In recent years, the UAE has emerged as a pioneering force in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various sectors, including the legal domain.
As part of its broader strategy to become a leading global hub for innovation and technology, the UAE has made significant strides in adopting AI to enhance services and streamline operations.
This article explores the evolution of AI in the UAE’s legal sector, highlighting key developments, current applications, and the regulatory landscape.
An early adopter
The UAE’s journey with AI began as part of a national vision to utilise advanced technologies to enhance government efficiency and economic diversification. This vision was formalised with the launch of the UAE’s National AI Strategy in 2017.
One of the early initiatives was the establishment of the Dubai International Finance Centre (DIFC) Digital Economy Court also known as the “Court of the Future” in Dubai. The Court aims at minimising human intervention in the judicial process, and streamlining administrative operations. The Court currently accepts a wide variety of technology-related disputes subject to jurisdiction. The rules provide for use of technology, including with respect to smart forms, submissions, digital proceedings and hearings. The Court is also empowered to use decision tree software in its decision-making.
Likewise, several arbitral institutions are adopting technology. For example, the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (DIAC) is developing an advanced e-case management system to streamline case management processes. This digital shift is complemented by robust data security measures to protect confidentiality and integrates options for electronic signatures and notifications under its rules, enhancing procedural efficiency. DIAC also intends to incorporate emerging technologies like the metaverse for innovative dispute resolution.
AI in legal practice
Law firms in the UAE are progressively adopting AI to enhance various aspects of legal practice. AI tools are now commonly used for document analysis, due diligence, contract review, and legal research. These tools not only increase accuracy but also save valuable time, allowing legal professionals to focus on more strategic tasks.
However, the uptake of recent generative legal AI, such as Harvey, is still low while the legal community adjusts to the new reality. Generative AI will assist legal professionals further reducing various menial workstreams.
More broadly, the Microsoft 365 AI Copilot digital assistant is becoming an indispensable tool within the UAE legal industry. “Copilot is integrated into the existing Microsoft 365 suite of products that legal professionals are familiar with, and can be leveraged to conduct research, draft emails and contracts, create presentations, analyse data, and catch up on missed meetings,” explained Ali Haidar, head of corporate, external & legal affairs at Microsoft, UAE. “For many, the Copilot digital assistant, has quickly become an integral part of their day-to-day legal practice.”
Regulation
As AI applications in the legal sector grew, so did the need for a robust regulatory framework to address the ethical, privacy, and security concerns associated with AI. In response, in November 2023, the UAE unveiled a national AI strategy, outlining ambitious strategic objectives aimed at guiding AI development through 2031.
Several further documents have been issued to advance AI, including the National Program for AI Guide, the Smart Dubai AI Ethics Principles and Guidelines, the Generative AI Guide, and the DIFC Data Protection Regulations, among others, all of which underscore the UAE’s commitment to becoming a hub for AI technology. Most recently in January 2024, the UAE established the AI and Advanced Technology Council, which will be responsible for policies and strategies.
Challenges and future prospects
Despite these advancements, the integration of AI in the legal sector is not without challenges. Issues such as data bias, and the potential for job displacement continue to provoke debate. Moreover, the legal profession’s traditional nature poses resistance to adopting AI, rooted in concerns over the loss of the human element critical in legal judgments.
However, it’s important to contextualise and, to some extent, temper these fears with a more nuanced understanding of AI’s role and capabilities in the legal sector.
First, the data bias concern, while valid, often overlooks the potential for AI to help identify and correct human biases that have long existed within the legal system. Concerns about job displacement are also likely overblown; rather than replacing legal professionals, AI may help augment their roles, automating routine and time-consuming tasks. This shift can free up lawyers to focus more on high-level, strategic work that requires human empathy, judgment, and interaction—qualities that AI cannot replicate.
Further, AI has the potential to enhance job satisfaction and allow lawyers to engage more deeply with the aspects of legal work that drew them to the profession initially. AI is not poised to replace judges or lawyers but to serve as a tool that provides them with enhanced insights and data-driven perspectives that were previously unattainable.
Conclusion
The evolution of AI in the UAE’s legal sector mirrors a global shift towards digital transformation, enhancing legal service efficiency and setting international benchmarks for innovation. Ongoing investments in AI research and development in the UAE, highlighted by partnerships like Microsoft’s US$1.5 billion investment in Abu Dhabi’s AI firm G42, promise to further enhance AI capabilities and applications in law. As this sector evolves, it will continue to focus on balancing technological advances with ethical and regulatory compliance, demonstrating how technology and tradition can drive industry transformation.
By Antonia Birt, partner in Reed Smith’s global disputes practice based in Dubai.
