{"id":110396,"date":"2025-08-07T12:25:45","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T12:25:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=110396"},"modified":"2025-08-29T15:32:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T15:32:50","slug":"uae-artificial-intelligence","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/uae-artificial-intelligence\/","title":{"rendered":"United Arab Emirates: Artificial Intelligence"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-110396","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-artificial-intelligence","jurisdictions-uae"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Al Tamimi &amp; Company<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/08\/al-tamimi.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">Al Tamimi &amp; Company<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2019\/08\/al-tamimi.png\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Artificial Intelligence laws and regulations applicable in United Arab Emirates<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are your countries legal definitions of \u201cartificial intelligence\u201d?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has developed several legal and official definitions of artificial intelligence (AI), though there is not yet a single, universally adopted definition across all government bodies.<\/p>\n<p>The UAE Ministry of Justice defines AI as &#8220;a branch of computer science aimed at creating systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. This includes learning, reasoning, understanding, and interacting with the environment. Technologies such as machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing are used to develop systems capable of learning from data and improving their performance over time.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>In the UAE AI Ethics Guide, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence describes AI as &#8220;the capability of a functioning unit to perform functions that are generally associated with human intelligence such as reasoning, learning and self-improvement.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>The UAE Ministry of Cabinet Affairs, through the Prime Minister\u2019s Office, defines AI as &#8220;systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks and can iteratively improve themselves based on the data they collect.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>While the precise wording varies, all definitions emphasize that artificial intelligence involves systems or machines that mimic human intelligence to perform tasks such as reasoning, learning, and self-improvement. These definitions also highlight the use of advanced technologies\u2014such as machine learning and neural networks\u2014that enable systems to learn from data and enhance their performance over time.<\/p>\n<p>In summary, the UAE recognizes artificial intelligence as technology that simulates human cognitive functions, with the capacity for learning, reasoning, and iterative improvement, as reflected in the definitions provided by various government authorities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country developed a national strategy for artificial intelligence? If so, has there been any progress in its implementation? Are there plans for updates or revisions?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UAE launched its national strategy for artificial intelligence, known as the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, in 2017. The primary objectives of this strategy are to facilitate the integration of AI technologies across various sectors, achieve the long-term goals outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071, establish a new high-value market, enhance government performance, and position the UAE as a global leader in AI investments.<\/p>\n<p>Since the launch of the strategy, the UAE has introduced a series of initiatives to advance its implementation. Notably, the creation of the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Artificial Intelligence is a significant step. The CEO is tasked with strategic planning for AI, promoting best practices, serving as an adviser on AI matters, and overseeing the adoption of AI technologies across government entities.<\/p>\n<p>The UAE has also established the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence, which is responsible for supervising and guiding the integration of AI in government and education sectors. This council is composed of various committees and sub-councils, all working towards the goal of positioning the UAE as a global leader in AI.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) was formed to develop finance, investment, and research plans that support Abu Dhabi\u2019s strategy to become a global hub for AI and advanced technology. The AIATC plays a key role in shaping the research and investment landscape for AI in the UAE.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Has your country implemented rules or guidelines (including voluntary standards and ethical principles) on artificial intelligence? If so, please provide a brief overview of said rules or guidelines. If no rules on artificial intelligence are in force in your jurisdiction, please (i) provide a short overview of the existing laws that potentially could be applied to artificial intelligence and the use of artificial intelligence, (ii) briefly outline the main difficulties in interpreting such existing laws to suit the peculiarities of artificial intelligence, and (iii) summarize any draft laws, or legislative initiatives, on artificial intelligence.