Countries / United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates

The UAE has no federal AI law; it relies on a national AI strategy and a non-binding AI Charter, with binding AI-specific data rules only in the DIFC free zone, and created a Federal Authority for AI and Data in June 2026.

Voluntary principlesApproach
3Rules tracked
1Binding and in force
0Upcoming deadlines

In force (3)

  • UAE AI Charter
    GuidelineUAE Government (Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications Office)Non-binding

    Federal policy charter setting 12 principles for AI development and use in the UAE, including human-machine ties, safety, algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency, human oversight, governance and accountability, and compliance with treaties and applicable laws.

    In forceEffective 10 Jun 2024
  • National AI Strategy 2031
    StrategyUAE Government (AI Office)Non-bindingPartly confirmed

    National strategy with eight objectives aiming to make the UAE a global AI leader by 2031, covering priority sectors, talent, research, data infrastructure, AI in government services and governance/regulation.

    In forceAdopted 21 Apr 2019
  • DIFC Regulation 10
    RegulationDubai International Financial Centre Authority / DIFC Commissioner of Data ProtectionBindingPartly confirmed

    Applies within the DIFC free zone to deployers and operators of AI systems that process personal data. Requires clear notice at first use describing purposes, underlying principles and safeguards; certification-based demonstrations of compliance; and for high-risk processing an Autonomous Systems Officer with DPO-like duties.

    In force

What the rules require

Obligation types found across United Arab Emirates's instruments. Filled dot: imposed by a binding instrument. Ring: guidance only.

Transparency to usersUAE AI Charter, DIFC Regulation 10
Registration or filingDIFC Regulation 10
Human oversightUAE AI Charter, DIFC Regulation 10
Data governanceUAE AI Charter, DIFC Regulation 10
Bias and non-discriminationUAE AI Charter
Government use of AINational AI Strategy 2031

Timeline