On Friday, September 19, Beirut Digital District (BDD) marked a historic milestone by hosting Lebanon’s first-ever AI Career Fair, a full-campus takeover that brought together over 500 students, innovators, and industry leaders across BDD1075, BDD1280, and the Garden Piazza.
In collaboration with Zaka and Forward MENA, the fair positioned Beirut as a hub for AI talent and innovation, celebrating Lebanon’s potential to embrace the future of technology.
View this post on Instagram
Opening Remarks
H.E. Kamal Shehadi, Minister of State for Technology and AI, shared:
“Here in Beirut, we are choosing to move forward: building, competing, and imagining bold new futures. Many more jobs will be created by AI, and that requires talent and literacy in the field. This is what we aim to achieve in Lebanon by building an AI-first ministry for an AI-first republic and hopefully for an AI-first nation.”
Larissa Abi Nakhle, Co-founder of ZAKA.ai and the visionary behind the AI Career Fair, highlighted:
“We see many talented people leaving Lebanon to find AI opportunities abroad. This fair brings together companies and Lebanon’s brightest AI minds, creating a space for meaningful connections and showing that both talent and innovation excel here, with cutting-edge AI solutions being developed locally for the world.”
AI Career Fair Expo at BDD 1280
The day kicked off at BDD1280 with the Career Fair Expo, where 20 leading Tech and AI companies showcased their latest solutions, engaged directly with students, and opened doors to internships and career opportunities.
To capture the spirit of the day, an AI-powered photobooth added a creative twist, reimagining the campus as an AI-inspired world and allowing participants to step into a futuristic setting that embodied the essence of the fair.
Hekmat Kassir, CEO of Chimera Cybersecurity, shared:
“We’re daring to empower the next generation of AI builders, not only by inspiring them, but by creating real opportunities. At Chimera, we’ve made it a mission to hire young graduates , proving that with the right mindset and support, Lebanon’s youth can lead the cybersecurity and AI revolution.”
AI Insights Stage at BDD 1075
Meanwhile, at BDD1075, the Insights Stage offered a platform for deeper conversations around the future of AI and technology. Sessions were broadcast live to the BDD Piazza to ensure every attendee could benefit, reaching every corner from the campus.
-
AI Adoption: CEO Perspectives
Moderator: Jihad Bitar, CEO, Siren Analytics
Panelists:
- Mario Akl, CEO, MaliaTec
- Roland Joseph Tannous, Founder, GravityQ
- Chris Sassine, CEO, Speedlane
This panel underscored how Lebanese and regional businesses are actively embracing AI to enhance competitiveness. Leaders highlighted that adoption is no longer optional but a strategic necessity, demanding both investment in infrastructure and a mindset shift across organizations.
-
Building Your AI Career: From Learning to Landing Your First Role
Moderator: Amanda Hachem, Head of Education at ZAKA AI
Panelists:
- Ammar Mohanna, PhD, American University of Beirut
- Mireille Makary, Solutions Expert, APGAR
- Nicolas E., Tech Consultant & Lecturer, Lebanese American University
This session focused on the evolving journey from academic learning to securing a career in AI. Panelists emphasized the importance of hands-on projects, continuous learning, and mentorship, while also highlighting how regional opportunities are expanding as companies look to nurture local talent.
-
Acing AI Job Interviews: Tips & Real-World Use Cases
Moderator: Elias Boustany, Co-founder, Metod.ai
Panelists:
- Abdou Ayoub, Founder, Paragon Shift
- Zahi Lahham, Senior Data Engineer, CME
- Joseph Francis, Managed Services Manager, Atria Solutions
This discussion shed light on the skills and preparation needed to stand out in competitive AI job markets. From showcasing practical use cases to mastering interview techniques, the panel offered students actionable insights that bridged the gap between theory and industry expectations.
Beyond the Panels
A full-campus takeover with live food stations at the BDD Piazza set the tone for connection and exchange, while the UPAINT activation transformed the space into a collective canvas inspired by Beirut Dares to Dream, an expression of hope, creativity, and the bold visions of Lebanon’s youth.
The atmosphere captured the ambition and creativity of Lebanon’s next generation, turning the fair into more than just an event—it became a milestone for the ecosystem.
A Vision for the Future
As BDD continues to empower youth and strengthen Lebanon’s digital future, the AI Career Fair stands as a powerful reminder of the role collaboration, innovation, and community play in shaping tomorrow.