<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UAE has not enacted a single, comprehensive regulation specifically governing AI. However, the UAE has taken significant steps to guide the ethical and practical use of AI through the publication of several non-binding guidelines and frameworks. These documents are designed to provide direction and best practices for developers, users, and regulators, but they do not carry the force of law. While these guidelines are not legally enforceable, they play a crucial role in shaping the development and deployment of AI in the UAE. They offer practical recommendations and set expectations for ethical conduct, risk management, and compliance with broader legal and societal norms.<\/p>\n<p>In the absence of AI-specific legislation, several existing laws may be relevant to the use and regulation of AI in the UAE, including:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>The UAE Civil Code, which establishes general principles of liability for harm caused by defective products or services, which can include AI systems.<\/li>\n<li>The Consumer Protection Law, which requires that consumers are provided with a safe environment when purchasing goods or receiving services.<\/li>\n<li>The UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), which imposes restrictions on the processing of personal data, which can include data used in AI development and deployment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Interpreting and applying these existing laws to AI presents several challenges, such as:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>These legislations were not published to explicitly cover AI, so they do not fully align with the use of AI.<\/li>\n<li>The autonomous and complex nature of AI systems, which can make it difficult to attribute fault or liability.<\/li>\n<li>The lack of clear legal definitions and standards specific to AI, leading to uncertainty for developers, users, and regulators.<\/li>\n<li>The rapid pace of technological advancement, which can outstrip the ability of existing legal frameworks to address new risks and scenarios.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which rules apply to defective artificial intelligence systems, i.e. artificial intelligence systems that do not provide the safety that the public at large is entitled to expect?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>While no rules have been enacted to deal with defective artificial intelligence systems, some existing laws may indirectly apply. Notably, Article 316 of the UAE Civil Code may apply hold the system developers and\/or operators liable for AI generated harm from defective systems, as it imposes liability on \u201cany person who has things under his control which require special care\u201d. The Consumer Protection Law may also apply as it requires that consumers are provided an \u201cappropriate and safe environment when purchasing a good or receiving a service\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the specific references to Article 316 of the UAE Civil Code and the Consumer Protection Law, the general principles of liability for wrongdoing under UAE law are also relevant and would apply to suppliers of defective artificial intelligence (AI) systems. These ordinary principles are rooted in the UAE Civil Code and provide a broader legal framework for addressing harm caused by defective products or services, including AI systems.<\/p>\n<p>Under the UAE Civil Code, the foundational principle of tortious liability is set out in Article 282, which states that &#8220;any harm done to another shall render the doer, even though not a person of discretion, liable to make good the harm.&#8221; This provision establishes a general obligation to compensate for harm caused to others, regardless of the nature of the act or the capacity of the wrongdoer. In the context of defective AI systems, this means that if a supplier\u2019s actions (or omissions) in developing, supplying, or maintaining an AI system result in harm to a user or third party, the supplier may be held liable to compensate for that harm.<\/p>\n<p>For liability to arise under these ordinary principles, three elements must generally be established:<\/p>\n<ol style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>Fault: There must be a wrongful act or omission, which can include negligence, lack of due care, or failure to meet required standards in the design, development, or supply of the AI system.<\/li>\n<li>Damage: Actual harm or loss must have occurred to the claimant, whether material, moral, or physical.<\/li>\n<li>Causation: There must be a direct causal link between the fault and the damage suffered.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>These elements are consistent with the general approach to civil liability in the UAE and would apply to cases involving defective AI systems, just as they would to other products or services.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, Article 291 of the Civil Code provides that if multiple parties are responsible for the harm, they may be held jointly and severally liable. This means that in the context of AI, liability could potentially be shared between developers, suppliers, operators, and other parties involved in the AI system\u2019s lifecycle, depending on their respective roles and contributions to the defect or harm.<\/p>\n<p>According to Article 117 of the Civil Code, the burden of proof lies with the claimant, who must demonstrate the existence of fault, damage, and causation to succeed in a claim for compensation.<\/p>\n<p>Suppliers of defective AI systems, these ordinary principles mean that they must exercise due care in the design, development, testing, and supply of AI products. Failure to do so, resulting in harm, could expose them to liability under the general rules of tort. This liability is not limited to physical harm but can also extend to financial loss, reputational damage, or other forms of injury caused by the defective AI system.