AI governance

We help organisations implement ethical and compliant AI frameworks aligned with GDPR, UAE PDPL and emerging AI governance standards, including ISO/IEC 42001. Our services support responsible development and deployment of AI systems while managing regulatory and reputational risk.

Key Benefits:

✔ AI governance frameworks aligned with GDPR and UAE PDPL

✔ Practical guidance on high-risk AI use cases

✔ Support for AI-related DPIAs and risk assessments

✔ A defensible, documented approach to AI oversight

Why AI governance matters now

Teams are adopting AI tools and large language models faster than policies can keep up. When those systems touch personal data, existing privacy law already applies, and new AI-specific rules and standards are arriving on top. Good governance lets you use AI with confidence and show customers, regulators and procurement teams that you are in control.

The rules and standards we work with

• UAE PDPL: contains rules on automated processing and profiling, requires impact assessments for high-risk processing involving new technologies, and can require a Data Protection Officer where AI use involves large-scale or sensitive profiling.
• GDPR and UK GDPR: restrict solely automated decisions with significant effects (Article 22) and require DPIAs for high-risk processing.
• EU AI Act (Regulation (EU) 2024/1689): a risk-based law that can apply to non-EU providers and deployers whose AI systems or outputs reach the EU market. Obligations phase in over time.
• ISO/IEC 42001: the international standard for an AI management system, which gives you a certifiable framework for responsible AI.
• NIST AI Risk Management Framework: a widely used reference for identifying and managing AI risks.

This page is general information, not legal advice.

What our AI governance service includes

• AI inventory: finding and documenting the AI systems and third-party tools in use, including shadow AI
• Risk classification: sorting use cases by risk and mapping them to the rules that apply
• Policies and acceptable-use rules: clear guidance for staff on what data can and cannot go into AI tools
• Vendor and model due diligence: reviewing AI suppliers, data handling terms and contract protections
• AI-specific impact assessments: DPIAs that test fairness, explainability, accuracy and data minimisation
• Human oversight design: making human review meaningful rather than a rubber stamp
• Roles and accountability: who owns each AI system, who approves it and who monitors it
• Management system readiness: preparing for ISO/IEC 42001 alongside our ISO/IEC 27701 and 42001 implementation support
• Training: short sessions for leadership, product and data teams

How we work

1. Discovery: we map where AI is used and what personal data it touches.
2. Risk review: we assess high-risk use cases against the applicable laws and standards.
3. Framework build: we put policies, approval steps and documentation in place that fit how your teams actually work.
4. Operate and improve: we support ongoing monitoring and review as models, vendors and regulation change.

Who it is for

Organisations rolling out copilots or LLM features, building AI into their products, using AI for hiring, credit, marketing or customer service decisions, or buying AI tools from vendors. It suits both regulated sectors and growing companies that want to be ready before a customer or regulator asks.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need an AI governance framework if we only use third-party AI tools?

Usually, yes. Using a vendor’s AI does not remove your responsibilities as the organisation deciding why and how personal data is processed. You still need to assess the vendor, control what data goes in, and manage the outputs.

Does having a human review AI decisions solve the problem?

Not automatically. Review only counts if the reviewer has real authority to overturn the result, enough visibility into how it was produced and enough time to do it properly. We help design that process.

When is a DPIA needed for an AI project?

Typically before launch where AI involves profiling, automated decisions with significant effects, sensitive data or large-scale processing. See our AI governance checklist for businesses deploying LLMs for a practical starting point.

Is ISO/IEC 42001 mandatory?

No. It is a voluntary standard, but it gives you a structured way to demonstrate responsible AI management and is increasingly requested in procurement. We can assess how ready you are.

Related services: DPO as a Service and UAE and regional data protection compliance.