Artificial Intelligence law at Qatar
As of May 2025, Qatar has established a comprehensive framework for regulating artificial intelligence (AI), primarily within the financial sector, aligning with its National Vision 2030.(The Library of Congress)
🇶🇦 National AI Strategy and Governance
Qatar's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, launched in 2019, is structured around six core pillars: education, data access, employment, business, research, and ethics. This strategy aims to integrate AI across various sectors to enhance economic development and societal well-being. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) oversees the implementation of this strategy through the Artificial Intelligence Committee, established under Cabinet Decision No. (10) of 2021. The committee coordinates AI initiatives across ministries and promotes research and development in AI technologies. (Ministry of Communications)
🏦 AI Regulation in the Financial Sector
In September 2024, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB) issued an Artificial Intelligence Guideline to regulate AI usage among QCB-licensed financial institutions. The guideline emphasizes:(The Library of Congress)
AI Strategy and Governance: Institutions must develop a defined AI strategy, establish governance structures, and ensure senior management accountability for AI-related decisions. (DataGuidance)
Risk Management: Entities are required to assess and manage risks associated with AI systems, including identifying high-risk AI applications and implementing appropriate mitigation measures. (DataGuidance)
Human Oversight: Mandatory human oversight protocols for all AI systems, particularly high-risk ones, to ensure effective monitoring and intervention when necessary. (DPA)
Disclosure and Approval: Financial institutions must maintain a register of AI systems and obtain QCB approval before launching new AI systems or engaging in high-risk AI transactions. (DataGuidance)
Customer Interaction: Obligations to inform customers when interacting with AI systems, disclose decision-making processes, and obtain consent for AI-related services. (DataGuidance)
These measures aim to ensure the ethical and secure use of AI in Qatar's financial sector, fostering innovation while protecting consumer interests.
🔐 Cybersecurity and Ethical AI Guidelines
In February 2024, Qatar's National Cybersecurity Agency issued guidelines for the secure adoption and usage of AI. These guidelines focus on:(The Library of Congress)
Ethical Principles: Promoting transparency, accountability, fairness, and privacy in AI applications.
Risk Management: Encouraging organizations to implement adaptive risk management frameworks to identify and mitigate AI-related risks. (The Library of Congress)
Generative AI: Addressing specific threats associated with generative AI technologies and proposing mitigation strategies.
These guidelines are applicable to both public and private entities deploying AI systems in Qatar, aiming to build stakeholder confidence and ensure responsible AI usage.
📜 Future Legal Developments
While Qatar has not yet enacted a standalone AI law, the government is actively seeking recommendations to draft such legislation. The Minister of Justice announced in September 2024 that AI would be utilized as a tool within Qatar's judicial and legal systems, indicating a move towards formalizing AI regulations. (Pinsent Masons)
✅ Summary
National AI Strategy: Guided by six pillars, focusing on integrating AI across sectors to enhance development.(Ministry of Communications)
Financial Sector Regulation: QCB's AI Guideline mandates AI strategy, governance, risk management, and customer interaction protocols for licensed entities.(DataGuidance)
Cybersecurity and Ethics: National Cybersecurity Agency's guidelines promote ethical AI practices and risk management across organizations.(The Library of Congress)
Future Legislation: Ongoing efforts to draft comprehensive AI laws, with AI integration into the judicial system underway.
Qatar's approach to AI regulation reflects a balanced strategy of fostering innovation while ensuring ethical standards and security, aligning with its long-term development goals.
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