FNC Adopts AI Policy Recommendations to Strengthen Data Governance and Innovation.

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) today adopted a set of recommendations during the discussion of the government's policy regarding artificial intelligence (AI). The 3rd meeting of the second ordinary session of the 18th legislative chapter of the FNC was chaired by its Speaker Saqr Gobash. Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work, attended the session.According to Emirates News Agency, the recommendations emphasised the importance of reviewing relevant legislations on technical aspects and data protection to encompass the concept of artificial intelligence and the developments it is witnessing. They also stressed the need for establishing legislation that regulates the governance of government data in terms of classification, storage, exchange, privacy, and optimal utilisation of data available from data providers, balancing the dissemination and exchange of information with maintaining its confidentiality and privacy.The recomm endations called for the establishment of a unified platform for sharing open data between government and private institutions and empowering entrepreneurs and startups in the AI field by providing financing, marketing assistance, and technical support. Furthermore, they advocated for strong partnerships between the public and private sectors for research and development in AI, aiming to positively impact the implementation of the artificial intelligence strategy's outputs and enhance the country's position in the Global Artificial Intelligence Market Report. The application of quality measurement indicators for government services based on AI applications to measure service efficiency for citizens was also discussed.The FNC decided to refer the recommendations back to the Committee on Technology, Energy, Mineral Resources, and Public Utilities to revise them in accordance with the members' discussions and return them to the council for approval and submission to the government. The council examined the iss ue from the perspectives of legislation governing artificial intelligence and policies and strategies in artificial intelligence.Omar bin Sultan Al Olama reviewed the stages of the artificial intelligence strategy and the government's digital transformation in the UAE, noting that the country's efforts began in 2002. He highlighted that significant progress has been made, and by 2017, the UAE emerged as one of the most prepared countries for this initiative, focusing on key areas, including empowering citizens. This journey began with the launch of e-government services, the smart transformation initiative, and the development of the artificial intelligence strategy.He added that the implementation of the artificial intelligence strategy is based on eight objectives built around three primary pillars, executed over three phases: establishing a strong foundation for AI, adopting AI activities and initiatives, and leading the sector globally, with each phase lasting between three to four years. The first ph ase focuses on attracting and training talent for future jobs enabled by AI, featuring a specialised training programme managed by the National AI Programme in the UAE in collaboration with the University of Oxford. This programme targets UAE government employees, private sector employees, and residents, aiming to empower officials and assist them in acquiring the necessary skills to contribute to the UAE's journey towards achieving the goals of the UAE Vision 2071.