to develop the national AI ecosystem and promote the adoption of artificial intelligence across priority sectors.
The challenge now is to translate these strategic ambitions into tangible outcomes that improve people’s lives and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
National security and defence represent an important dimension. The technologies demonstrated during the Crown Prince’s visit illustrate the potential of AI in analyzing surveillance information, detecting emerging threats, monitoring borders and supporting the operation of drone and counter-drone systems. For Jordan, developing expertise in these areas could strengthen its ability to respond to evolving security challenges while encouraging partnerships, research and investment in advanced technologies.
However, realizing these opportunities requires more than purchasing advanced systems or adopting international technological solutions. Jordan needs to invest in developing local expertise, strengthening university research, supporting technology start-ups and encouraging cooperation between government institutions, the private sector and academic organizations. Equally important is establishing effective regulatory frameworks that ensure the responsible use of AI, protect personal data and maintain public trust.
The Estonian experience also demonstrates that digital transformation must be supported by a comprehensive national vision and long-term commitment. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Estonia continues to perform above the OECD average in digital government, particularly in data-driven public services and the proactive delivery of government services.
Ultimately, artificial intelligence should be viewed not merely as a technological advancement, but as a strategic investment in Jordan’s future. Its successful adoption could improve productivity, create new employment opportunities, attract investment and help address some of the Kingdom’s most pressing economic and social challenges.
The Crown Prince’s visit to Estonia therefore carries significance beyond the technologies showcased during the demonstrations. It highlights the value of international knowledge exchange and the importance of learning from countries that have successfully integrated technology into their development models.
For Jordan, the next step is to move decisively from digital ambition to practical implementation, ensuring that artificial intelligence becomes a driver of innovation, economic resilience and sustainable development, while placing people and their needs at the center of technological progress.
*The author is a specialist in educational technology
The visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein to Estonia offers an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of nations, and on how Jordan can harness this rapidly advancing technology to strengthen its economy, improve public services and enhance national security.
During his visit to Järva County on Friday, the Crown Prince observed live demonstrations of advanced drone and counter-drone technologies and was briefed on AI-powered field intelligence, border surveillance, air traffic control and security systems. These technologies demonstrate how artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an essential component of modern defence capabilities, enabling faster data analysis, improved monitoring and more informed decision-making. His participation in the Tallinn Digital Summit 2026 also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI in strengthening national competitiveness.
Beyond the defence applications showcased during the visit, Estonia’s experience provides valuable lessons for Jordan in understanding how technological innovation can be translated into practical benefits for society and the economy.
Estonia has established itself as one of the leading examples of digital transformation, demonstrating how sustained investment in digital infrastructure, secure data systems and technological innovation can reshape government operations and public services. Its experience highlights an important principle: successful digital transformation is not simply about introducing new technologies, but about integrating them into the way institutions operate and deliver services to citizens.
For Jordan, this experience is particularly relevant as the Kingdom seeks to accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen its position as a regional hub for technology and innovation. The country has already taken important steps in this direction through its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023–2027, which includes 68 projects designed to develop the national AI ecosystem and promote the adoption of artificial intelligence across priority sectors.
The challenge now is to translate these strategic ambitions into tangible outcomes that improve people’s lives and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
National security and defence represent an important dimension. The technologies demonstrated during the Crown Prince’s visit illustrate the potential of AI in analyzing surveillance information, detecting emerging threats, monitoring borders and supporting the operation of drone and counter-drone systems. For Jordan, developing expertise in these areas could strengthen its ability to respond to evolving security challenges while encouraging partnerships, research and investment in advanced technologies.
However, realizing these opportunities requires more than purchasing advanced systems or adopting international technological solutions. Jordan needs to invest in developing local expertise, strengthening university research, supporting technology start-ups and encouraging cooperation between government institutions, the private sector and academic organizations. Equally important is establishing effective regulatory frameworks that ensure the responsible use of AI, protect personal data and maintain public trust.
The Estonian experience also demonstrates that digital transformation must be supported by a comprehensive national vision and long-term commitment. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Estonia continues to perform above the OECD average in digital government, particularly in data-driven public services and the proactive delivery of government services.
