The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently announced that Artificial Intelligence (AI) activities will be fully regulated in the country. This means that AI businesses will be required to obtain an official licence and regulatory approval to engage in AI activities in the UAE.
The innovation surrounding AI in the UAE has been experiencing rapid growth and interest in recent months. PRO Partner Group has observed a significant increase in inquiries to set up and license AI companies and AI-related businesses in the UAE. The government is actively encouraging and supporting entrepreneurial businesses, SMEs, and Multinationals looking to explore innovation in AI technology, as evidenced by the recent announcement.
Similar to the announcements surrounding the Virtual Assets (VARA) industry, the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence will introduce regulatory requirements for AI. This will separate AI from unregulated activities and assign a governing regulatory body, as the UAE has identified the industry requiring appropriate monitoring. A Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer will also be appointed to each government entity.
This blueprint reflects the UAE’s plan to diversify its economy and become a global leader in technology and innovation. Businesses within the UAE looking to operate under the AI activity will be required to obtain specific licencing and approval. These regulations towards AI are a proactive step taken by the UAE to create an environment where tech businesses can operate under responsibly deployed governance and frameworks.
The announcement also comes in handy with several government incubators and support that will be made available to those businesses that engage in these innovative activities, which already support similar technological and environmental businesses. Since the announcement, over 600 entrepreneurial startup businesses have already existed, and SMEs from 55 countries have submitted applications to benefit from the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) Accelerator Programmes. Of these applications, 30 have already been confirmed for the programme and will be allowed to develop their innovative aspirations for 8 weeks at the AREA2071 offices.
The UAE is spearheading the world’s AI projects, as evidenced by Microsoft’s recent significant investment injection of over $1 billion into the Abu Dhabi-based AI and cloud technology company G42. This AI company in Abu Dhabi focuses on AI-driven solutions in healthcare and education. It has attracted the interest of a major multinational company, which is expected to enhance its AI products and services further.
In addition to the supportive incubator projects, an AI week will be introduced, during which institutions and businesses involved in AI will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative advancements and exchange knowledge.
This AI revolution and evolution of business cannot be ignored. They will inevitably become an integral part of business as we advance, with the UAE positioning itself at the forefront of such innovations to benefit the global advancement of AI.
