The UK and Qatar have announced a joint artificial intelligence (AI) research committee, marking a significant step in bilateral efforts to strengthen AI capabilities. The initiative aims to create a strategic roadmap for cooperation, focusing on key areas such as ecosystem development, policy and regulation, security, and international engagement. This initiative is consistent with both countries’ broader AI strategies and underscores their commitment to driving innovation while addressing common challenges.
The project is being led by Queen Mary University of London, in partnership with Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. Professor David Leslie, an ethics and technology expert and Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at the Alan Turing Institute, will spearhead the research. The partnership aims to leverage the expertise of both institutions to explore new approaches to AI development while promoting responsible innovation.
Neerav Patel, British Ambassador to Qatar, said: “The UK and Qatar have shown themselves to be innovators in the implementation of AI policy, including the need to build strong systems of ethics and governance.” . “I am delighted that such prestigious institutions from the UK and Qatar are joining this important initiative, which reflects our countries’ desire to work together on the common challenges that the 21st century will bring. ”
The initiative is the result of a joint effort by the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology AI Committee, the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council (QRDI), and the British Embassy in Doha. The funding comes from the Gulf Strategic Fund, a program under the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
The announcement coincides with the Emir of Qatar’s state visit to the UK and highlights the growing importance of bilateral cooperation in science and technology. This partnership complements Qatar’s Digital Vision 2030 and the UK’s continued investment in AI research, both of which prioritize innovation, knowledge exchange and ecosystem development. By targeting areas of mutual interest, the initiative aims to strengthen both countries’ positions in the global AI field, while contributing to long-term technological growth.
“By harnessing the transformative potential of AI, we have the opportunity to make meaningful progress in peacebuilding, improve decision-making processes, and tackle complex global problems with more precision.” said Mariam Khalid Al, Minister Plenipotentiary of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hamal. “Additionally, adopting the idea of ‘AI for All’ will ensure that the benefits of this technology reach all countries and enable them to proactively embrace the AI era. It reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusion, and ensuring technology serves as a tool for justice and progress for all.”
Expanding global AI collaboration
The UK is increasingly pursuing international partnerships to strengthen AI research and safety. In April 2024, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States to jointly develop safety testing for advanced AI systems, including provisions for capability sharing and joint testing in a public model. Earlier this year, the UK also partnered with France, securing £800,000 in joint research funding and strengthening the relationship between the UK Institute for AI Safety and France’s Inria.
In November 2024, the UK launched the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), a specialist facility dedicated to tackling emerging AI threats. LASR collaborates with academic, intelligence, and industry experts to assess the national security implications of AI and develop cutting-edge defense mechanisms.
