GCC’s role in shaping an ethical AI framework

Artificial intelligence has become an important focus of individuals and organizations in the public and private sectors because it holds immense promise for generating efficiencies, enhancing innovation and driving economic and social transformation.

But AI also brings potential dangers, including the possibility of widespread disinformation, concentration of power, social upheavals and disruptions. So how does society maximize the promise and minimize the peril associated with AI, which is still a largely unregulated space?

The Gulf Cooperation Council countries are uniquely positioned to set global benchmarks for ethical and positive AI advancement and implementation. Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are already working toward an AI economy built as a force for good, focused on sustainable development and enhancing public services.

The UAE aims to be one of the leading nations in AI by 2031 with a goal of generating up to AED 335 billion ($91.21 billion) in extra growth. However, on a broader scale, there are several key challenges that are important to address when it comes to building a positive and sustainable AI ecosystem.

With a mindset that business can, and should, be a force for good in the world, it is imperative that business, government and other sectors work across disciplines to address complex innovations such as AI.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are shining examples of how we can launch pioneering initiatives to harness AI’s potential. The National Strategy for Data and AI in Saudi Arabia seeks to make the Kingdom a global leader in AI.

For instance, AI is revolutionizing Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector by enabling early diagnosis and data-driven treatment planning. Similarly, the UAE’s efforts as part of its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 incorporate AI in urban planning, upskilling and smart government facilities.

These efforts help bolster the economic potential for AI in the region and contribute to the well-being of the community at large.

From logistics powered by autonomous systems to predictive analytics, the GCC is at the forefront of practical AI implementation across key sectors. However, as new technologies emerge, there is heightened potential for job displacement. Government and business collaboration is essential to protect society’s most vulnerable in the future of work.

One key issue facing many companies is the potential for algorithmic bias and discrimination in AI adoption. For example, one global tech company’s AI hiring tool was found to prioritize male candidates due to historical biases in its training data.

To avoid such pitfalls, governments and private institutions must ensure that all approved AI systems are built on diverse and equitable datasets. Policies should mandate ongoing audits of algorithms to detect and rectify biases, aligning with global standards while reflecting regional priorities.

Data privacy is paramount in the digital age. Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law and the UAE’s forthcoming Federal Data Protection Law mark significant steps toward safeguarding personal information. However, enforcement must be coupled with public education to build a culture of trust.

Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program are equipping residents with critical skills in data analytics and machine learning.

Paul Almeida

Companies should commit to transparency in how data is collected, stored and used while empowering users with greater control over their information. Data protection frameworks must also evolve to address emerging risks such as AI-driven surveillance and misuse of sensitive information.

The automation of routine tasks through AI presents challenges such as job displacement, but also many opportunities for training and upskilling.

As we embrace the role of AI in organizations it is important that we ensure the less educated and less privileged in society are not left behind in the future of work. Initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program are equipping residents with critical skills in data analytics and machine learning — essential for a prosperous AI ecosystem. Businesses must align with such efforts by offering tailored reskilling programs, ensuring employees transition seamlessly into new roles created by AI advancements.

As GCC countries make the transition to renewable energy supplies, there is an opportunity for AI systems to play a fundamental role in energy innovation.

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project is a prime example of how AI can be deployed to repair the environment while building a sustainable metropolis. AI-powered systems in NEOM optimize energy usage, manage water resources and support biodiversity restoration.

By championing such initiatives, GCC countries are demonstrating how AI can tackle global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, setting a powerful precedent for the rest of the world.

Looking ahead, there is an opportunity to learn from proof-of-concept systems developed by the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Ethical AI requires strong leadership and cross-sector collaboration. As part of its campaign to attract global talent and business, the UAE’s “UAI Mark” offers a certification that verifies safe, efficient, and quality AI companies. These indicators ensure a bold but steady path toward responsible innovation.

At institutions such as Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, students are trained to navigate the moral dilemmas posed by AI while embracing values-based leadership. This ethos must extend to public-private partnerships, where governments, businesses and academia work together to embed ethics into AI development.

The GCC’s growing ecosystem of AI innovation hubs and research centers offer positive grounds for such collaboration.

Robust governance is the backbone of ethical AI adoption. Saudi Arabia’s NSDAI and the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence exemplify the region’s commitment to comprehensive AI governance.

However, these frameworks must remain dynamic, adapting to new challenges such as cybersecurity. International collaboration can further enrich the GCC’s approach, enabling it to contribute its unique perspective to global AI governance.

The GCC has the vision, resources and determination to be a leader in responsible AI. The region is also well placed to attract global research talent to build a sturdy AI network that addresses global ethical AI challenges.

AI adoption is one part of this strategy, but more importantly, we should refocus our efforts on reshaping societies to benefit from technology while reflecting human values. While championing AI’s potential for social good, the region can set a global standard for responsible innovation.

• Paul Almeida is dean and William R. Berkley is chair of Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.