Not just another AI assistant
Matt V
April 28, 2025
AI POLICY
The United Arab Emirates is taking a bold step towards using artificial intelligence to shape its laws.
The government plans to bring AI into the process of drafting new legislation, suggesting updates to existing laws, and tracking the impact of regulations on the economy and society.
State media are calling it “AI-driven regulation”, and it’s a move that goes further than anything we’ve seen elsewhere.
While other governments are using AI to summarise bills or improve public services, the UAE wants AI to actively suggest legal updates by analysing huge amounts of data, including court rulings and government services.
A new cabinet unit, the Regulatory Intelligence Office, will oversee the project.
Officials believe AI could speed up lawmaking by 70%.
But researchers have raised concerns: AI systems can be unpredictable, carry hidden biases, and often struggle to properly understand complex laws.
A few key points to know:
AI could end up suggesting confusing or impractical legal changes.
Human oversight and strict safeguards will be crucial.
It’s not yet clear which AI systems will be used, and more than one might be needed.
Crunching data, creating laws
The UAE has already invested heavily in AI, backing big projects like BlackRock’s $30bn AI fund.
While some experts say the country’s system makes it easier to move quickly, others highlight the risks of letting machines play such a big role in shaping laws.
Hope that AI comes with a “this makes no sense” filter.