In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a groundbreaking research paper from Abu Dhabi University (ADU) College of Law has shed light on the legal foundations for addressing civil liability arising from misleading content, with direct implications for AI-driven tools like chatbots. As chatbots become integral to sectors such as legal services, customer support, and education, understanding liability frameworks is crucial for developers, users, and regulators alike. This study, published in the Scopus-indexed Q1 journal Research Journal in Advanced Humanities, analyzes UAE legislation to protect society from misinformation while balancing freedom of expression.

The UAE's ambitious National AI Strategy 2031 positions the country as a global AI leader, with projections estimating AI contributions to GDP reaching AED 335 billion by 2031. Chatbots, powered by generative AI models similar to ChatGPT, are increasingly deployed in higher education for student advising and in legal firms for preliminary consultations. However, incidents like a recent Abu Dhabi court case where a law firm was fined AED 300,000 for citing fabricated cases generated by an AI chatbot highlight the urgent need for clear liability rules.

🚀 The Surge of Chatbots in UAE Higher Education and Legal Sectors

Chatbots, defined as conversational AI systems using natural language processing (NLP) to simulate human interaction, have transformed UAE universities. Abu Dhabi University itself regulates ChatGPT use in education to prevent academic misconduct, as announced in 2023. Across the UAE, institutions like UAE University and Khalifa University integrate AI assistants for administrative tasks, reducing response times by up to 70% according to TDRA reports.

In the legal domain, chatbots provide instant case law summaries and contract reviews, but risks emerge when they output inaccurate or misleading information. UAE's TDRA issued guidelines in 2024 for generative AI, mandating age restrictions (13+ with parental consent) and prohibiting exam use, underscoring ethical deployment needs. Statistics from the UAE AI Council indicate over 500 AI startups, many focusing on chatbots, with adoption in higher ed growing 40% annually.

ADU's Pivotal Scopus Q1 Publication

Led by researchers Hayssam Hammad, Nagwa Abouhaiba, and Doaa Mahmoud from ADU College of Law, alongside collaborators, the paper titled "Legal Basis of the Civil Liability for Harms Caused by Misleading Content on Social Media under UAE Legislation" was published on November 17, 2025, in a Q1 Scopus journal. This multidisciplinary work employs an inductive analytical approach to dissect UAE laws, positioning ADU as a key contributor to AI governance discourse in higher education.

The abstract emphasizes UAE's proactive stance, criminalizing AI techniques for disinformation dissemination. Full details are available via the DOI link, confirming its rigorous peer review and Q1 ranking in humanities categories.

UAE's Robust Legal Framework for Digital Liability

The paper anchors its analysis in four cornerstone laws:

• Federal Decree-Law No. 34/2021 on Combating Rumors and Cybercrimes: Penalizes false news dissemination, including republication, with fines up to AED 500,000.
• Decree-Law No. 55/2023 on Media Regulation: Holds platforms accountable for hosted content.
• Federal Law No. 5/1985 on Civil Transactions (Civil Code): Basis for tort liability under Articles 282-292, allowing compensation for material/moral damages.
• Federal Law No. 15/2020 on Consumer Protection: Shields users from deceptive AI outputs.

These form a dual criminal-civil system, extending liability to chatbot operators and platforms if harms like financial loss or reputational damage occur from misleading advice.

Article 316 of the Civil Code introduces custodian liability for objects requiring special care, analogous to AI systems, as explored in related UAEU research on autonomous AI.

Key Insights: From Misinformation to AI-Specific Risks

Chatbots exemplify risks when generating misleading content, such as erroneous legal opinions leading to poor decisions. The study notes UAE's criminalization of AI-fueled disinformation, a forward-thinking measure amid global debates. For instance, platforms must remove harmful content within 24 hours under media laws.

Victims pursue civil remedies via courts, proving fault or strict liability. The paper highlights platforms' vicarious responsibility, mirroring EU AI Act high-risk classifications. In higher ed, this implies universities must audit chatbot outputs to avoid liability for student guidance errors.

Implications for UAE Universities and Legal Practice

ADU's research resonates in UAE higher ed, where AI integration accelerates. Universities like Zayed University study chatbot ethics, while Khalifa University develops AI curricula. The paper urges institutions to train faculty on liability, fostering responsible AI use.

Legal firms face risks, as seen in the 2026 Abu Dhabi ruling fining a firm for ChatGPT hallucinations—fabricated precedents costing AED 300,000. This case exemplifies civil claims under tort law, emphasizing verification duties.

For developers, mandatory disclosures and audits mitigate risks, aligning with UAE AI Office guidelines.

Challenges in Enforcing AI Liability

• Proving causation: Linking chatbot output to harm requires digital forensics.
• Cross-border issues: Content from global servers challenges jurisdiction.
• AI opacity: Black-box models hinder fault attribution.
• Rapid evolution: Laws lag behind tools like multimodal chatbots.

The study recommends judicial training on digital evidence, a national misinformation database, and AI law updates—echoing UAE's 2025 AI ethics strategy.

Global Context and UAE Leadership

While EU's AI Act mandates risk assessments for high-risk AI, UAE blends common/civil law hybrids. ADU's work parallels US cases like Mata v. Avianca (ChatGPT fake cites) and positions UAE ahead via explicit AI disinformation bans.

In higher ed, this inspires curricula; ADU's conference on AI legal challenges (2023) featured sessions on employer liability for AI tools.

Photo by Massimo Basso on Unsplash

Future Outlook and Actionable Recommendations

ADU researchers propose:

• National database for real-time misleading content tracking.
• Media literacy programs in universities.
• International pacts on cross-border AI harms.
• Digital justice integration in UAE Vision 2031.

As chatbots evolve, UAE universities like ADU lead research, ensuring innovation with accountability. Stakeholders should conduct AI audits and pursue academic CV enhancements for AI law expertise.

This publication cements ADU's role in shaping UAE's AI-legal nexus, promoting safe digital transformation.