Dr. Fadi Zaraket discusses Arabic Large Language Models (LLMs), he highlights their importance in ensuring technology aligns with the Arabic language and culture. For him, the development of Arabic LLMs is essential in bridging the gap between global advancements and regional identity. The conversation expands to encompass general LLMs, surveillance, tech politics, the future of engineering education and liberal arts, and the unregulated frontiers of AI, all of which are reshaping industries around the world.The Merge is a production of the Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at AUB. The podcast was recorded at the studios of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching & Learning at MSFEA. Special thanks to our team Karen Kelaita, Rima Ghannoum, Christina Sleiman, Mariam Noureddine, Kassem Zaayter, and Dana Ghalayini for recording, editing, and production.