ABU DHABI (The Thursday Times) — The UAE Cabinet, led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has officially endorsed the country’s international policy on artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative underscores the UAE’s ambition to lead in the governance and innovation of AI, while contributing to global standards in this fast-evolving field. The policy represents a pivotal part of the UAE’s broader foreign policy and highlights the nation’s role in addressing the complex challenges AI presents on the global stage.
The policy is the result of a collaborative effort between the Office of the Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology and the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. It aims to harmonise the UAE’s domestic AI development with international frameworks, ensuring that the nation is well-positioned to shape future AI standards.
Shaping global AI governance
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, emphasised the UAE’s proactive stance in shaping the global governance of AI. The UAE’s engagement in multilateral platforms is central to this effort, where the country is helping define standards and frameworks that will shape the future of AI on a global scale.
The UAE’s role in global AI governance is driven by a commitment to ethical and responsible AI development. Al Olama highlighted the importance of fostering a secure AI ecosystem that can be trusted by governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide. By positioning itself as a leader in AI governance, the UAE aims to set a global example for responsible technological innovation.
Strengthening global partnerships
The UAE’s AI policy also seeks to strengthen international partnerships, fostering deeper cooperation with global strategic allies. Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, pointed out that the policy will not only solidify the UAE’s leadership in AI development but also create avenues for enhanced collaboration with other nations and international institutions.
These partnerships are expected to drive the UAE’s influence in shaping the global AI agenda while ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of technological progress. By aligning its AI policies with global standards, the UAE opens up opportunities for local businesses and research institutions to engage with AI challenges on a global stage.
Six guiding principles
At the core of the UAE’s international AI policy are six key principles: advancement, cooperation, community, ethics, sustainability, and security. These principles ensure that AI development within the UAE remains aligned with the nation’s ethical, social, and environmental priorities, while also promoting economic growth through innovation.
The principle of advancement focuses on using AI to drive economic diversification and cutting-edge technological solutions. Cooperation reflects the UAE’s emphasis on working with international partners to shape global AI governance. Community highlights the need for AI to benefit society, while ethics ensures that AI development adheres to the highest moral standards. Sustainability ensures that AI contributes to long-term environmental goals, and security emphasises the importance of creating a safe and trustworthy AI ecosystem.
Active participation in international AI forums
A key element of the UAE’s AI policy is its active involvement in international forums and multilateral organisations. The UAE aims to contribute to the development of global standards, promote transparency in AI research, and advocate for ethical measures that will safeguard against the harmful uses of AI.
Through its participation in these platforms, the UAE is helping shape the international AI agenda, particularly in areas such as data privacy, AI security, and responsible research and development. The UAE supports the establishment of international alliances focused on AI governance and security, aiming to prevent the misuse of AI and ensure that its benefits are shared widely and equitably.
A responsible approach to AI innovation
The UAE’s international AI policy demonstrates the country’s ambition to lead in the development of responsible AI technologies. The policy not only aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI innovation but also reflects a deep commitment to addressing the ethical, social, and security implications of AI on a global level. By actively shaping global AI standards and fostering international collaboration, the UAE seeks to ensure that AI development is safe, secure, and aligned with the needs of humanity.
