Google says the future of AI depends on a new generation of electricians and that’s why it’s investing massively to train them.

A Different Kind of Skills Shortage

As artificial intelligence (AI) systems grow ever more powerful, so too does their appetite for energy. From data centres to new-generation processors, it seems that the infrastructure needed to support AI’s rapid expansion is demanding more electricity than the current US grid can reliably provide. That’s the reason Google has given (in a new white paper) for its plan to help plug the gap, not just with money and technology, but with people.

Funding The Training of Electricians

Through its philanthropic arm Google.org, the tech giant says it will fund the training of 100,000 electricians and 30,000 apprentices across the United States. The move appears to be part of a broader push to secure America’s power supply in a way that supports the clean energy transition, accelerates grid modernisation, and enables sustainable AI development.

The commitment was detailed in a new white paper, Powering A New Era of American Innovation, and marks one of Google’s most significant public interventions yet into the country’s energy workforce crisis.

Why Electricians, and Why Now?

In short, the US doesn’t have enough electrical workers to build the energy systems of tomorrow. For example, according to Google’s analysis, around 130,000 more electricians will be needed by 2030 just to meet the rising demand from AI-driven data centres, advanced manufacturing, and renewable infrastructure.

However, the country is currently only seeing around 7,000 new entrants into the trade each year, while 10,000 leave due to retirement or career changes. That gap, Google warns, could create a bottleneck that undermines efforts to modernise the grid and shift towards clean energy, both of which are essential if AI is to scale sustainably.

“In particular, a shortage of electrical workers may constrain America’s ability to build the infrastructure needed to support AI, advanced manufacturing and a shift to clean energy,” Google said in an official blog post accompanying the announcement.

Google is essentially saying that this isn’t just about wires and transformers, but it’s a case of trying to enable a smarter, greener, more resilient energy system, and have enough skilled workers to build it.

How Will Google’s Programme Work?

Google says the training drive will be delivered in partnership with the electrical training ALLIANCE (etA), an educational organisation created by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). Google’s annual funding, reported by Reuters to be in the region of $10 million, will help expand etA’s existing apprenticeship and training efforts nationwide.

Under the plan:

– 100,000 existing and new electrical workers will be trained or upskilled over five years.

– 30,000 new apprentices will be added to the pipeline.

– Google’s AI Essentials course will be offered to help workers gain tech skills alongside trade qualifications.

– The etA will incorporate AI tools into its training curriculum to modernise how electricians are taught.

The aim, according to Google, is to boost the number of qualified electrical workers by 70 per cent within five years, with a particular focus on supporting data centre construction and clean energy deployment.

For example, new AI data centres often require custom electrical designs, cooling systems, and backup power setups that go well beyond standard building projects. Electrifying transport and industry, meanwhile, demands everything from high-capacity cabling to grid-tied battery storage, which are all areas where skilled electricians are indispensable.

AI, Data Centres, and the Power Crunch

The urgency behind Google’s plan is rooted in some stark energy projections. For example, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last year tripled its five-year energy demand forecast, citing the surging power needs of AI and cloud infrastructure.

Also, some studies now estimate that data centre electricity use could triple in the US by 2028, reaching around 12 per cent of America’s national consumption. This surge comes after nearly two decades of flat electricity demand across the country, a trend now reversed by the parallel rise of AI and electrification.

US President Donald Trump recently declared a national energy emergency, which could help speed up approval for new energy generation and grid projects. At the same time, companies like Microsoft and Google are also making direct investments in nuclear, geothermal, and solar technologies to meet their own needs. For example, Google has struck corporate power agreements to source energy from small modular nuclear reactors and advanced geothermal plants, and recently announced a partnership with the PJM Interconnection, the US’s largest regional grid operator, to use AI to speed up grid connections.

However, it should be noted here that infrastructure alone won’t solve the problem without enough people to build and maintain it, hence the renewed focus on workforce development and Google’s latest announcement.

Sustainability

Google has long positioned itself as a leader in sustainability. The company has operated on 100 per cent renewable energy since 2017, and is now aiming for 24/7 carbon-free energy across all operations by 2030. That means matching its energy use with carbon-free sources in every location, every hour of the day.

