KPMG recently released a new report in collaboration with the World Governments Summit (GMC), titled “The Future of AI Governance: the UAE Charter and Global Perspectives”, underscoring how the UAE’s global leadership in ethical AI is paving the way for robust AI governance in the region.
The UAE’s strategic AI initiatives have taken center stage at the WGS 2025 as international leaders gathered to discuss and define the future of AI, government services, urbanization, education and smart mobility.
“The UAE is rapidly emerging as a global hub for technology, including ethical and responsible AI development – both key themes at this year’s WGS. In this context, the UAE AI Charter is playing a pivotal role in consolidating the nation’s ambitions to secure a digital future,” stated Joe Devassy, director of strategic alliance at KPMG Lower Gulf.
UAE AI Charter propels ethical AI growth
The UAE has successfully embedded technology into government services and aligned its advancements with human well-being and societal values.
The UAE AI Charter, released in 2024, reflects this leadership through its 12 guiding principles, which prioritize inclusivity, transparency, innovation and accountability. The WGS 2025 theme of ‘Shaping Future Governments’, makes this charter especially relevant as AI governance becomes a defining challenge for policymakers.
The principles in the charter seek to ensure that AI technologies enhance human capabilities while safeguarding fundamental rights, promote fairness and inclusivity, reduce bias and discrimination, maintain trust through transparency and robust data privacy measures and drive innovation with ethical governance.
“The charter is more than a set of guidelines; it is a precursor to formalized AI regulations that are likely to shape the future of AI governance in the region. Organizations that act now to align with these principles will gain a competitive edge, enabling them to unlock opportunities for responsible innovation, positioning themselves as leaders in ethical AI adoption,” added Devassy.
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AI accountability to support digital governance efforts
Governments worldwide are shifting from voluntary AI ethics frameworks to enforceable regulations. Without clear AI oversight, risks like bias, misinformation and misuse could undermine digital governance efforts.
Furthermore, businesses that delay alignment will face serious consequences. The UAE’s structured approach to AI accountability benefits businesses and its citizens, who stand to gain from more transparent, unbiased and secure AI-driven systems.
In an effort to further solidify its leadership in AI, the UAE released its international stance on AI policy.
The policy seeks to establish principles that form the foundation for the development, deployment and governance of AI in the country. In addition, it outlines the UAE’s policy stance on AI on the global stage and strengthens the UAE’s strategic position as a global leader in the field of AI. Furthermore, it enhances the UAE’s status as a hub for AI innovations through international cooperation, driving economic diversification and improving the quality of life for residents of the UAE and the global community as a whole.
