Dear Air-L Community, The Review of Middle East Studies <https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/review-of-middle-east-studies> ( RoMES) invites contributions to an upcoming special issue on Digital Humanities in Middle East Studies. In light of the growing impact of technology on the study of language, history, and culture, this special issue aims to chart the current and emerging contours of digital humanities in Middle East Studies. We are delighted to have Laila Shereen Sakr (University of California, Santa Barbara) as guest editor for this issue. We welcome submissions from across the diverse landscape of digital humanities work in Middle East studies, including but not limited to: computational and AI methods (such as text mining, data visualization, natural language processing (NLP), LLMs and generative models applied to regional sources); algorithmic empire and digital colonialism, militarized AI and the political economy of tech, Middle Eastern futures and futurity, social media and digital public spheres; critical approaches to data ethics, privacy, and algorithmic accountability; feminist and decolonial perspectives; digital archives and libraries; mapping and spatial humanities; as well as media, arts, and cultural digital humanities. This issue will focus on contributions demonstrating the unique opportunities and distinct challenges that emerge when the linguistic, cultural, and archival work of Middle East Studies meets digital technology. This issue aims to provide theoretical grounding and guidance for scholars interested in developing digital humanities projects for their research or teaching while fostering broader conversations about the future of Middle Eastern studies in the digital age. Contributions may take several forms: - DH Interventions- Explorations of how digital humanities reshapes our understanding of key questions in Middle East Studies - what new intellectual terrain does DH open up, and what are the stakes of these shifts for the field? - State of the Field Reflections- Analytical pieces that survey current trends, assess methodological approaches, or provide frameworks for understanding digital humanities within Middle East studies. These pieces may trace key conversations, collaborations, and areas of innovation across languages, regions, or disciplines. - Pedagogical Applications- Articles focusing on the use of digital humanities projects in Middle East studies classrooms and/or course design, and getting started guides. - Project Showcases- Examinations of how digital humanities projects generate new historical, cultural, or linguistic insights, emphasizing their broader implications for the field. We recognize digital humanities work's innovative and collaborative nature and welcome co-authored submissions and interdisciplinary approaches. Timeline - Abstract Deadline: Jan 12, 2026 - Full Manuscript Submission for Invited Contributions: May 15, 2026 - Peer-Review Process: Summer through early fall of 2026 - Final Revised Manuscripts Due: November 2026 - Target Publication Date: Spring 2027 Submission Guidelines Please email abstracts to romes@mesana.org by January 12, 2026. Abstracts should be 350-500 words and include: - Proposed title - Author name(s) and affiliation(s) - Brief description of the proposed contribution - How it fits within the special issue themes If you have questions about the scope of the issue, potential contributions, or the submission process, please contact: Review of Middle East Studies Editorial Team romes@mesana.org. Hoda Yousef, Editor of Review of Middle East Studies Laila Shereen Sakr, Guest Editor of Review of Middle East Studies Laila Hussein Moustafa, Associate Editor of Review of Middle East Studies -- Ghayde Ghraowi, Managing Editor romes@m <Romes@cmc.edu>esana.org journals.cambridge.org/rms