However, clean power is only part of the puzzle. The company acknowledges that its growing AI workloads, while becoming more energy-efficient per task (improving by around 20 per cent per year, it says), still require a massive buildout of new capacity.

In its white paper, Google outlines 15 policy recommendations to accelerate this shift in a sustainable way. These include:

– Fast-tracking permits for clean energy and grid projects.

– Supporting carbon capture and storage (CCS) development.

– Expanding domestic nuclear fuel supply chains.

– Providing cost-overrun protections for next-gen reactors via the Department of Energy.

– Upgrading and optimising the existing power grid to increase efficiency.

– Promoting collaboration between public agencies, utilities, and private firms to fund innovation and build infrastructure at scale.

The message is that without strategic investment in both clean energy and skilled labour, the AI boom could risk being held back by very human limitations.

Criticism

While Google’s initiative has been broadly welcomed, some observers have questioned whether tech companies should be the ones shaping America’s energy and workforce policies. There are concerns about the influence of Big Tech in public infrastructure planning, particularly when it involves nuclear energy or private-sector-led training models.

Others have pointed out that while $10 million a year is significant, it’s still only a fraction of what’s needed to resolve systemic shortages in skilled trades. Workforce experts have noted that the industry also needs better retention, inclusive recruitment, and safer working conditions to make the trades attractive long term.

That said, organisations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), a major US-based trade union, see the Google partnership as a vital step forward. For example, Kenneth Cooper, the union’s international president, has been quoted as saying that the initiative would “bring more than 100,000 sorely needed electricians into the trade to meet the demands of an AI-driven surge in data centres and power generation.”

There’s also the question of whether sustainability goals will remain aligned with AI’s growth. If data centres continue to expand at the projected pace, some environmental groups have warned that even low-carbon sources may struggle to keep up, especially without tighter efficiency standards and demand-side management.

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation?

Google’s plan to fund the training of thousands of electricians may seem like a niche workforce initiative, but it could point to something much bigger, i.e. changing how we think about powering digital innovation sustainably. As AI pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, it is also pushing the limits of ageing infrastructure. In recognising that a cleaner, smarter grid is only achievable with enough people to build it, Google’s strategy ties together environmental goals with practical action.

For the US, this could help ease a looming pressure point, thereby giving the energy sector time to evolve without being overwhelmed. For other countries grappling with similar challenges, it may offer a blueprint. In the UK, for example, data centre expansion, electric vehicle infrastructure and clean energy targets are already converging to create demand for electrical expertise. While the scale may differ, the underlying issues are strikingly familiar. UK businesses watching this development may want to consider how workforce readiness and energy resilience will shape their own digital sustainability strategies.

It’s worth noting also that there are still some valid concerns and the long-term impact of private sector influence in shaping national infrastructure policy remains a live debate. Also, while Google’s investment is notable, closing the electrician gap will actually require far broader coordination, both financially and politically. The success of the programme will likely depend not just on funding and training, but on creating a pipeline that is inclusive, safe, and valued.

Even so, this announcement by Google appears to have highlighted an often overlooked and important point, i.e. that if the world wants to make AI sustainable, then investments in clean energy must go hand-in-hand with investments in people. Electricians may not often be the headline in conversations about AI, but in Google’s latest vision of the future, they appear to be every bit as essential.

You can be working on one document (e.g. a MS Word document or a spreadsheet or Powerpoint presentation) and get CoPilot to intelligently source material from another location (such as another document or online source) and embed it in your working document. Not only that, it can also auto-format it for you so that it looks native to your working document … clever stuff!

[Note – To Watch This Video without glitches/interruptions, It may be best to download it first]

Your Facebook public profile info can be scraped for scams, impersonation or phishing, but with a few quick settings, you can lock things down and stay in control. Here’s how:

Limit Who Can See Your Posts:

– Go to ‘Settings & Privacy > Settings > Privacy’.

– Under ‘Your Activity’, set ‘Who can see your future posts?’ to ‘Friends’.

Review All Your Posts and Things You’re Tagged In:

– In Privacy Settings, click on ‘Limit Past Posts’ to change past public posts to friends only.

– Enable ‘Timeline Review’ and ‘Tag Review’ under ‘Profile and Tagging Settings’ to review posts you’re tagged in before they appear on your timeline.