<\/p>\n<p>While there are no AI-specific liability rules currently in force, the ordinary principles of civil liability under the UAE Civil Code provide a robust legal basis for holding suppliers of defective AI systems accountable for wrongdoing. These principles ensure that victims of harm caused by defective AI systems have recourse to compensation, subject to the usual requirements of fault, damage, and causation. As the legal landscape evolves, these foundational rules will continue to play a critical role in addressing liability for AI-related harm.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Please describe any civil and criminal liability rules that may apply in case of damages caused by artificial intelligence systems. Have there been any court decisions or legislative developments clarifying liability frameworks applied to artificial intelligence?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In the UAE, both civil and criminal liability frameworks may apply in cases where artificial intelligence (AI) systems cause harm. The allocation of liability depends on the role of the party involved, whether as a developer, supplier, or user of the AI system, and the nature of the wrongdoing.<\/p>\n<p>Under the UAE Civil Code, the ordinary principles of tortious (wrongful act) liability apply to damages caused by defective AI systems. Article 282 establishes that any person who causes harm to another is liable to compensate for that harm, regardless of intent. This means that developers and suppliers of AI systems may be held civilly liable if their actions or omissions\u2014such as negligence in design, development, testing, or supply\u2014result in harm to users or third parties. The claimant must establish fault, actual damage, and a direct causal link between the fault and the damage. Article 291 further provides for joint and several liability, so multiple parties (e.g., developer, supplier, end-user) may be held liable together if their actions contributed to the harm.<\/p>\n<p>Users of AI systems may also incur civil liability if their misuse or negligent operation of the AI system results in harm to others. For example, if a user knowingly deploys an AI system in a manner that is unsafe or contrary to recommended guidelines, and this causes damage, the user may be liable under the same principles.<\/p>\n<p>Criminal liability may arise under the UAE Penal Code, particularly where the use or operation of an AI system results in conduct that constitutes a criminal offence (e.g., defamation, fraud, or other cybercrimes). Article 66 of the Penal Code allows for legal entities (e.g., AI developers or deploying companies) to be held criminally liable for offences committed by their representatives, which can include acts involving or facilitated by AI systems. This means that both developers and suppliers could face criminal sanctions if their AI systems are used to commit offences, or if they are complicit in such use.<\/p>\n<p>Differences in the UAE\u2019s law about the publication of statements which may adversely affect a person\u2019s reputation could mean there is a higher risk of liability arising from AI-generated defamatory content. This is because under UAE law, such statements constitute a criminal offence even where the statement is true, and both civil and criminal consequences may follow. Unlike in other jurisdictions, the UAE law does not require proving negligence or malice. Further there is strictly no need for quantifiable damages, as while this is relevant to civil proceedings in the UAE, a criminal proceeding might still be possible. However, any determination of liability for AI-generated content will depend heavily on the specific facts of the case.<\/p>\n<p>A distinction can likely be made between cases where generative AI is used as a tool versus when it is acting \u201cautonomously\u201d.\u00a0 For example, in the case of deepfakes, where a user is prompting AI to create a fake image\/video, it is more unlikely that the generative AI (or platform operator) would be liable, rather the user more likely would be. \u00a0Alternatively, where a user directly prompts AI to make a negative statement about a person, it is unlikely that the AI\/platform operator could be liable.<\/p>\n<p>However, if the AI produces true information that would be considered offensive under UAE law, then it is more difficult to determine whether the model supplier could be liable, because of the way generative AI utilizes already existing data (although this could be comparable to using it as a regular search engine).<\/p>\n<p>To date, there have been no reported court decisions or legislative developments in the UAE that expressly address the liability of artificial intelligence systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Who is responsible for any harm caused by an AI system? And how is the liability allocated between the developer, the deployer, the user and the victim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In the UAE, the allocation of liability for harm caused by an AI system is governed by the general principles of civil liability under the UAE Civil Code, as well as relevant criminal law provisions. The determination of responsibility is fact-specific and depends on the roles and conduct of the parties involved, namely, the developer, supplier (or deployer), user, and, in some cases, the victim.