Artificial intelligence (AI) has become part of everyday life for most of us. In the UAE, it is used to improve healthcare, financial services, transport and even public administration. The country’s leadership saw the potential of this technology early and has taken consistent steps to position the UAE as a global hub for AI development. The legal framework around it is still taking shape but it is growing in pace with innovation.
The UAE’s focus on AI began in 2017 with the launch of the National AI Strategy and the appointment of the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Since then, a series of policies have set out a clear vision for how AI should be developed and used. The UAE AI Charter, approved by the Cabinet in July 2024 and the International AI Policy adopted a few months later, both reflect a national commitment to ethics, transparency and accountability. These policies do not yet function as binding law but they guide how AI should be governed while existing federal laws, such as the Data Protection Law and Consumer Protection Law, continue to apply where relevant.
Dubai has taken the most advanced regulatory step so far. In 2023, the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) became the first jurisdiction in the region to add specific rules for AI and autonomous systems within its Data Protection Regulations. These rules require that AI systems operate fairly, securely, transparently and with clear accountability. Systems considered high-risk, such as those that make automated decisions or use biometric data, must follow additional oversight and audit requirements. The DIFC’s approach has become a reference point for how AI can be responsibly managed within a business environment.
Abu Dhabi has focused on building strong institutions to support AI growth. In early 2024, it created the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council to oversee AI policy, research and investment. This shows the emirate’s commitment to turning technological ambition into structured governance. Within the Abu Dhabi Global Market, a sandbox approach allows new AI tools to be tested safely before full deployment, balancing innovation with control. The Department of Health’s policy on the use of AI in healthcare, first introduced in 2018, remains one of the region’s earliest examples of practical AI regulation and continues to shape standards for safety and performance.
Questions of liability are still handled under general legal principles. Under Article 316 of the Civil Transactions Law, an operator who uses or manages an AI system is responsible for ensuring it does not cause harm. Companies usually address this through strong operational controls, insurance and clear contracts that define who is responsible for what. Some areas, such as autonomous vehicles, already have specific rules that include insurance and operational responsibilities. These steps show how the UAE is gradually introducing detailed regulations in sectors where AI is already in use.
For now, businesses working with AI in the UAE should treat governance and compliance as part of their innovation strategy. This means keeping systems transparent, ensuring human oversight and aligning with the ethical principles promoted by the UAE AI Charter and the DIFC framework. Companies that follow these principles are not just protecting themselves from risk but contributing to the country’s wider goal of building a trusted environment for advanced technology.
The UAE’s progress in this space is deliberate and forward-looking. Each new framework, policy and institution brings the country closer to a complete AI legal system that supports both innovation and accountability. The message is clear: technology will continue to grow but it will do so within a structure built on ethics, safety and public trust.
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Haseena Ahmed is an Associate at Crimson Legal with an Associate at Crimson Legal with a strong transactional and advisory background spanning corporate, commercial and technology law in the UAE. She is widely recognised for her precision, drafting expertise and commercially astute approach, particularly in high-value, multi-party transactions. Haseena advises clients across a broad range of sectors including energy, construction, technology, entertainment, finance, fashion and events. She is regularly engaged to lead negotiations, manage due diligence and deliver tailored legal solutions that align with each client’s operational and strategic goals.
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