Control Who Can Send You Friend Requests:

– Under ‘How People Find and Contact You’, set ‘Who can send you friend requests?’ to ‘Friends of friends’.

– Restrict Who Can Look You Up Using Your Email or Phone Number:

– Set ‘Who can look you up using the email address/phone number you provided?’ to ‘Friends’ or ‘Only me’.

Prevent Search Engines from Linking to Your Profile:

– Turn off ‘Do you want search engines outside of Facebook to link to your profile?’

Pro-Tip: Regularly review your privacy settings to ensure they reflect your current preferences. Facebook occasionally updates its settings, so it’s good practice to check them periodically.

OpenAI has declared its interest in buying Google Chrome (if Alphabet is forced to sell it following an antitrust ruling against the tech giant), raising major questions about the future of internet browsing, AI, and search.

OpenAI’s Interest Made Clear During Antitrust Testimony

Speaking during a landmark antitrust trial in Washington DC, OpenAI’s Head of Product for ChatGPT, Nick Turley, confirmed that the AI company would “absolutely” consider buying Chrome should it become available.

“Yes, we would, as would many other parties,” Turley testified. He added that integrating ChatGPT directly into Chrome could create “a really incredible experience,” giving users a glimpse into an “AI-first experience” for web browsing.

Turley’s comments came during a three-week remedies phase of the US Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against Google, where the focus has shifted from proving wrongdoing to deciding what structural changes might be needed to restore competition.

The Google Antitrust Trial

Google’s troubles with US regulators are nothing new, but the current trial represents one of the most serious challenges to the company’s dominance. In 2023, a federal judge ruled that Google maintained an illegal monopoly over online search. For example, proposed remedies include:

– Forcing Google to divest its Chrome browser.

– Preventing Google from paying companies (e.g. Apple, Samsung) to make Google their default search.

– Forcing Google to share its search index with rivals.

Chrome has become a central focus because of its overwhelming influence on how users access the internet. For example, according to Similarweb, Chrome commands around 64 per cent of the global browser market. Microsoft’s Edge trails far behind at 13.35 per cent, while Apple’s Safari holds 21 per cent of the market.

Therefore, if the court orders Google to spin off Chrome, it would clearly be one of the most significant regulatory interventions in tech history, and it now seems as though OpenAI is positioning itself as a major contender to scoop it up.

Why OpenAI Wants Chrome

At its core, OpenAI’s interest in Chrome is likely to be about reach. Despite the soaring popularity of ChatGPT, distributing AI services directly to users has been a major hurdle. As Brian Jackson, Principal Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group (quoted in Fortune) puts it: “Control of a browser is control of the primary access point to the web,” and that “Owning Chrome would instantly give OpenAI a massive footprint and new opportunities to harvest browser interaction data.”

Currently, ChatGPT Search exists as a Chrome extension, with around three million users according to the Chrome Web Store. However, deeper integration could significantly enhance both the functionality and the adoption rate of OpenAI’s tools.

Turley also highlighted that access to web browsing is crucial to OpenAI’s ambitions to build a “super assistant” , i.e. an AI capable of helping users with real-time, accurate information across daily tasks.

However, it seems that OpenAI has faced stiff barriers to wider distribution. Although it successfully partnered with Apple to integrate ChatGPT into iPhones, it has struggled on Android, where Google’s influence is stronger. For example, since January, Google has paid Samsung to make its own Gemini AI model the default on Samsung devices, leaving little room for rivals.

“Our powerful competitors control the access points,” Turley said, warning that without new avenues, OpenAI’s growth could be limited.

What Would It Mean If OpenAI Bought Chrome?

For OpenAI, the benefits of getting Chrome are clear, i.e. it’s an instant gateway to billions of users, deeper integration of AI into everyday browsing, and access to a treasure trove of real-time user interaction data.

For users, however, the picture may be more complicated. For example, OpenAI already holds vast amounts of data through ChatGPT interactions. If it owned a browser, it could potentially access even more detailed information about user behaviour, searches, and preferences. This raises new privacy concerns. As Professor Anjana Susarla, an expert in Information Systems at Michigan State University, says: “The idea of an AI company having access to your browsing history should make everyone think carefully about data protection.”

