Is there a specific enacted legislation regulating AI in your jurisdiction?
The UAE does not have a specific, standalone legislation exclusively regulating artificial intelligence (AI). However, the UAE has been proactive in establishing a framework to support the development and use of AI technologies. These sources are referenced below.
Is there a proposed legislation regulating AI in your jurisdiction?
Not applicable at present. However, given the rapid advancements in AI and the global trend towards more comprehensive AI regulation, it is possible that the UAE may propose specific legislation in the future. For the most up-to-date information, it would be advisable to monitor announcements from relevant UAE government bodies as 'public consultations' are not standard procedure in the UAE (which means we do not often have foresight into the release of news laws or regulations prior to the issuance).
Are there any guidelines/ codes of conduct/ recommendations / reports / policies in connection with AI in your jurisdiction?
Yes, the UAE has developed several guidelines, strategies, and initiatives related to AI to ensure its responsible and effective deployment across various sectors. Some of the key initiatives include:
Artificial Intelligence Strategy: Launched in 2017, this strategy is part of the UAE Centennial 2071 objectives. It aims to position the UAE as a global leader in AI by integrating AI technologies across multiple sectors, including education, transportation, health, and more. This comprehensive strategy outlines the UAE's vision to become a global leader in AI by 2031.
AI Ethics Guidelines: While not formal legislation, these guidelines provide a framework for the ethical use of AI. They emphasise principles such as transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI systems. It outlines non-binding guidelines for the ethical design and deployment of AI systems, emphasising principles such as fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy preservation, while aligning with the UAE National AI Strategy and international Sustainable Development Goals. It also introduces initiatives like the UAE AI Seal to attract ethical AI businesses and AI Procurement Guidelines to guide government AI system procurement, aiming for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to evolve these guidelines into a universal framework.
AI Guide: The guide outlines the UAE's strategic initiatives and frameworks for advancing artificial intelligence, emphasising its applications across various sectors, governance, ethical considerations, and the importance of AI literacy and education . It highlights the UAE's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI by 2031 through comprehensive policies and investments in technology and talent development
UAE Position on AI Policy: It outlines the UAE's strategic approach to AI policy, emphasising its commitment to being a global leader in AI through principles of Advancement, Collaboration, Community, Ethics, Sustainability, and Safety, while actively participating in international AI governance and promoting ethical, transparent, and sustainable AI development. It highlights the UAE's efforts to integrate AI across various sectors, foster international partnerships, and ensure equitable access to AI technologies, aligning with global standards and addressing both regional and global challenges.
UAE Charter for the Development & Use of AI: It outlines a framework to ensure ethical oversight and the protection of community rights in AI development, aligning with the UAE's strategy to become a global leader in AI by 2031. It emphasises principles such as safety, fairness, data privacy, transparency, human oversight, governance, technological excellence, and compliance with international laws to foster innovation and societal well-being.
Deepfake Guide: The guide provides a comprehensive overview of deepfake technology. It explains that deepfakes are AI-generated audio and video content that appear realistic but are not based in reality, often created using Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) . The guide highlights the dual nature of deepfakes, noting their use in entertainment and medical applications, such as creating special effects and synthetic audio for patients. However, it also warns of the potential for misuse, including reputational damage, manipulation of public opinion, and the creation of false evidence. The document emphasises the importance of awareness and legal measures to combat the negative impacts of deepfakes, while also acknowledging the challenges in detection and regulation. Additionally, it provides guidance on protecting personal data to prevent misuse and offers tips for detecting deepfakes.
Whitepaper on Responsible Metaverse Self-governance Framework: The whitepaper outlines the need for international cooperation to establish self-regulatory principles for the metaverse, addressing challenges such as data protection, privacy, and digital well-being, while promoting interoperability, sustainability, and inclusiveness. It emphasises the importance of creating a safe, transparent, and ethical metaverse environment through collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society.
Any additional relevant news regarding AI / or anticipated future changes (e.g. white papers, policy statements about AI regulation)?
In addition to the documents mentioned in column D, the UAE has several other guidelines, documents, and policies related to AI. These documents and initiatives reflect the UAE's proactive approach to harnessing AI's potential while addressing ethical, regulatory, and societal challenges:
Smart Dubai Initiatives: Smart Dubai has launched several AI-related initiatives, including the Dubai AI Roadmap and the Dubai AI Ethics Guidelines, which provide a framework for the ethical use of AI in the city.