<\/p>\n<p>The foundational rule is that any party whose fault, whether by act or omission, causes harm to another may be held liable to compensate for that harm. This is set out in Article 282 of the Civil Code, which imposes liability for any harm done to another, regardless of intent. The key elements required to establish liability are: (i) fault (such as negligence, lack of due care, or failure to meet required standards), (ii) actual damage suffered by the claimant, and (iii) a direct causal link between the fault and the damage.<\/p>\n<p>Liability may rest with the developer, supplier (or deployer), or user of the AI system, depending on whose conduct or omission caused the harm. For example:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>The developer of an AI system may be liable if the harm results from defects in the design, development, or testing of the system. If the developer failed to implement adequate safeguards or quality controls, and this omission led to the AI system causing harm, the developer could be held responsible.<\/li>\n<li>The supplier or deployer (such as a company that integrates or distributes the AI system) may also be liable if the harm is attributable to their actions, such as improper installation, inadequate instructions, or failure to warn users of known risks. Liability may also arise if the supplier failed to ensure the system was suitable for its intended use.<\/li>\n<li>The user of the AI system can be liable if the harm is caused by their misuse, negligent operation, or deployment of the system in a manner contrary to recommended guidelines or ethical standards. For instance, if a user intentionally or recklessly uses the AI system to generate or disseminate harmful content, or ignores warnings about its limitations, they may be held responsible for resulting damage.<\/li>\n<li>Where multiple parties contribute to the harm, Article 291 of the Civil Code provides that they may be held jointly and severally liable. This means that the claimant can seek full compensation from any one of the responsible parties, who may then seek contribution from the others according to their respective degrees of fault.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The victim is not liable for the harm but bears the burden of proof. Under Article 117 of the Civil Code, the victim (claimant) must demonstrate the existence of fault, actual damage, and causation to succeed in a claim for compensation.<\/p>\n<p>Determining liability in the context of AI systems can be complex due to the often unclear and autonomous nature of AI decision-making. The allocation of responsibility will depend on the specific facts, including the nature of the harm, the foreseeability of the risk, the roles of the parties, and the adequacy of safeguards and instructions provided.<\/p>\n<p>Responsibility for harm caused by an AI system in the UAE is allocated based on fault and causation, and may rest with the developer, supplier, or user, depending on whose actions or omissions led to the damage. Multiple parties may be held jointly liable if their conduct collectively contributed to the harm. The victim must prove fault, damage, and causation to obtain compensation. While the legal framework provides a basis for civil liability, including the need to establish fault, damage, and causation, its practical application to AI-related incidents remains largely untested before UAE courts, making outcomes in such cases difficult to predict.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What burden of proof will have to be satisfied for the victim of the damage to obtain compensation?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under UAE law, specifically Article 117 of the Civil Code, the burden of proof lies with the party who asserts a claim, which in this context would be the victim seeking compensation for any damage. This means that the claimant must provide sufficient evidence to establish their case.<\/p>\n<p>The claimant must generally prove the following elements:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>Fault: There must be a wrongful act or omission by the defendant, such as negligence, lack of due care, or failure to meet required standards in the design, development, supply, or use of the AI system.<\/li>\n<li>Damage: The claimant must demonstrate that actual harm or loss has occurred. This can include material, moral, or physical damage.<\/li>\n<li>Causation: There must be a direct causal link between the defendant\u2019s fault and the damage suffered by the claimant.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is the use of artificial intelligence insured and\/or insurable in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is presently no specific, standalone insurance product mandated for AI use in the UAE.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can artificial intelligence be named an inventor in a patent application filed in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under the current legal framework in the United Arab Emirates, only natural persons can be named as inventors in patent applications. The UAE\u2019s patent laws do not recognize artificial intelligence (AI) systems as inventors. As a result, it is not possible for AI to be named as an inventor in a patent application filed in the UAE. The requirement for human authorship is a fundamental aspect of the UAE\u2019s approach to intellectual property rights, and there are no provisions that allow for non-human entities, such as AI, to be credited as inventors.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do images generated by and\/or with artificial intelligence benefit from copyright protection in your jurisdiction? If so, who is the authorship attributed to?