UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: requirements, deadlines and compliance actions
UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (UAE National Strategy for AI 2031)
In brief
The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is a non-binding national strategy of the United Arab Emirates, issued by UAE Government / Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. It was adopted on 1 October 2017. Scope is as set out in the official text linked below.
- Jurisdiction
- United Arab Emirates
- Instrument type
- National strategy
- Status
- Adopted
- Legal force
- Non-binding (guidance, strategy or standard)
- Issuing body
- UAE Government / Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence
- Adopted
- 1 October 2017
- Verification
- Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026
What is the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence?
Launched in October 2017, the strategy aims to embed AI across government services and priority sectors such as health, education, transport, energy and space, and to make the UAE a leading AI destination by 2031. Its objectives include AI-friendly legislation, talent development, research capability, data infrastructure and strong governance. The UAE Council for AI was created to drive implementation.
Status note: Month-only launch date (October 2017); first of month used. The primary strategy PDF on ai.gov.ae and the dedicated u.ae strategy page could not be verified: ai.gov.ae is blocked by Cloudflare from this location and the u.ae strategy page returns 404. The recorded source is the official u.ae overview page that describes the strategy and the AI Council (last updated 8 Jul 2025).
Who does it apply to?
Scope is as set out in the official text linked below. Issued by UAE Government / Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Oversight: UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence oversees implementation via committees and sub-councils. Stated purpose: Make the UAE a global AI leader by 2031 as the first project of UAE Centennial 2071.
When do the requirements apply?
2017-10-01: UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence launched (October 2017)
Only the announcement or adoption date is recorded from the source; in-force and application dates are to be confirmed by a reviewer.
Official sources
-
UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (UAE National Strategy for AI 2031)
Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae) · 1 Oct 2017 · Tier 1 source
Cite this record
AIPolicyTracker (2026). “UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence”. https://aipolicytracker.org/policies/uae-uae-strategy-for-artificial-intelligence (accessed 6 October 2026). Data licensed CC BY 4.0.
Cite the official text alongside it: UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (UAE National Strategy for AI 2031), Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae), https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/digital-uae/digital-technology/artificial-intelligence/artificial-intelligence-in-government-policies.
Change history
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Record version 1: Imported from the source-backed legacy dataset (database/data/ai_policies.json); fields limited to what the official source page states. Reviewer to enrich scope, dates and obligations.. Full edit history is in the GitHub repository.
Frequently asked questions
Is the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in force?
Not yet. The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence has been adopted (1 October 2017).
Is the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence legally binding?
No. The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is a national strategy; it sets expectations rather than legal requirements, unless another instrument gives it force.
Who does the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence apply to?
Scope is as set out in the official text linked below. Issued by UAE Government / Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Oversight: UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence oversees implementation via committees and sub-councils. Stated purpose: Make the UAE a global AI leader by 2031 as the first project of UAE Centennial 2071.
When does the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence apply?
2017-10-01: UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence launched (October 2017)
Where is the official text of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence?
The official text is published by Official Platform of the UAE Government (u.ae) at https://u.ae/en/about-the-uae/digital-uae/digital-technology/artificial-intelligence/artificial-intelligence-in-government-policies (UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (UAE National Strategy for AI 2031)). This record links to it and is checked against it.
Disclaimer: informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult a qualified lawyer before acting.