Embrace AI – but with caution, UAE businesses told
A leading technology executive has urged UAE businesses to fully utilise the advantages artificial intelligence (AI) adoption can bring, while also outlining some of the risks it brings.
Ramprakash Ramamoorthy, Director of AI at Indian multi-national tech company Zoho, said the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing a surge in AI infrastructure development and long-term AI hardware manufacturing plans in their pursuit of technological independence.
He said a recent PwC report, entitled ‘The potential impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Middle East’, forecasts a potential impact of $320bn by 2030, with AI contributing 20-34% annually across the region. T
Ramamoorthy said: “The region is betting big on AI as it sets out to transform government services, businesses, customer experiences, and workplaces across the board. The UAE, in particular, is the front-runner in AI adoption in the business sector.”
But he warned that businesses’ adoption of AI “underscores the critical need for well-defined frameworks to ensure responsible utilisation”.
He said: “The UAE – the first country to appoint a Minister state for AI – has been one of the early adopters of AI, and established laws to regulate some its critical aspects.
“Despite the technology’s rapid development, with newer subsets such as GenAI emerging and evolving by the minute, legal considerations become increasingly important and complex.
“That said, a majority of UAE businesses have already set in motion frameworks for implementation. Some 34% have already developed a comprehensive AI strategy, while another 30% is currently in the process of developing one.”
Ramamoorthy said a legal framework for AI based must be based on key pillars. These included data protection, regulatory compliance, accountability and the ethical use of data.
He said: “UAE businesses should set a high bar for data privacy by adopting a multifaceted legal approach. This includes benchmarking against gold standards like GDPR… besides compliance with the UAE’s penal codes and Personal Data Protection Law. To achieve this, an unwavering commitment to transparency is essential.”
He added that the responsible development and deployment of AI necessitates a two-pronged approach: adhering to regulatory compliance and establishing ethical AI guidelines.
“Organisations should be mindful of evolving regulations like data privacy laws, as well as AI behaviour frameworks such as the Dubai AI Principles,” he said. “Simultaneously, strong ethical AI guidelines are essential, focusing on fairness, accountability, and transparency in data use, decision-making, and user interactions.”
Ramamoorthy concluded: “The future is full of opportunities for regional businesses to flourish by tapping into the infinite potential of AI. However, unlocking this potential hinges on a carefully crafted, continuously evolving approach.
“This approach must seamlessly integrate legal compliance with robust ethical principles, while fostering a well-equipped workforce. By prioritising these key pillars, businesses can ensure responsible AI development and deployment, propelling them towards success in the AI-driven era.”
Abu Dhabi issues warnings over social media influencers
Licensed businesses in Abu Dhabi must comply with relevant controls and conditions when working with social media influencers, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has warned.
In a statement ADDED said it “appreciated the efforts of all licensed economic establishments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to promote and create an ideal economic environment for business in the Emirate”.
Accordingly, ADDED said all such businesses should:
- Ensure social media influencers obtain a license from the department to practice the activity of advertising services through websites;
- Ensure they obtain a permit from ADDED when carrying out any advertisements (advertising, promotional or marketing); and
- -Ensure that they have a valid license issued by ADDED when contracting with influencers and social networking sites.
According to the statement, entities that fail to comply with the regulations will face fines or even closure. It said the penalty fees will start with AED3,000 (£645) and reach AED10,000 (£2,150).
