Bangladesh, Sept. 21 -- The Gulf states may be preoccupied with war, regional instability and immediate security threats, but another transformation is gathering pace-one that could reshape their economies, societies and strategic influence for decades: artificial intelligence.

With billions invested in AI infrastructure, research and data centers, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries can no longer afford to remain passive observers of the technology's development. The rules governing AI will influence employment, education, security and economic prosperity long after today's conflicts have faded.

The anxiety surrounding AI is not simply the product of science fiction. Some of the strongest warnings are coming from the people buildin...