AI Procurement Guidelines: These guidelines help government entities in the UAE procure AI technologies responsibly, ensuring that AI systems are aligned with ethical and strategic objectives.
AI Network: An initiative to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among AI professionals and organisations within the UAE, promoting best practices and innovation in AI.
Is AI specifically addressed in IP laws? Are there any guidelines / soft laws relating to AI?
The UAE does not have specific IP laws exclusively addressing AI. However, the existing IP framework can be applied to AI-related inventions, software, and creations. The UAE's IP laws cover patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets, which can be relevant to AI technologies and outputs.
Is AI specifically addressed in data protection laws? Are there any guidelines / soft laws relating to AI?
In the UAE, AI is not specifically addressed in the UAE's Federal Law No. 45 of 2021 on the Protection of Personal Data ("UAE PDPL"), however, automated processing is defined as any "processing which is carried out using an electronic program or system which operates in an automated and automatic manner either completely independently without any human intervention or partially with limited human supervision and intervention".
The UAE's PDPL provides a general framework for data protection, which applies to AI systems handling personal data. This law emphasises principles such as consent, data minimisation, and transparency, which are relevant to AI applications.
Who are the competent AI supervisory authorities in your jurisdiction?
UAE Artificial Intelligence Office: This is the main office which was established to oversee the implementation of AI initiatives and strategies. It plays a crucial role in coordinating efforts across government entities and ensuring alignment with national objectives.
Aside from the Artificial Intelligence Office above which is the main competent supervisory authority, there are several authorities oversee and regulate aspects related to artificial intelligence, each with a specific focus:
Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications: This ministry is primarily responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of AI strategies in the UAE, promoting AI integration across various sectors.
Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority: The TDRA plays a role in regulating digital transformation initiatives, including aspects of AI related to telecommunications and digital governance.
Smart Dubai: Although focused on the city of Dubai, Smart Dubai leads initiatives related to AI deployment and ethical guidelines within the city, including the Dubai AI Ethics Guidelines.
UAE Data Office: This office is responsible for data protection and privacy, which are critical components of AI governance, ensuring that AI systems comply with data protection laws.
Are there any publicly known enforcement actions in relation to AI?
N/A
Are there any other sector specific laws or guideline / soft laws (e.g. finance, healthcare etc.) where AI is specifically addressed?
While there are no sector-specific laws exclusively dedicated to AI, several sectors have guidelines and frameworks where AI is a significant focus:
Healthcare: The UAE's Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) have been actively exploring AI applications in healthcare, focusing on enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. While there are no specific AI laws, guidelines emphasise data privacy and the ethical use of AI in healthcare settings.
Finance: The Central Bank of the UAE and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) have been exploring AI's role in financial services, particularly in areas like fraud detection and risk management. The DFSA has issued guidelines on the use of technology, including AI, in financial services, emphasising compliance with existing financial regulations.
Transportation: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has been at the forefront of integrating AI into transportation, particularly in smart traffic management and autonomous vehicles. While specific AI laws are not in place, the focus is on safety and efficiency.
Smart Cities: Initiatives like Smart Dubai incorporate AI into urban planning and city management, with guidelines promoting the ethical use of AI to improve city services and quality of life.
Financial services freezones: The UAE has two financial service freezones; (a) Dubai International Financial Centre ("DIFC"); and (2) Abu Dhabi Global Market ("ADGM"), which operate own data protection regimes:
DIFC - Regulation 10 of DIFC Law No.5 of 2020, primarily deals with the rights of data subjects regarding automated decision-making, including profiling. It aims to protect individuals from decisions made solely on automated processing that have significant effects on them. The regulation typically requires that data subjects be informed about such processing and be given the right to request human intervention, express their point of view, and contest the decision. Additionally, it mandates that organisations implement suitable measures to safeguard the data subject's rights and freedoms.
ADGM - Section 20 of ADGM Data Protection Regulations 2021 contain provisions similar to those in the DIFC regarding automated decision-making and profiling. The ADGM regulations provide data subjects with rights concerning decisions made solely on automated processing, including profiling, particularly when such decisions have significant legal or similarly substantial effects on them.
