UAE scholar urges global AI rules to curb security risks

H.E. Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi is calling for an international framework to govern artificial intelligence, warning that weak oversight could deepen security risks and accelerate misuse. He says the UAE is well placed to help shape global rules as momentum builds for a new AI governance body.

Why it matters: - Artificial intelligence is becoming a security issue, not just a technology issue. - Dr. Abdulla Belhaif Al Nuaimi says AI can drive progress in medicine, education and energy, but also enable autonomous weapons and advanced cyber intrusions. - He argues that without international rules, AI could be misused by rogue states or terrorist groups and put critical infrastructure at risk.

What happened: - Al Nuaimi spoke at a university in Abu Dhabi about climate change, health, development and the global economy. - The lecture expanded into a broader warning on AI governance and the need for international regulation. - The forum discussion centered on whether the world needs an international body for AI similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The details: - Global temperatures have risen 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, and heatwaves that once occurred every 50 years now hit every 10 years with greater intensity. - International surveys show 60% of young people think AI will affect their future jobs, while 40% worry about privacy and imposed patterns of life. - Al Nuaimi says the lack of a global AI framework is driving that anxiety. - He points to the IAEA model as a template for verification, technical independence and continuous monitoring. - The U.S. still lacks a comprehensive federal AI law and relies on executive orders, technical guidelines and state-level rules. - China has issued binding AI regulations since 2022 covering algorithms, synthetic content and generative AI. - The UN held its first Global AI Governance Dialogue in July 2026 with 163 countries and more than 3,000 experts. - The dialogue concluded that no single country or corporation can govern AI alone. - Al Nuaimi says an independent international body should issue annual reports on AI capabilities and risks and set rules for safe and equitable use. - He cites incidents in aviation, rail and cyber systems as evidence that software-dependent systems can break protocol when conditions change or attackers exploit vulnerabilities. - He references Boeing aircraft systems acting autonomously after a faulty sensor reading, cyberattacks disrupting railway signals and Stuxnet affecting nuclear centrifuges. - He warns that advanced AI capabilities in the wrong hands could disrupt nuclear plant cooling systems, alter sensor readings, interfere with aircraft navigation or compromise rail controls. - The article also calls for a strict international framework to prevent leakage of advanced AI technologies to dangerous actors.

Between the lines: - The piece frames AI governance as the next major international security challenge after nuclear proliferation. - The comparison to the IAEA is meant to push governments toward a rules-based system before AI capabilities outpace regulation. - The UAE is presented as a possible convening power because of its digital infrastructure and climate diplomacy experience.

What's next: - Al Nuaimi says the global push for an “International Artificial Intelligence Agency” is gaining momentum across continents. - He says the UAE is positioned to help lead that effort. - The call ends with the principle: “Artificial Intelligence for Security and Peace.”