The UAE Cabinet, led by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved a forward-looking stance on artificial intelligence (AI) policy, positioning the nation as a central player in shaping global AI governance. This decision is part of the country’s broader strategy to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by AI on the international stage.
The AI policy, developed collaboratively by the Ministry of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications alongside the Office of the Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, reflects a commitment to addressing AI’s global implications. It underscores the UAE’s proactive involvement in setting international standards for AI technology while ensuring that the country’s own AI development aligns with ethical and sustainability principles.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has emphasized the UAE’s growing role in the development of global AI governance frameworks. He highlighted the country’s active participation in multilateral forums, where discussions around AI regulation, transparency, and ethical usage are becoming increasingly critical. Al Olama’s remarks underline the importance of fostering AI advancements that contribute not just to economic growth but to societal well-being.
Omran Sharaf, the Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, further pointed out that this policy positions the UAE as a global leader in AI development and usage. By aligning its foreign policy with global AI standards, the UAE enhances collaboration with international partners while encouraging local stakeholders, including research institutions and enterprises, to engage with AI challenges on an international scale. This comprehensive approach helps fortify the UAE’s strategic alliances and builds trust across borders.
The policy is built on six guiding principles: advancement, cooperation, community, ethics, sustainability, and security. These pillars reflect the UAE’s ambition to drive innovation while adhering to ethical standards, such as safeguarding privacy, ensuring accountability, and promoting sustainable practices. By advocating for transparency and the incorporation of ethical standards within AI tools, the UAE aims to encourage the responsible use of AI on a global level.
In addition to shaping policy, the UAE seeks to leverage AI to further its economic diversification efforts. The policy encourages the development of high-impact AI-driven technologies that address key economic sectors while promoting international research collaborations. Notably, the UAE government is supporting initiatives that encourage joint R&D projects to tackle the global challenges of AI governance, particularly around security and privacy concerns.
One of the UAE’s core contributions to the international AI landscape lies in its efforts to form global alliances for AI governance. These alliances aim to develop clear standards that ensure the secure and ethical development of AI tools. The UAE is advocating for a robust system of regulations that hold nations accountable for potential harm caused by AI technologies, ensuring that AI advancements do not contribute to instability or breaches of global security.
