About

Who we are

Syria AI Foundation is an independent Syrian nonprofit developing the talent, research, infrastructure, knowledge, and institutional pathways needed for Syria to become a serious contributor to AI research and development. Trusted Syrian and Levantine data and knowledge are a major part of this work, serving as infrastructure for research and capability-building within the broader mission.

Vision

A Syria recognized as a leading contributor to AI research and development, known for the talent, research, and technologies it produces.

Mission

SAIF develops and connects talent, research, trusted data, infrastructure, and real-world challenges so people and institutions in Syria can build, evaluate, and apply AI at an internationally credible level.

Values

Rigor before hype

We test, measure, document, and review our work before making claims.

Build capability that lasts

Every project should leave behind stronger people, knowledge, systems, or institutions.

Real problems, useful outcomes

We connect research and learning to genuine technical, institutional, and societal needs.

Trust, responsibility, and credit

We protect data, respect sources, recognize contributors, and use AI responsibly.

Collaboration that builds local capability

We connect talent in Syria with expertise, institutions, and opportunities across the Levant and the wider world in ways that strengthen lasting local capability.

Strategic pillars

See how SAIF organizes its work →

Pillar 1: Applied Research & Trusted Data

Define tractable research questions, support disciplined experimentation, and develop trusted data and evaluation resources relevant to Syria and Arabic AI.
Pillar 2: Agentic Systems

Turn research and modern AI capabilities into practical systems and prototypes for institutional and public-interest use.
Pillar 3: Training & Capability-Building

Develop researchers, engineers, trainers, and technical leaders through structured learning, mentorship, and project work.
Pillar 4: Standards & Responsible Adoption

Promote responsible evaluation, governance, data practices, and institutional adoption aligned with recognized standards.

05 · Institutional signature

Intelligence is built, not imitated.

Ecosystem strength

SAIF’s founding team brings experience and contribution links with aligned initiatives:

Bareeq Education & Development (founded by Roula Alajeh) — outreach, volunteer mobilization, and community programs
Ghaymah | غيمة (co-founded by Mohamad Sharara) — cloud and infrastructure experience that informed early technical planning

Note: each contribution is scoped and mission-aligned; SAIF remains its own registered non-profit institution with its own governance.

Our identity

The SAIF mark brings together the memory of Damascus craft and the discipline of applied AI systems.

Explore our identity

Join the work

Contribute research, engineering, language knowledge, institutional experience, or practical support to Syria’s long-term AI capability.

Get involved