ADHRB warns that expansive facial‑recognition networks, spyware deployments, and draconian cybercrime laws threaten privacy, free expression and association, urging robust legal safeguards and independent oversight.
This statement was originally published on adhrb.org on 17 April 2025.
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has rapidly positioned itself as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI), integrating advanced technologies across various sectors to drive economic growth and enhance governance. Central to this strategy is the deployment of AI-driven surveillance systems aimed at increasing national security and public safety. However, the extensive use of such technologies raises significant human rights concerns, particularly regarding privacy, freedom of expression, and the potential for governmental overreach.
AI Surveillance Infrastructure in the UAE
The UAE’s commitment to becoming a global AI hub is evident through substantial investments and strategic initiatives. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed al Nahyan, the national security adviser and brother to President Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, oversees assets exceeding $1.5 trillion and is leading efforts to transform Abu Dhabi into an AI superpower. Through entities like the tech conglomerate G42, the UAE aims to secure a leading role in the global AI industry, aligning more closely with U.S. technology firms to mitigate geopolitical risks associated with Chinese collaborations.
In urban centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the implementation of AI-powered surveillance is extensive. Dubai’s Oyoon program integrates over 300,000 cameras with facial recognition capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of residents and visitors. Similarly, Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Eye system provides comprehensive surveillance across the city, enhancing the government’s ability to track individuals’ movements.
Human Rights Implications
Privacy Concerns
The pervasive deployment of AI surveillance technologies in public spaces poses significant threats to individual privacy. The ability of these systems to continuously monitor and analyze personal behaviors without consent infringes upon the right to privacy as established in international human rights standards. Such extensive surveillance can lead to self-censorship, as individuals may alter their behavior due to the awareness of being constantly watched.
Freedom of Expression and Association
The UAE’s stringent cybercrime laws further exacerbate concerns related to AI surveillance. The Federal Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combatting Rumors and Cybercrime criminalizes online activities that oppose the fundamental principles of governance or offend foreign states, with penalties extending to life imprisonment. This legal framework has been utilized to suppress dissent, leading to the imprisonment of academics, journalists, and activists for peaceful online expressions deemed as undermining government authority.
Misuse of Surveillance Technologies
Reports indicate that the UAE has employed sophisticated spyware, such as the Pegasus software developed by Israel’s NSO Group, to monitor dissidents and perceived opponents both domestically and internationally. Notably, human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor was sentenced to 10 years in prison based on information extracted from his Pegasus-infected device. This misuse of surveillance tools underscores the potential for AI technologies to be leveraged in ways that violate human rights and suppress legitimate criticism.
International Scrutiny and Response
The UAE’s surveillance practices have attracted global attention, particularly in the context of international events hosted within its borders. For instance, during the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) held in Dubai, concerns were raised about the extensive surveillance measures potentially infringing upon participants’ rights to privacy and freedom of assembly. The presence of pervasive monitoring technologies was seen as a threat to open dialogue and the overall success of the conference.
Journalistic investigations have also highlighted the broader implications of such surveillance. Ronan Farrow’s documentary “Surveilled” delves into the global proliferation of spyware and its impact on democracy and freedom, emphasizing the need for international regulations to govern the use of these intrusive technologies.
Balancing Technological Advancement with Human Rights
While the UAE’s pursuit of technological advancement through AI offers potential benefits in areas like urban planning, healthcare, and security, it is imperative to balance these developments with the protection of fundamental human rights. Establishing transparent legal frameworks, ensuring accountability for misuse, and engaging with international human rights bodies are crucial steps toward mitigating the adverse effects of AI surveillance.
Conclusion
The integration of AI surveillance technologies in the UAE reflects a broader global trend where states adopt advanced tools to enhance governance and security. However, without adequate safeguards, such practices can lead to significant human rights violations, including infringements on privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of association. As the UAE continues its trajectory toward becoming a leader in AI, it holds the responsibility to implement these technologies in a manner that respects and upholds the rights of its citizens and the international community.
