All regions
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AI governance in the Middle East.
The UAE leads globally with three binding data and AI frameworks and the world's first AI Cabinet member. Saudi Arabia has an active personal data protection regime and massive Vision 2030 AI investment. The region is moving decisively from national AI strategy to enforceable compliance obligations.
Country hubs
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United Arab Emirates
Full hub available- ▸Federal PDPL — data protection covering most private sector entities
- ▸DIFC Regulation 10 — Dubai financial centre binding AI-aware data protection
- ▸ADGM Data Protection Regulations — Abu Dhabi Global Market framework
- ▸World's first AI Cabinet member (Minister of State for AI, January 2026)
- ▸National AI Strategy 2031
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Saudi Arabia
Hub available- ▸PDPL (Personal Data Protection Law) — in force since 2022, enforced by SDAIA
- ▸NDMO (National Data Management Office) — regulates data and AI governance
- ▸Vision 2030 — massive AI infrastructure investment including NEOM
- ▸SDAIA AI ethics principles aligned with international frameworks
Regulatory timeline
2017UAE announces world's first Minister of State for AI
2021Saudi Arabia launches National Strategy for Data and AI (NSDAI)
2022Saudi Arabia's Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) comes into force
2023UAE Federal Personal Data Protection Law enacted
2024DIFC Regulation 10 (data protection with AI provisions) in force
2025ADGM framework updated; SDAIA publishes sector AI guidance
2026UAE announces refined AI Cabinet role; AI Strategy 2031 milestones progressing