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There are currently no specific legal provisions in the UAE that directly address the copyright protection of images generated by or with artificial intelligence. Under Federal Law No. (38) of 2021 on Copyright and Neighboring Rights, copyright protection is generally reserved for works that involve human authorship. As a result, it is unlikely that images generated solely by artificial intelligence\u2014where creative human input is minimal or absent\u2014would qualify for copyright protection in the UAE.<\/p>\n<p>In cases where a human has made a significant creative contribution to the generation of the image, such as through the selection of inputs, curation, or substantial modification, there may be a stronger argument for copyright protection, with authorship attributed to the human creator. However, in the absence of meaningful human involvement, AI-generated images are unlikely to be eligible for copyright registration or protection under current UAE law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the main issues to consider when using artificial intelligence systems in the workplace? Have any new regulations been introduced regarding AI-driven hiring, performance assessment, or employee monitoring?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is presently no law or regulation that regulates AI-driven hiring, performance assessment or employee monitoring in the UAE, but transparency, while not a legal requirement, is often adopted by employers to foster trust, with many organizations choosing to disclose their use of AI to employees.<\/p>\n<p>It would be prudent for employers to implement clear AI usage policies to define acceptable practices and mitigate risks of employee misconduct or disciplinary issues. Additionally, the use of AI in decision-making processes, such as recruitment or performance assessment, could give rise to concerns about potential discrimination or bias, underscoring the importance of monitoring AI-driven outcomes for fairness and compliance. Organizations should remain vigilant and ensure that their practices align with existing legal and ethical standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What privacy issues arise from the development (including training) and use of artificial intelligence?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the UAE raise significant privacy concerns, particularly due to the reliance on large datasets that may include personal and sensitive information. Under the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), the processing of personal data is subject to strict requirements. Privacy risks arise when AI systems process data beyond these lawful bases, especially when handling sensitive categories of data, which can lead to unauthorized disclosure or misuse. The training of AI models on such data can inadvertently result in privacy breaches, including the potential for AI outputs to reveal or infer sensitive personal information. In the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), both of which operate under their own data protection regimes modeled closely on the EU\u2019s GDPR, similar principles apply. Data controllers must ensure transparency, lawfulness, fairness, and purpose limitation in the processing of personal data for AI development and deployment. Notably, the DIFC has introduced a new data protection regulation specifically targeting AI systems, which imposes additional obligations on organizations deploying AI, such as requirements for transparency, accountability, and risk assessments to mitigate the unique privacy risks associated with AI technologies. These frameworks collectively underscore the importance of robust data governance, risk management, and compliance measures to address the heightened privacy challenges posed by AI in the UAE and its financial free zones.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is data scraping regulated in your jurisdiction from an IP, privacy and competition point of view? Are there any recent precedents addressing the legality of data scraping for AI training?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Data scraping is not explicitly regulated under UAE law. From a privacy perspective, large-scale data scraping may breach the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) if it involves processing personal data beyond what is necessary or fails to meet requirements processing under the law. In terms of intellectual property, data scraping could infringe copyright protections if the scraped data is subject to copyright under UAE law. There are currently no specific legal precedents or court decisions in the UAE addressing the legality of data scraping for AI training, and the issue remains untested before UAE courts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent is the prohibition of data scraping in the terms of use of a website enforceable?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The enforceability of such prohibitions remains uncertain, as there have been no reported cases or legal precedents in the UAE addressing the issue of data scraping in the context of website terms of use. Consequently, the practical extent to which these prohibitions can be enforced under UAE law is presently unknown.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have the privacy authorities of your jurisdiction issued guidelines on artificial intelligence?