The Middle East has emerged as a dynamic force in the global AI landscape, making substantial strides in AI deployment and initiatives. Examples include: 

• In the UAE, the Advanced Technology Research Council has developed the Falcon series of large language models, which have been integrated into sectors like healthcare and adopted internationally.   

• Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030, has invested $40 billion into AI development, focusing on smart cities and energy.  

• Qatar is expanding its AI infrastructure with Ooredoo, a leading telecom company, investing QR2 billion to enhance its data centres.  

The Middle East’s commitment to AI innovation has seen a parallel focus on governance frameworks. The UAE AI Charter, introduced in 2024, outlines 12 guiding principles emphasising transparency, inclusivity and accountability in AI development.​ In Saudia Arabia, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has issued AI Ethics Principles and Generative AI Guidelines whilst the KSA government recently launched a consultation on the Global AI Hub Law. 

As AI technologies become increasingly integrated into societal frameworks, the role of governance professionals becomes paramount. Understanding AI governance is essential for several reasons: 

• Ethical Oversight: AI systems must be developed and deployed ethically to prevent biases and ensure fairness. Governance professionals are instrumental in establishing frameworks that uphold ethical standards.​ 

• Regulatory Compliance: With nations implementing AI-related regulations and guidelines, professionals must navigate these legal landscapes to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.​ 

• Public Trust: Transparent and accountable AI practices foster public trust, which is crucial for the widespread adoption of AI technologies.​ 

• Strategic Leadership: Professionals equipped with AI governance knowledge can lead initiatives that align technological advancements with societal values and objectives.​ 

Building the AI Skillset  

For compliance professionals in the Middle East, this is an opportune moment to acquire expertise in AI governance, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, ethically, and in alignment with the region’s strategic goals. There is also a professional development opportunity; compliance professionals can position themselves as forward-thinking leaders who can bridge the gap between law, ethics, and technology. 

With these objectives in mind, Act Now is pleased to launch our new AI Governance Practitioner Certificate (MENA). This course is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and skills to navigate this transformative technology within the organisations while upholding the highest standards of data protection and information governance.   

In just six modules, this immersive course will empower you to understand AI’s potential, address its challenges, and harness its power responsibly for public benefit. From real-world case studies to the latest regulatory updates, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how to manage AI ethically, securely, and in compliance with emerging laws.    

By completing the course, you will gain the skills to:  

1. Explain foundational AI concepts, including its technologies, applications, and key milestones in its evolution.  

2. Identify real-world examples of AI risks and demonstrate an understanding of their legal and ethical dimensions.  

3. Interpret the role of key legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the UAE and KSA PDPL, GDPR and the EU AI Act, in governing AI systems.  

4. Evaluate organisational strategies for ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI development.  

5. Propose ethical and compliance-focused solutions to mitigate AI risks while balancing innovation and regulatory adherence.  

6. Apply course concepts to analyse case studies and participate in informed discussions about AI’s role in society and industry.  

This new course builds on the success of our UAE and KSA Data Protection Officer certificates. It will run in July and September and we are also able to deliver it on an
in-house customised basis. Please get in touch to learn more.  

Author: actnowtraining

Act Now Training is Europe’s leading provider of information governance training, serving government agencies, multinational corporations, financial institutions, and corporate law firms.
Our associates have decades of information governance experience. We pride ourselves on delivering high quality training that is practical and makes the complex simple.
Our extensive programme ranges from short webinars and one day workshops through to higher level practitioner certificate courses delivered online or in the classroom.
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