AI Governance in the GCC States: A Comparative Analysis of National AI Strategies

GCC states prioritize innovation over strict regulation: The six Gulf Cooperation Council nations (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Kuwait) have adopted a "soft regulation" approach through national AI strategies and ethical principles rather than binding legal requirements, which enables rapid AI development but may weaken enforcement of responsible AI practices.

Risk of "ethicswashing" without legal backing: While GCC governments have published ethical guidelines for AI, the paper warns that without stronger legal mechanisms to enforce these standards, there is a significant risk that ethical commitments remain symbolic rather than substantive—a concern particularly relevant as the EU implements more stringent AI regulations.

Significant implementation gaps exist: Common obstacles across all six nations include limited data availability, severe talent shortages, and challenges in adapting AI applications to align with local cultural values, which could hinder the region's stated goal of becoming a leader in responsible AI.

International alignment is incomplete: The analysis reveals misalignment between GCC AI strategies and global frameworks like the EU AI Act, suggesting that without greater coordination with international norms, the region risks fragmented governance that could complicate cross-border AI deployment and trade.

Stronger stakeholder engagement is critical: The paper recommends that GCC governments enhance collaboration among multiple stakeholders and strengthen legal frameworks while maintaining local context sensitivity—essential steps to move beyond aspirational AI governance toward genuinely responsible implementation.