There would also be a significant shift in the competitive landscape. Today, Google dominates not just search but also browser-based advertising. OpenAI’s takeover of Chrome could fragment the market, creating new opportunities for Microsoft (with Bing and Edge), Apple (with Safari), and rising AI-powered search engines like Perplexity AI.

What Does Google Say?

Unsurprisingly, Google is not keen on the idea! In a statement, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Head of Regulatory Affairs, said that the government’s proposals would “hurt America’s consumers, economy, and technological leadership.”

Google has also made clear that it has no intention of selling Chrome voluntarily. The company plans to appeal the earlier rulings that declared it a search and advertising monopolist.

Challenges and Criticisms of an OpenAI Chrome Acquisition

While the prospect is tantalising for OpenAI, it would not be without major challenges. For example:

– Antitrust regulators would almost certainly scrutinise any deal that allowed OpenAI (itself heavily backed by Microsoft) to control a major internet gateway. Microsoft’s existing links to OpenAI through its Azure cloud deals and investments could raise concerns about a new type of market consolidation.

– The backlash over data privacy could be fierce. Businesses, particularly those reliant on sensitive web applications, would likely be cautious about trusting a browser tied to an AI company whose models constantly learn from user interactions.

– Maintaining a browser the size and complexity of Chrome is no small feat. Ensuring security updates, standards compliance, and feature innovation at the scale Chrome users expect would stretch OpenAI’s capabilities far beyond its current experience.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The possibility of OpenAI acquiring Chrome, while still hypothetical, marks a pivotal moment for the future of internet browsing, AI development, and competitive dynamics across the tech sector. Should Alphabet be forced to part with its prized browser, it could fundamentally alter how billions of users experience the web, and who holds influence over that journey.

For OpenAI, the opportunity to directly control such a vast user base would accelerate its ambitions to integrate AI into everyday life. Yet the potential for wider concerns around privacy, regulatory scrutiny, and concentration of power would be equally profound. An AI company, especially one with OpenAI’s scale and reach, controlling both a major browser and a large language model platform would invite fresh questions over how personal data is used, secured, and monetised.

From a business perspective (especially for UK firms) any shift in browser ownership could have far-reaching implications. Chrome remains the default environment for a significant proportion of business applications, marketing strategies, and customer engagement channels. A transition to an OpenAI-owned Chrome could introduce new integrations, potentially making AI-powered tools more accessible, but it could also mean greater complexity around data governance and compliance requirements, particularly under UK GDPR standards. Firms may need to review their digital strategies more closely if browser platforms start embedding AI deeper into the browsing experience.

Meanwhile, for Google, the threat of losing Chrome would weaken its dominance not only in search but also in digital advertising and browser-driven innovation. Rivals like Microsoft, Apple, and emerging AI-first players could find new openings to grow their own ecosystems, leading to a more fragmented, but potentially more dynamic marketplace. Other stakeholders, from consumers to regulators, would need to weigh up the benefits of greater competition against the risks of concentrating browsing and AI capabilities in fewer hands.

Whether OpenAI’s interest in Chrome becomes reality or not, the mere fact it is seriously being discussed shows how the battle lines in tech are rapidly redrawing. Search, browsing, and AI are no longer separate arenas but are becoming a single, contested frontier. How that frontier is shaped (and who wins control over it) will have lasting consequences for users, businesses, and the broader digital economy alike.

Toshiba Europe has successfully sent quantum-encrypted messages across a record 254km of standard commercial fibre optic cable, marking a major step towards achieving real-world quantum-secure communications without relying on highly specialised hardware.

A Record-Breaking Achievement Using Everyday Infrastructure

Quantum cryptography has long promised unbreakable security, but practical challenges have kept it largely confined to laboratories. Quantum key distribution (QKD), a method that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to securely share encryption keys between two parties, ensures that any attempt to intercept the key is instantly detectable. Now, researchers at Toshiba Europe have pushed the boundaries by sending QKD messages across an existing fibre optic network spanning Frankfurt, Kirchfeld and Kehl in Germany.

Using Standard Commercial Equipment, Not Specialist Kit

Importantly, they achieved this milestone without the specialised cryogenic cooling or custom-engineered cables typically required. This makes it the first time coherent quantum communication has been performed at this scale using infrastructure similar to what supports today’s internet traffic.

