The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is experiencing a surge in Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the way. They are strategically investing in infrastructure, research and development (R&D), and AI hardware manufacturing plans. This inclusion is finding new ways to use AI in Human Resources, Legal and other departments of the companies
The region is betting big on AI to transform government services, businesses, customer experiences, and workplaces. A PwC report forecasts a potential impact of $320 billion by 2030. Further, AI is expected to contribute 20-34% annually across the region. This ambitious growth is fueled by widespread adoption among individuals and businesses. Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have collectively invested $200 billion in AI development. This includes data centre expansion, homegrown chip production, and AI competency building.
The UAE is a front-runner in AI adoption in the business sector. Data from the IBM Global AI Adoption Index 2023 reveals that 65% of IT professionals have accelerated AI rollout in the past two years. Additionally, 42% of companies already utilize AI. This progress highlights the importance of understanding AI’s ethical and legal implications.
Businesses must adopt well-defined frameworks to ensure responsible AI use. The UAE, the first country to appoint a Minister of State for AI, has established laws to regulate AI’s critical aspects. Despite rapid AI development, legal considerations remain crucial. UAE businesses have already set frameworks for AI implementation. According to IBM, 34% have developed a comprehensive AI strategy, while another 30% are in the process of developing one.
Possibilities of AI across Legal departments
The future holds vast opportunities for regional businesses to flourish with AI. Building a legal framework for AI involves key pillars such as data privacy, intellectual property rights, regulatory compliance, liability, contractual considerations, ethical and bias considerations, cross-border data transfers, and employee training. However, unlocking this potential requires a carefully crafted and continuously evolving approach. This approach must integrate legal compliance with robust ethical principles, fostering a well-equipped workforce. By prioritizing these key pillars, businesses can ensure responsible AI development and deployment, propelling them toward success in the AI-driven era.
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