UAE Set to Use AI to Write Laws in World First
TL;DR
- The UAE is becoming the first country to integrate AI into its lawmaking process.
- The new system aims to draft and amend laws at a speed up to 70% faster.
- The initiative is backed by the establishment of a Regulatory Intelligence Office.
- Legal experts warn about potential reliability issues with AI systems in legislative contexts.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a groundbreaking decision to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into its lawmaking process, making it the first country in the world to do so. This ambitious initiative aims to speed up the legislative process significantly, potentially reducing the time and effort required for drafting, reviewing, and enacting laws by as much as 70%.
The Legislative Shift
In a recent cabinet meeting, the UAE government approved the creation of a new body known as the Regulatory Intelligence Office. This office will oversee the integration of AI technologies in the legislative system, aligning federal and local laws with judicial rulings and public services. This interconnected approach is designed to enhance the agility and responsiveness of the UAE's legal framework.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, stated,
"This new legislative system, powered by artificial intelligence, will change how we create laws, making the process faster and more precise."
The initiative comes as part of a broader national strategy aimed at harnessing cutting-edge technologies to improve governance and streamline public administration.
Expert Insights and Implications
While the integration of AI in drafting legislation is a historic move, legal experts urge caution. Concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of AI systems, with some researchers noting that these technologies can sometimes produce erroneous outputs or "hallucinations" based on flawed data inputs[^1]. Such issues emphasize the need for ongoing human oversight in the legislative process, especially as laws relate to fundamental rights and societal impacts.
Hesham Elrafei, a UAE-based solicitor, noted,
“It’s introducing a new way of making [laws]… clear, plain language, in both Arabic and English… essential for a nation with over 200 nationalities.”
This focus on clarity and accessibility is vital in a multicultural society where understanding legal texts can often be a barrier to compliance and fairness.
Broader Context
The UAE's initiative to employ AI for legislative purposes follows a pattern of technological investments aimed at positioning the country as a global hub for digital innovation. In previous years, the UAE became known for appointing the world’s first AI Minister and driving various government initiatives leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency[^2].
According to estimates, AI's integration could transform the UAE's economy, projecting an increase in GDP by 35% and a reduction in government costs by 50% by 2030[^3]. As the global market for AI is expected to reach a staggering $15.7 trillion, the UAE is poised not just to adopt but to lead in this expanding landscape[^4].
Conclusion
The UAE's decision to leverage AI in lawmaking is a pioneering venture that promises to reshape governance and legislative processes. While the anticipated acceleration of law development could enhance responsiveness to public needs, it remains essential to monitor and address any reliability concerns associated with AI. The UAE's steps towards AI integration reflect a future where technology could redefine legal norms and public administration in unprecedented ways.
References
[^1]: Title: UAE set to use AI to write laws in world first. Financial Times. Retrieved April 21, 2025. [^2]: "UAE Launches World’s First AI-Powered Regulatory Intelligence Ecosystem." BABL AI. Retrieved April 16, 2025. [^3]: "UAE to use AI in drafting and amending laws, aiming for 70% faster reforms." Caliber.Az. Retrieved April 21, 2025. [^4]: Title: UAE first country to use AI to write laws. Yahoo News. Retrieved April 21, 2025.
Tags
UAE, Artificial Intelligence, Lawmaking, Governance, Technology Integration