“This work opens the door to practical quantum networks without needing exotic hardware,” said Mirko Pittaluga, one of the lead authors of the study (published this week in Nature).

The experiment managed a secure transmission rate of around 110 bits per second. While modest compared to classical speeds, it represents an essential proof-of-concept for scaling up quantum communications without prohibitive costs.

What Makes This Different From Previous Efforts?

Quantum key distribution has been demonstrated before. For example, China famously linked Beijing and Shanghai via quantum connections, and even launched a quantum satellite, Micius. However, those efforts typically relied on expensive dedicated infrastructure or free-space optical links requiring near-perfect environmental conditions.

However, Toshiba’s work stands out because it used standard telecom-grade fibre optic cables and commercially viable equipment. There was no need for the ultra-low temperatures usually associated with photon detectors in quantum systems.

How?

The team was able to achieve this by using a technology called twin-field QKD, which cleverly sidesteps many of the transmission losses that usually plague long-distance quantum communication.

Robert Woodward, who leads the fibre QKD research team at Toshiba Europe, described the approach as “using commercially viable components to achieve much higher performance,” paving the way for national and even international scale deployment.

Why Quantum Encryption Matters More Than Ever

Traditional encryption relies on mathematical problems that would take today’s fastest computers billions of years to crack. However, quantum computers (which are still in early stages of development) could one day solve these problems in mere minutes.

This looming threat, often called ‘Q-Day’, has prompted governments and industries worldwide to invest heavily in quantum-secure communications.

QKD Is ‘Untappable’

It seems, therefore, as shown by Toshiba’s experiment, that quantum key distribution offers a potential solution. It uses the principles of quantum mechanics to create a shared encryption key between two parties, with the critical advantage that any attempt to intercept the key would immediately be detectable. In short, it’s untappable.

For example, if an eavesdropper tries to measure the photons used in the transmission, the quantum state of the system changes, alerting both sender and receiver to a breach attempt.

Given the stakes (e.g. applications ranging from securing bank transactions and medical records to protecting national secrets), the ability to run QKD over existing telecoms infrastructure could be a game-changer.

A New Frontier in Data Security for Businesses?

For businesses, Toshiba’s breakthrough may offer the tantalising prospect of ultra-secure communication without the need for massive investment in specialist systems.

In sectors where confidentiality is paramount (e.g. finance, healthcare, legal services, and defence), quantum-safe communication looks as though it could become a standard expectation rather than a futuristic luxury. If commercial telecom providers can integrate QKD into their existing offerings, businesses could access quantum-grade security over regular broadband or leased line connections.

This could lead to:

– New premium-grade secure communication services.

– Enhanced protection for sensitive client data.

– Increased resilience against future quantum threats.

– Competitive advantage for early adopters of quantum-safe systems.

As Mirko Pittaluga puts it: “It lowers the entry barrier for industry adoption.”

Speed, Cost, and Infrastructure Risks

Despite the excitement, significant hurdles remain before QKD becomes mainstream. For example:

– The data rates achievable today are extremely low. At 110 bits per second, Toshiba’s demonstration is far from supporting the bandwidth needs of typical modern businesses.

– While the system does use existing fibres, it still requires highly sensitive (though now commercially available) equipment to detect single photons and manage synchronisation over long distances.

– While quantum signals themselves are secure, the underlying fibre network remains vulnerable to physical attacks. As James Millen (an experimental quantum scientist at King’s College London) warned, “using existing optical fibre infrastructure is more cost-effective, but it introduces potential vulnerabilities through attacks on the physical network itself.”

In short, while QKD can detect eavesdropping, it cannot prevent fibre cables being physically damaged, tapped at the hardware level, or sabotaged.

Not All Experts Are Fully Convinced

Despite the obvious promise here, some researchers have expressed cautious optimism rather than unqualified celebration. For example, while Professor Sandrine Heutz of Imperial College London has praised the breakthrough as a “significant advance”, she has also highlighted the need for “practical engineering approaches combining sustainability with performance” before quantum networks can scale.

Others point out that alternative post-quantum cryptography methods (i.e. those based on mathematical techniques designed to resist quantum attacks) may offer a more immediate and scalable solution for many businesses.

