United Arab Emirates: Dubai AI Seal identifying trusted AI providers

18 Feb 2025    2 minute read
AI Artificial Intelligence

In brief

The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has launched a new accreditation known as the Dubai AI Seal ("Seal"), which aims to provide companies with a seal of approval regarding their AI solutions. The Seal is aimed at companies licensed in the Emirate of Dubai and who provide AI-related products and services. The launch of the scheme aligns with the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, a government policy that serves as a roadmap for the acceleration of AI adoption in the UAE.

Contents

What are the benefits of the Seal?

The aim of the Seal is to provide government and commercial entities with a network of companies that have been deemed to provide reliable, secure, and trustworthy AI solutions. According to the Dubai Future Foundation, a Seal certification will be a prerequisite for companies hoping to partner with the government for projects.

Initial press releases indicated that this would only be available to Dubai-licensed companies, although the application form allows applicants to indicate whether its HQ is in another location. Further, while it appears that the Seal will be officially recognised by Dubai government entities, it remains to be seen whether it will be recognised by other Emirates or Federal government bodies.

Companies that achieve the accreditation will be able to display the Seal as part of their promotional marketing and across digital platforms as a means of evidencing their AI capabilities.

How can I apply for the Seal?

Applications can be submitted free of charge on the Dubai AI Seal website here. Organisations must provide detailed information regarding their AI-related practices, including (but not limited to) whether the organisation:

  • develops AI/ML libraries and makes them available to software developers;
  • develops software incorporating AI/ML and sells the software as an AI product; and/or
  • uses AI/ML in its product/service but does not sell it as an AI product/service.

Successful organisations will receive a tier ranking (E, D, C, B, A and S) based on the impact of the business of Dubai's economy, with S being the highest tier. Companies successful in applying for the Seal will receive a unique serial number which can be verified by organisations on the Dubai AI Seal website.

With the ever-increasing interest in finding strategic uses for AI, it can be challenging to determine which organisations are reputable and possess real know-how and expertise. The Dubai AI Seal aims to eliminate uncertainty and provide a means of easily identifying reliable AI experts for procurement purposes. This initiative by the Dubai Government follows the launch of a separate accreditation and certification framework for autonomous and semi-autonomous systems processing personal data that was published by the Dubai International Financial Centre in 2024 to support compliance with Regulation 10 under the DIFC Data Protection Law. Both schemes send a clear message that Dubai is intent on providing a straightforward means of verifying service providers in the AI space, as well as securing its position as a global AI and fintech leader.

*****

To speak to us or for any assistance in relation to any data and technology-related matters, or issues generally, please feel free to contact one of the Baker McKenzie team members listed above. 

Contact Information
Dino Wilkinson
Partner
Abu Dhabi
Read my Bio
dino.wilkinson@bakermckenzie.com
Marilyn Acquah
Associate
London
Read my Bio
marilyn.acquah@bakermckenzie.com

Copyright © 2025 Baker & McKenzie. All rights reserved. Ownership: This documentation and content (Content) is a proprietary resource owned exclusively by Baker McKenzie (meaning Baker & McKenzie International and its member firms). The Content is protected under international copyright conventions. Use of this Content does not of itself create a contractual relationship, nor any attorney/client relationship, between Baker McKenzie and any person. Non-reliance and exclusion: All Content is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal and regulatory developments. All summaries of the laws, regulations and practice are subject to change. The Content is not offered as legal or professional advice for any specific matter. It is not intended to be a substitute for reference to (and compliance with) the detailed provisions of applicable laws, rules, regulations or forms. Legal advice should always be sought before taking any action or refraining from taking any action based on any Content. Baker McKenzie and the editors and the contributing authors do not guarantee the accuracy of the Content and expressly disclaim any and all liability to any person in respect of the consequences of anything done or permitted to be done or omitted to be done wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the Content. The Content may contain links to external websites and external websites may link to the Content. Baker McKenzie is not responsible for the content or operation of any such external sites and disclaims all liability, howsoever occurring, in respect of the content or operation of any such external websites. Attorney Advertising: This Content may qualify as “Attorney Advertising” requiring notice in some jurisdictions. To the extent that this Content may qualify as Attorney Advertising, PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE A SIMILAR OUTCOME. Reproduction: Reproduction of reasonable portions of the Content is permitted provided that (i) such reproductions are made available free of charge and for non-commercial purposes, (ii) such reproductions are properly attributed to Baker McKenzie, (iii) the portion of the Content being reproduced is not altered or made available in a manner that modifies the Content or presents the Content being reproduced in a false light and (iv) notice is made to the disclaimers included on the Content. The permission to re-copy does not allow for incorporation of any substantial portion of the Content in any work or publication, whether in hard copy, electronic or any other form or for commercial purposes.