UAE became the first country to use AI to write laws

Into which it has invested billions. The initiative, referred to as "AI-driven regulation" by state media, is considered a bold move, surpassing similar efforts by other governments. While AI has been used by other nations for tasks such as summarizing bills or enhancing public service delivery, the UAE's plan goes further by leveraging AI to propose changes to current laws through the analysis of governmental and legal data.

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Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the UAE, emphasized that this AI-powered legislative system will significantly accelerate and enhance the law-making process. Last week, ministers approved the establishment of a cabinet unit, the Regulatory Intelligence Office, to manage the AI initiative.

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Rony Medaglia, a professor at Copenhagen Business School, noted that the UAE aims to position AI as a "co-legislator," an ambition that he described as very bold. The country has made significant investments in AI, with Abu Dhabi launching the MGX investment vehicle, which includes backing the $30 billion BlackRock AI-infrastructure fund.

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The UAE plans to use AI to monitor the impact of laws on the population and the economy, by compiling a massive database of federal and local laws along with public sector data, such as court rulings and government services. According to Sheikh Mohammad, the AI will regularly suggest updates to the legislation. The government aims to expedite the law-making process by 70 percent.

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However, experts point out potential challenges, including the risk of AI becoming opaque, possible biases in its training data, and concerns about whether AI can interpret laws as humans do. Despite AI's impressive capabilities, Vincent Straub, a researcher at Oxford University, warned that these systems still struggle with issues of reliability and robustness.

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The UAE's plan is particularly unique because it aims to use AI not only to assist in drafting and categorizing laws but also to predict necessary legal changes, which could reduce the costs associated with law firms reviewing legislation. Researchers believe that while many governments are exploring smaller ways to integrate AI into legislation, the UAE’s ambitious approach is unmatched globally.

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Although it remains unclear which AI systems will be employed, experts emphasize that careful oversight and regulations are necessary to ensure the technology's safe application. Marina De Vos, a computer scientist at Bath University, cautioned that the AI might propose ideas that are logical to the machine but impractical or nonsensical in human society.

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