That said, QKD appears to offer a completely different security model, i.e. true information-theoretic security, rather than security based on assumptions of computational difficulty.

A Step Closer to a Quantum-Connected Future

Toshiba’s success may be a clear signal that quantum encryption is becoming more than just a theoretical concept. It could also be seen as showing that businesses could soon have access to ultra-secure communications without relying on highly specialised or impractical technology. The real challenge now will be extending QKD into broader networks, scaling transmission speeds, and driving down costs so it becomes viable for everyday use.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

Toshiba’s breakthrough brings the vision of ultra-secure quantum communications significantly closer to reality. For UK businesses, particularly those handling sensitive client information or operating in highly regulated sectors, the prospect of deploying quantum-safe communication networks using existing fibre infrastructure is beginning to look far more attainable. It suggests a future where ultra-secure encryption could be a built-in feature of mainstream services, rather than a costly, bespoke solution accessible only to a few.

However, businesses will need to stay alert. Although Toshiba’s achievement shows what is possible, there are still some serious barriers to its practical deployment on a wide scale. For example, current data transmission rates are far too low for everyday commercial needs, and the cost of equipping networks with suitable quantum-ready hardware remains high. Companies that invest early may gain a competitive edge in terms of trust and security, but must also weigh the risks and realities of early adoption.

For telecoms providers, technology firms, and national infrastructure planners, the success of Toshiba’s test sends a strong signal that investment in quantum communication systems is no longer just experimental. As QKD capabilities improve and costs fall, we may start to see broader moves towards building quantum-safe national networks, which is something governments across Europe and beyond are now likely to be very interested in.

At the same time, this new chapter in cyber security brings fresh challenges for infrastructure security and network resilience. While quantum signals themselves are robust against hacking, the physical cables they travel through remain vulnerable to attack. Any future strategy must therefore combine quantum encryption with strong physical and network security measures.

Toshiba’s test seems to be a turning point in that it shows that quantum cryptography is moving out of the lab and into the real world.

The United Arab Emirates has become the first country in the world to officially use artificial intelligence to write, review and amend its federal and local laws, a move that is already sparking global debate about the future of governance.

A Bold Leap Into AI-Driven Legislation

In a decision that has stunned many policy experts, the UAE government has announced the creation of a new cabinet unit, the Regulatory Intelligence Office, which will oversee a sweeping AI-powered legislative programme. This will not only draft new laws but also monitor, review, and update existing ones using advanced AI systems.

Speaking through state media, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and UAE Prime Minister, said: “This new legislative system, powered by artificial intelligence, will change how we create laws, making the process faster and more precise.”

For example, instead of human committees debating potential changes over months, AI will now be tasked with analysing legal data, case law, and societal impacts to suggest amendments in real-time. The move actually builds on years of strategic investment as the UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama, back in 2017 and launched its UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence shortly after.

Why Is This Move So Unusual?

In short, while many governments globally are experimenting with AI to summarise bills, automate paperwork, or assist with public services, none have gone as far as allowing AI to actively co-write and amend legislation.

Rony Medaglia, professor at Copenhagen Business School, has been quoted as describing the move as “very bold,” noting it shifts AI from being a mere administrative tool to becoming “some sort of co-legislator.”

For example, the AI will not just analyse existing laws but will also proactively predict areas needing reform, based on economic trends, legal precedents, and public service data. This predictive approach, experts argue, is unheard of on a national scale.

However, it’s worth noting here that details about the specific AI models and their safeguards remain limited at this stage. Questions also linger about how much human oversight will accompany the automated recommendations.

What Does It Mean for the UAE?

It seems that officials are optimistic, as the UAE cabinet predicts that AI will speed up the lawmaking process by 70 per cent, cut government costs by up to 50 per cent, and could ultimately boost the nation’s GDP by around 35 per cent by 2030.

The move is also being seen as a strategic step to cement the UAE’s position as a leader in digital governance and regulatory innovation. For example, by creating a massive database of all federal and local laws, combined with court judgments and government service outcomes, the AI system will be able to evaluate how laws impact the population and the economy in near real-time.