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UAE Data Office is designated as the privacy authority responsible for preparing guidelines related to the implementation of the UAE Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). However, the UAE Data Office is not yet operational and, as a result, has not issued any guidelines specifically addressing artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have the privacy authorities of your jurisdiction discussed cases involving artificial intelligence? If yes, what are the key takeaways from these cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No, the UAE Data Office has not discussed any cases involving artificial intelligence. As mentioned above, the UAE Data Office is not yet operational and has not issued any guidelines or commentary on cases related to artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Have your national courts already managed cases involving artificial intelligence? If yes, what are the key takeaways from these cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The national courts in the UAE have not yet managed any known cases involving artificial intelligence. To date, there are no reported judicial decisions addressing the application of existing laws to AI systems or clarifying liability frameworks in this context.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Does your country have a regulator or authority responsible for supervising the use and development of artificial intelligence?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The UAE has established dedicated authorities to supervise the use and development of artificial intelligence. The UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain, as well as the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), play key roles in overseeing and guiding the integration of AI technologies across various sectors. These bodies are responsible for developing strategies, policies, and initiatives to position the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How would you define the use of artificial intelligence by businesses in your jurisdiction? Is it widespread or limited? Which sectors have seen the most rapid adoption of AI technologies?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>From information that is publicly available, it appears that AI technologies are being increasingly integrated across a range of sectors in the UAE, with the most significant uptake observed in healthcare, aviation, and education. In the healthcare sector, businesses are leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve patient care, and support medical diagnostics, with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) actively promoting ethical AI practices through dedicated forums. The aviation industry is also embracing AI, utilizing it for flight operations, airport management, and air traffic control to optimize performance and safety. In education, the rapid adoption of AI is evident through various initiatives, including the establishment of the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the first research institution in the region dedicated to AI. Overall, the deployment of AI in UAE businesses is widespread and continues to expand, particularly in sectors that benefit from increased efficiency, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is artificial intelligence being used in the legal sector, by lawyers and\/or in-house counsels? If so, how? Are AI-driven legal tools widely adopted, and what are the main regulatory concerns surrounding them?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Although we are aware that there has been a rise in the use of artificial intelligence within the legal sector globally, it is not clear from the information available publicly to what extent the legal sector in the UAE is using artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the 5 key challenges and the 5 key opportunities raised by artificial intelligence for lawyers in your jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Key challenges include: (1) determining liability for misleading advice or errors generated by AI, as the allocation of responsibility among developers, suppliers, and users remains complex under UAE law; (2) ensuring robust data privacy, particularly in protecting sensitive client information used in AI datasets, in compliance with the UAE Personal Data Protection Law; (3) maintaining transparency, which involves clear disclosure to clients and, where required, to authorities regarding the use of AI tools and the processing of data; (4) navigating regulatory uncertainty, as the legal landscape for AI is rapidly evolving and lacks comprehensive, AI-specific legislation; and (5) upholding quality control to meet legal standards and internal policies, given the potential for AI-generated outputs to impact legal work. Conversely, AI offers notable opportunities, including: (1) increased efficiency by automating and streamlining tasks such as contract drafting and due diligence; (2) enhanced accuracy through the reduction of human error in processes like contract review; (3) greater productivity, enabling lawyers to manage more cases without compromising quality; (4) faster legal research by expediting the analysis of legal databases; and (5) reduced costs by decreasing reliance on manual labor. These challenges and opportunities are based on current publicly available information, and the practical application of AI in the UAE legal sector continues to evolve as the regulatory framework develops.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Where do you see the most significant legal developments in artificial intelligence in your jurisdiction in the next 12 months? Are there any ongoing initiatives that could reshape AI governance?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>To date, there is no publicly available information on any specific draft laws or legislative initiatives that will be enacted in the next 12-month period, but the trend suggests continued adaptation and enhancement of AI governance.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">4865<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/110396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}