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UAE approves international AI policy

11 October 2024

The UAE cabinet, chaired by Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, has approved the country's official stance on artificial intelligence (AI) policy internationally, according to an Emirates News Agency (WAM) report.

The AI policy is built on six core principles: advancement, cooperation, community, ethics, sustainability and security.

It also seeks to utilise AI to drive economic diversification and innovation, while encouraging the development of high-impact technological solutions.

The UAE's foreign policies on AI include:

  • participating in international AI forums to shape the development and use of this technology through future standards and guidelines
  • advocating transparency and built-in checkpoints within AI tools, enabling governments to enforce ethical standards and implement accountability measures
  • supporting the establishment of international alliances for governing, securing, and developing AI systems
  • supporting the establishment of global alliances to govern, secure and advance AI systems
  • supporting the implementation of international regulations that hold countries accountable for developing AI tools that could cause harm or destabilisation, while ensuring AI security, privacy protection and data safety
  • encouraging responsible use of AI applications through joint research and development initiatives aimed at promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally

The UAE's Office of the Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science & Technology and the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications developed the policy, which "represents a strategic step within the UAE's comprehensive foreign policy framework, designed to tackle the complex challenges presented by AI on the global stage".

Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, Omar Sultan Al-Olama, said."The UAE has become a significant player in the global governance of artificial intelligence, actively contributing to international policy discussions and helping define the standards and frameworks that will shape the future of AI."

This development follows the publication in 2018 of the UAE National AI Strategy, which set out to build a reputation as an AI destination; increase the state's competitive assets in priority sectors through AI deployment; and provide the data and supporting infrastructure essential to become a test bed for AI, among others.

In June this year, Dubai appointed 22 chief artificial intelligence (AI) officers across various government entities in the emirate.

The move is part of the emirate's commitment to developing a pioneering model for AI-enabled government operations, and as part of its broader vision to establish itself as a global leader in government innovation, according to Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The 22 chief AI officers are expected to "spearhead specialised plans and programmes in the field of AI and advanced technology".

Related read: AI presents energy conundrum

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Jennifer Aguinaldo

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