The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is placing tolerance, cooperation and shared responsibility at the heart of its advancing artificial intelligence and cybersecurity strategies, according to Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council. Gulf News+2Pakistan Point+2
Speaking at the 2nd Annual Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence hosted by TRENDS AI Dialogue, Dr Al Kuwaiti emphasised that the UAE’s vision extends beyond technology deployment — it is about shaping a society resilient to misinformation, secure from digital threats and founded on inclusive values. Gulf News+1
Our message here: message of tolerance, and using AI to bring everybody together… we cannot do this ourselves. We need everybody to help and really support in that perspective. — Dr Al Kuwaiti Gulf News
Key Pillars of the UAE’s AI & Cyber Strategy
- Governance & Ethics
The UAE’s approach to AI is built on strong frameworks of policy and governance aimed at responsible use. Dr Al Kuwaiti noted that the country has developed new national standards and policies that serve as a roadmap for the digital transformation of government services. Aletihad Newspaper+1 - He also warned that irresponsible deployment of AI could undermine data protection and enable digital intrusion, especially through deepfakes, phishing and other manipulation tactics. Pakistan Point+1
- Cyber‑Defence & Shared Responsibility
The UAE categorises cyber threats into three broad types: cyber‑crime, cyber‑terrorism and cyber‑warfare. These risks are evolving faster than ever, driven by technological leaps and global instability. Gulf News+1 - Dr Al Kuwaiti stressed that people remain the strongest line of defence. “The most important thing is a human being… the centric of our own mission is the human being.” Gulf News
- Innovation, Partnership & National Transformation
Recognising that AI is not confined to one sector, the UAE is advancing across healthcare, energy, aviation, education and more. Dr Al Kuwaiti emphasises that this broad national transformation demands participation from all sectors. Gulf News+1 - On this front, he described a “Fourth P” strategy: public, private and people partnerships — underscoring that the initiative cannot succeed with government alone. Gulf News
Tolerance as Underlying Value
Unique to the UAE’s strategy is the explicit framing of tolerance — not only in social or religious terms, but as a guiding principle for technological innovation and digital future. The view is that for AI to serve society, it must reflect human values and diversity. Zawya+1
Why This Matters
The UAE’s ambition to be an AI nation is set against the backdrop of rapid global technological shifts and mounting digital threats. By positioning tolerance and shared responsibility at its core, the UAE sends a signal that it seeks not only to lead in technology, but to shape the way technology serves society.
In regions where digital infrastructure and regulatory maturity are still being built, this approach offers a path that emphasises both innovation and inclusivity. For businesses and governments, the implication is clear: investing in AI must go hand‑in‑hand with building societal readiness, trust frameworks and governance mechanisms.
What to Watch
- Updates to legislation or regulatory frameworks: As AI uptake accelerates, any changes to the UAE’s governance architecture will be critical.
- Deployment in key sectors: Watch for announcements in healthcare, transport, energy and education where AI may be applied under this tolerance‑centred model.
- Regional influence: The UAE’s model may serve as a template for other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries seeking to balance innovation with ethical and societal imperatives.
- Public‑private collaboration outcomes: Successes or lessons from partnership initiatives will provide insight into how the “people” pillar is operationalised.
Bottom Line
By anchoring its AI and cybersecurity ambitions in tolerance, cooperation and human‑centred values, the UAE aims to chart a distinct path — one where advanced technology does not outpace social cohesion, and where digital resilience is built on both infrastructure and inclusive principles.
