SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
With the goal of establishing the UAE as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), the Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications Office has launched the Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the UAE.
Centred on telecommunication, technology, and space, the Charter highlights the importance of ethical AI use, privacy safeguards, and innovation, all the while ensuring adherence to legislation.
The Charter aims to advance innovation and strengthen global competitiveness by engaging stakeholders across multiple sectors.
Commenting on the launch, Prof. Ahmed Al-Durra, Associate Provost for Research and Professor in Electrical Engineering at Khalifa University, UAE, said that the adoption of the Charter for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence will boost the UAE’s global AI competitiveness by aligning with the country’s sustainability goals, and drawing international investments.
He noted that Khalifa University’s AI programmes are in line with the Charter, adding that the University offers a Minor in Artificial Intelligence that enables graduates to design, implement, and evaluate AI-based solutions to meet a given set of engineering and computing requirements.
The programme also helps them develop the techniques, skills, and tools necessary for AI-based solutions, Prof. Al-Durra said.
“At Khalifa University, researchers have developed AI and deep learning models that can effectively forecast future levels of nitrogen dioxide, a common air pollutant, when trained on historical data,” Prof. Al-Durra said.
Further, the University’s researchers have pioneered AI applications that facilitate the integration of renewable energy into power grids and have developed AI-driven technology for X-ray baggage screening, he added.
Prof. Al-Durra’s academic focus includes power systems, renewable energy systems, micro-grids, smart-grids, electric vehicle energy management, and the development of energy storage systems.
Responsible AI Development
Discussing the measures for responsible development of AI technologies, Prof. Al-Durra said that the Charter establishes ethical AI guidelines, with a particular focus on data privacy and security, risk management practices, and transparency in decision-making.
It stresses the respect for human dignity, as well as the promotion of data governance, risk management strategies, and clear transparency in AI-driven decisions, he noted.
Furthermore, the Charter mandates that AI systems prevent biased results, advocate for inclusive development, promote transparency, and enforce accountability for organisations and developers.
The charter also encourages citizen participation in discussions about AI’s impact.
Prof. Al-Durra highlighted that the UAE’s AI charter promotes international collaboration, joint research, and adherence to global standards.
Elaborating further, the professor said that the Charter integrates AI into key industries by fostering sector-specific approaches that align innovation with regulatory standards.
He illustrated Khalifa University’s AI prowess in this regard.
“Researchers from Khalifa University have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to combine satellite images with machine learning for advanced image processing and geospatial analysis for use in archaeology. They have also developed a system in which AI uses extensive data learning to anticipate errors, ensuring timely intervention,” Prof. Al-Durra added.
Another key highlight of the Charter is that it promotes regulatory sandboxes for testing new AI technologies and calls for ongoing regulation updates and stakeholder collaboration to ensure harmony with societal values.