TRENDS Research & Advisory has released the second issue of its magazine “Levantine Insights” for July 2026, offering analytical and forward-looking perspectives on the most significant geopolitical, economic, and knowledge developments across the Levant (encompassing Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine), and examining them within their broader regional and international contexts.
The editorial notes that the Arab Levant is at a pivotal moment, where security and economic challenges intersect with rapid technological transformations. It argues that the countries of the Levant possess the human and geographic resources needed to become a more integrated and influential region in the twenty-first century, provided these resources are leveraged through greater regional cooperation.
Border Security and the Shift toward Economic Corridors
Prepared by the TRENDS Jordan Office, the issue’s first feature examines border security in the Arab Levant, highlighting the transition from viewing borders as barriers of separation and control to recognizing them as gateways for connectivity and economic integration.
The analysis notes that the region faces growing security challenges, including organized crime, arms and narcotics trafficking, particularly the smuggling of Captagon, as well as irregular migration, underscoring the need for modern border management models.
The issue advocates adopting the concept of smart borders through the use of artificial intelligence, drones, single-window systems, and electronic inspection technologies, including the ASYCUDA customs management system and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs, to strike a balance between strengthening security and facilitating trade.
It also highlights Jordan’s strategic position as a gateway linking the Arabian Gulf with the Eastern Mediterranean and Iraq through the Port of Aqaba and the Karameh and Jaber border crossings. The publication further proposes a Levant Border Security Agreement based on information sharing and the establishment of joint operations centers, drawing on successful international models.
Education and Human Capital
Another feature examines the state of education across the Levant and its role in building human capital and promoting long-term stability.
According to the analysis, Jordan has achieved a literacy rate exceeding 97% and a higher education enrollment rate of more than 50%, while continuing to address the challenge of aligning educational outcomes with labor market needs.
The issue notes that Lebanon possesses strong human capital and a literacy rate exceeding 92%, but continues to face the challenge of brain drain. In Palestine, education remains a cornerstone of societal resilience despite economic and security challenges, with literacy exceeding 97%.
Regarding Syria, the publication reports a literacy rate of approximately 94.4%, while noting that the effects of the conflict continue to impact educational infrastructure, making investment in education a critical priority for the country’s recovery.
The study concludes that integrating artificial intelligence into education can support personalized learning pathways, reduce the cost of educational content, enhance critical thinking, and strengthen resilience against misinformation.
Investment Partnerships and Economic Transformation
A third feature focuses on Arab investment partnerships and their role in reshaping Jordan’s economy, highlighting the shift from traditional aid models toward long-term investment partnerships.
It examines the Abu Dhabi–Amman investment platform, backed by ADQ, which aims to mobilize up to US$5 billion in investments for infrastructure projects and other strategic sectors in Jordan.
According to the analysis, the proposed allocation of investments includes infrastructure (33%), transport and railways (28%), energy (22%), and logistics (17%). These investments are expected to enhance the competitiveness of Jordan’s economy, create employment opportunities, and strengthen the Kingdom’s connectivity to regional trade corridors and supply chains.
Building a Competitive Digital Economy
The final feature explores the prospects for building a competitive digital economy across the Levant, noting that the region possesses promising software development and entrepreneurial talent, particularly in Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine. However, persistent challenges related to financing and digital infrastructure continue to drive the outflow of skilled professionals.
The issue also highlights the UAE’s forward-looking approach to technological development, noting projections that artificial intelligence will contribute approximately US$96 billion to the UAE’s economy by 2030, out of an estimated US$320 billion for the region as a whole. It further notes the UAE’s goal of increasing the digital economy’s contribution to 20% of non-oil GDP.
Recommendations
The issue concludes with a number of key recommendations, including recognizing digital infrastructure as an integral component of national security, strengthening regional cooperation in border management, enhancing legislation that supports startups, and investing in human capital. Together, these measures would help build knowledge-based economies capable of reducing brain drain and advancing sustainable development across the countries of the Levant.
