The UAE Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has recently approved the country’s official stance on artificial intelligence (AI) policy internationally.
Developed jointly by 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, the policy is a strategic step within the UAE’s comprehensive foreign policy framework, designed to tackle the complex challenges presented by AI on the global stage.
Contributions to global AI governance frameworks
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, emphasized the UAE government’s key role in shaping global AI governance frameworks and international policies. The UAE has proactively contributed to multilateral platforms to establish an effective and responsible AI sector.
“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,” he added.
He added that this policy will strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in AI, ensuring that technological advancements go hand in hand with improving the well-being of society.
AI policy’s six core principles
For his part, Omran Sharaf, Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology, said that adopting such policies would boost the UAE’s position as a leader in the development and utilization of AI, enhancing trust with its strategic partners.
“By aligning the country’s foreign policy with global artificial intelligence standards, we enable local stakeholders, including private enterprises, research institutions, and others, to tackle the challenges of artificial intelligence on an international scale,” he added.
The AI policy is built on six core principles: advancement, cooperation, community, ethics, sustainability and security. It also demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that AI development in the UAE aligns with ethical, social, and environmental priorities.
Additionally, the policy seeks to utilize AI to drive economic diversification and innovation, while encouraging the development of high-impact technological solutions.
Supporting AI sector’s growth
The UAE’s position includes foreign policies on AI, including participating in international AI forums to shape the development and use of this technology through future standards and guidelines. It also encompasses advocating transparency and built-in checkpoints within AI tools. Moreover, it seeks to enable governments to enforce ethical standards and implement accountability measures.
The UAE’s AI policy also supports the establishment of international alliances for governing, securing, and developing AI systems.
Additionally, it outlines supporting the establishment of global alliances to govern, secure, and advance AI systems in addition to supporting the implementation of international regulations that hold countries accountable for developing AI tools that could cause harm or destabilization, while ensuring AI security, privacy protection, and data safety.
Finally, it encourages the responsible use of AI applications through joint research and development initiatives that seek to promote peace and stability both regionally and globally.
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