Ultimately, artificial intelligence should be viewed not merely as a technological advancement, but as a strategic investment in Jordan’s future. Its successful adoption could improve productivity, create new employment opportunities, attract investment and help address some of the Kingdom’s most pressing economic and social challenges.
The Crown Prince’s visit to Estonia therefore carries significance beyond the technologies showcased during the demonstrations. It highlights the value of international knowledge exchange and the importance of learning from countries that have successfully integrated technology into their development models.
For Jordan, the next step is to move decisively from digital ambition to practical implementation, ensuring that artificial intelligence becomes a driver of innovation, economic resilience and sustainable development, while placing people and their needs at the center of technological progress.
*The author is a specialist in educational technology
The visit of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein to Estonia offers an important opportunity to reflect on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of nations, and on how Jordan can harness this rapidly advancing technology to strengthen its economy, improve public services and enhance national security.
During his visit to Järva County on Friday, the Crown Prince observed live demonstrations of advanced drone and counter-drone technologies and was briefed on AI-powered field intelligence, border surveillance, air traffic control and security systems. These technologies demonstrate how artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an essential component of modern defence capabilities, enabling faster data analysis, improved monitoring and more informed decision-making. His participation in the Tallinn Digital Summit 2026 also highlighted the importance of digital transformation, cybersecurity and AI in strengthening national competitiveness.
Beyond the defence applications showcased during the visit, Estonia’s experience provides valuable lessons for Jordan in understanding how technological innovation can be translated into practical benefits for society and the economy.
Estonia has established itself as one of the leading examples of digital transformation, demonstrating how sustained investment in digital infrastructure, secure data systems and technological innovation can reshape government operations and public services. Its experience highlights an important principle: successful digital transformation is not simply about introducing new technologies, but about integrating them into the way institutions operate and deliver services to citizens.
For Jordan, this experience is particularly relevant as the Kingdom seeks to accelerate its digital transformation and strengthen its position as a regional hub for technology and innovation. The country has already taken important steps in this direction through its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and Implementation Plan 2023–2027, which includes 68 projects designed to develop the national AI ecosystem and promote the adoption of artificial intelligence across priority sectors.
The challenge now is to translate these strategic ambitions into tangible outcomes that improve people’s lives and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
National security and defence represent an important dimension. The technologies demonstrated during the Crown Prince’s visit illustrate the potential of AI in analyzing surveillance information, detecting emerging threats, monitoring borders and supporting the operation of drone and counter-drone systems. For Jordan, developing expertise in these areas could strengthen its ability to respond to evolving security challenges while encouraging partnerships, research and investment in advanced technologies.
However, realizing these opportunities requires more than purchasing advanced systems or adopting international technological solutions. Jordan needs to invest in developing local expertise, strengthening university research, supporting technology start-ups and encouraging cooperation between government institutions, the private sector and academic organizations. Equally important is establishing effective regulatory frameworks that ensure the responsible use of AI, protect personal data and maintain public trust.
The Estonian experience also demonstrates that digital transformation must be supported by a comprehensive national vision and long-term commitment. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Estonia continues to perform above the OECD average in digital government, particularly in data-driven public services and the proactive delivery of government services.
Ultimately, artificial intelligence should be viewed not merely as a technological advancement, but as a strategic investment in Jordan’s future. Its successful adoption could improve productivity, create new employment opportunities, attract investment and help address some of the Kingdom’s most pressing economic and social challenges.
The Crown Prince’s visit to Estonia therefore carries significance beyond the technologies showcased during the demonstrations. It highlights the value of international knowledge exchange and the importance of learning from countries that have successfully integrated technology into their development models.
For Jordan, the next step is to move decisively from digital ambition to practical implementation, ensuring that artificial intelligence becomes a driver of innovation, economic resilience and sustainable development, while placing people and their needs at the center of technological progress.
*The author is a specialist in educational technology
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Crown Prince’s Estonia visit highlights AI’s role in shaping Jordan’s future
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