Is AI treating you? UAE moves to regulate Artificial Intelligence in healthcare sector

Dubai: The UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has taken a significant step in regulating artificial intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare by drafting an ethical framework to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies in the sector.

The framework was discussed at a high-profile forum organised by MoHAP this week which brought together government representatives, healthcare professionals, and academics to address ethical concerns related to AI in medicine.

Developed by the National Centre for Health Research in partnership with strategic stakeholders, the draft framework is designed to safeguard personal data, ensure transparency and fairness in AI usage and uphold quality and credibility. It also seeks to standardise ethical AI practices across the sector and foster public trust in advanced technologies.

The ministry said the framework will support its strategy, which prioritises creating an enabling environment to support the rapid technological advancements in AI across various healthcare fields, including medical diagnosis, treatment, and personalised medicine.

However, the ministry pointed out that these fields require the adoption of the highest ethical standards and practices to ensure compliance with core principles.

“Establishing an ethical framework for AI applications represents a significant step towards fostering a development-friendly environment for AI algorithms, equipment, and devices in healthcare. This initiative is meant to create a leading model for AI application in the healthcare sector, positioning the country among global AI technology developers,” the ministry stated.

Dr Amin Hussain Al Amiri, Assistant Undersecretary of the Health Regulations Sector at MoHAP, said the accelerated digital transformation sweeping the global healthcare sector, coupled with the rapid evolution of AI and its applications make it mandatory for the ministry to stay ahead of these changes. As a federal regulatory and legislative body, the ministry is entrusted with establishing frameworks that ensure the optimal and safe use of these technologies, while upholding the highest standards of quality and patient safety, he pointed out.

“The Ministry of Health and Prevention, in collaboration with strategic partners, has been committed to developing a comprehensive ethical framework. This framework is based on fundamental pillars, including protecting health data privacy, ensuring transparency and fairness in AI applications, improving the quality and accuracy of results, and building community trust in advanced health technologies,” he said.

Dr Al Amiri reaffirmed the ministry’s keenness to develop a comprehensive legislative and regulatory framework that aligns with the rapid developments in health technology, particularly AI applications in healthcare, to ensure the safe, responsible, and ethical deployment of AI capabilities in the sector.

During the forum, participants explored the capabilities and contributions of various entities involved in AI-driven healthcare, discussing the regulatory frameworks governing health authorities, academic institutions, and both public and private healthcare providers.

Discussions touched on strengthening compliance with ethical principles, establishing best practices, and defining key ethical standards for AI applications in healthcare.

The forum also featured an interactive session to assess the draft ethical framework, gathering insights on priorities and recommendations to ensure the implementation of unified, comprehensive ethical guidelines across the healthcare sector. It provided a platform to strengthen collaboration between government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector, fostering knowledge exchange and aligning efforts toward a unified vision for ethical AI integration in healthcare.

The forum emphasised the importance of raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the wider community about ethical AI principles while equipping them with the necessary skills to engage with these technologies effectively.

It was held in collaboration with strategic partners, including the Department of Health-Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Health Authority, the United Arab Emirates University, and the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

In June last year, the UAE Cabinet approved the Ethical Charter of Development and Use of AI. The Charter comprises 12 principles aimed at preserving the respect of human values and ensuring fair and safe treatment for all members of society. It defines how AI should be used ethically and responsibly. Key principles of the charter include ensuring all AI systems comply with the highest safety standards and developing AI technologies responsibly to be inclusive and accessible to all.