Global Ambition

From a geopolitical perspective, the UAE’s willingness to experiment at scale reflects its broader ambition to position itself as a global AI hub, alongside its major investments such as MGX, an AI-focused sovereign investment vehicle launched last year.

What Could It Mean for Other Countries?

The UAE’s decision could set a powerful precedent. Other nations, especially those with more centralised or technocratic governments, may watch closely to see if AI-driven lawmaking improves efficiency, lowers costs, and boosts citizen satisfaction.

However, democratic countries, where legislative processes are deliberately slower to encourage scrutiny and debate, may find it harder to adopt similar systems without triggering political backlash. For example, in Europe, strict regulations like the EU’s AI Act, and public sensitivities around data privacy and algorithmic transparency, would make a UAE-style rollout far more contentious.

Impact on Businesses in the UAE and Beyond

For businesses operating within the UAE (or trading with companies there) the implications could be profound. A faster, more dynamic legislative environment could create opportunities for innovation, but could also create some uncertainty. For example, regulations affecting sectors like fintech, healthcare, and renewable energy could change more quickly and unpredictably than before, depending on AI-driven assessments of sector performance and risk.

At the same time, companies may benefit from clearer, more data-driven legal frameworks if the AI is successful in creating laws that better match economic realities. International companies dealing with the UAE may therefore need to stay especially vigilant, investing in legal monitoring systems that can track rapid regulatory shifts suggested by AI analyses.

Criticisms and Challenges

Despite the excitement, experts have warned of some significant risks from a move like this. One major concern is reliability. As Vincent Straub (an AI researcher at Oxford University) has noted, current AI models still “hallucinate” (a technical term for making up false or misleading information) and suffer from robustness issues, warning that “We can’t trust them”. For example, AI could recommend a law amendment that, while mathematically sound, may be legally nonsensical or socially harmful. Without some critical degree of human oversight, these proposals could therefore pose real dangers.

Bias in training data is another key issue. If historical laws and court rulings contain systemic biases, the AI could perpetuate or even amplify these flaws unless carefully corrected. As Marina De Vos, a computer scientist at the University of Bath has cautioned, without tight “guardrails,” the AI might produce recommendations that “make sense to a machine” but are utterly impractical for human societies.

Transparency is also a key concern here. Legal decisions require clear rationales, yet many AI systems operate as “black boxes” whose reasoning is opaque even to their developers. This could undermine trust in the legislative process if not carefully managed.

Also, while the UAE’s political system enables rapid innovation, some critics have pointed out that democratic oversight may be limited. In countries with more public participation in governance, rolling out similar AI programmes would likely face heavy scrutiny and slower adoption.

What’s Next?

It remains unclear which AI platforms the UAE will deploy for this historic experiment. Experts suggest the government may need to combine multiple models to handle the complexities of legislative drafting, economic modelling, and ethical review.

The Regulatory Intelligence Office is expected to start work immediately, with AI-written and AI-amended laws anticipated to appear before the end of the year.

What Does This Mean For Your Business?

The UAE’s decision to embed AI at the heart of its legislative process marks a pioneering moment not just for the Gulf region, but for the world at large. By embracing technology in this way, the UAE is signalling a future where governments may no longer be the sole authors of their own laws, but co-creators with machines capable of absorbing vast datasets and drawing new insights at unprecedented speed. Yet with such a bold move comes an equally bold set of risks, from reliability concerns to the potential for unseen biases and a lack of transparency.

For UK businesses (and indeed any company trading with or operating within the UAE), the impact could be significant. A faster-moving legal environment may unlock new opportunities, particularly for sectors like finance, technology, and renewable energy, where regulatory agility can be a major advantage. However, it also means firms will need to be increasingly proactive, keeping a close watch on legislative changes that could emerge with far less warning than under traditional systems. Investing in legal risk management and maintaining close ties with local partners will likely become even more critical for safeguarding operations in the region.

More broadly, the UAE’s experiment could provide valuable lessons for policymakers, businesses, and citizens around the world. Whether AI can truly deliver faster, fairer, and more effective governance remains to be seen, but what is clear already is that the global conversation around the role of technology in public life has entered a new and more urgent phase. As the first test case plays out in the UAE, the stakes will be watched closely by governments, regulators, and businesses alike (including here in the UK), where balancing innovation with accountability remains an ever-delicate task.