AI and AI regulation will continue play an important role in the Middle East's insurance sector, according to Norton Rose Fulbright's report, titled 'Insurance Foresight 2025'.
Bahrain
According to Norton Rose Fulbright’s report, Bahrain’s Shura Council “has approved a standalone draft law for the governance of AI within Bahrain, which includes provisions around prohibited AI uses, licensing requirements and financial and custodial sanctions for infringements”.
However, the report also noted that the draft law has faced opposition and its current status is not certain.
Kuwait
Kuwait launched its draft “National AI Strategy 2025-2028” recently.
The draft said that it “provides a comprehensive framework and set of recommendations for consideration”.
Strategic objectives include establishing Kuwait as an AI hub, building a robust AI ecosystem and transforming government and public services, according to the draft.
UAE
For instance, the report stated that the UAE “has introduced a number of measures and initiatives to direct the use of AI”.
An initiative is “The UAE Charter for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence”, issued in June 2024, which detailed 12 priorities and components for the development and use of AI, including strengthening human-machine ties, governance and accountability and promoting AI awareness for an inclusive future.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s report said, “The policy objectives of the charter focus on the ethical and responsible use of AI, encouraging innovation and supporting economic growth, and increased awareness and education on AI.”
Oman
In August 2024, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology of Oman published its draft “National Artificial Intelligence Policy” for public consultation, Norton Rose Fulbright’s report stated.
The country also launched the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Digital Technologies in 2022.
Qatar
Qatar Central Bank published the “Guidelines for Secure Adoption and Usage of 2024 Version 1.0 Artificial Intelligence” in 2024.
According to Norton Rose Fulbright’s report, the guidelines then came into force in September 2024.
The document provides “general guidance for the use of AI systems particularly in terms of governance and AI life cycle management”, the report said.
Saudi Arabia
In 2023, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority of Saudi Arabia issued the “AI Ethics Principles”.
The aim of the document includes the development and establishment of AI ethics policies, guidelines, regulations and frameworks, and the governance of data and AI models to limit negative implications.
UAE
For instance, the report stated that the UAE “has introduced a number of measures and initiatives to direct the use of AI”.
An initiative is “The UAE Charter for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence”, issued in June 2024, which detailed 12 priorities and components for the development and use of AI, including strengthening human-machine ties, governance and accountability and promoting AI awareness for an inclusive future.
Norton Rose Fulbright’s report said, “The policy objectives of the charter focus on the ethical and responsible use of AI, encouraging innovation and supporting economic growth, and increased awareness and education on AI.”