UAE: National AI Strategy 2031 and UAE Charter for the Development and Use of AI (non-binding); Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2024 (AIATC); Federal Authority for AI and Data (announced June 14, 2026)

Summary

The UAE governs AI through strategy, guidance and institutions rather than a horizontal AI statute. The UAE Charter for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence is a non-binding charter supporting the National AI Strategy 2031 and setting 12 principles, among them safety, mitigation of algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency and human oversight. In Abu Dhabi, Law No. 3 of 2024 created the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council to oversee AI projects and investment in the emirate. On June 14, 2026, the federal government announced a Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, reporting to the Cabinet and combining the AI Office, the digital government functions of the telecoms regulator and the Emirates Data Office; it is expected to take on the unfinished implementing regulations of the federal data protection law.

Key dates

1. June 14, 2026Key date
2. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
3. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: January 15, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. On 14 June 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the creation of the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data (the Authority), a unified national body consolidating AI oversight, digital government, and data regulation

   Supports: Federal Authority announced June 14, 2026; remit

   UAE Establishes Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP Reporting or analysis

2. This non-binding charter , issued in June 2024, supports the AI Strategy 2031 and outlines 12 ethical principles

   Supports: Charter is non-binding; date; 12 principles

   At the Emirati level, Law No. (3) of 2024, issued in January 2024, formally established the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (the AIATC) in Abu Dhabi.

   Supports: Abu Dhabi Law No. 3 of 2024

   AI in the UAE: Understanding the Regulatory Landscape and Key Authorities Latham & Watkins LLP Reporting or analysis