The UK and Qatar have unveiled a joint artificial intelligence (AI) research commission, marking a significant step in their bilateral efforts to strengthen AI capabilities. The initiative aims to create a strategic roadmap for collaboration, focusing on critical areas such as ecosystem development, policy and regulation, security, and international engagement. This effort aligns with the broader AI strategies of both nations, underscoring their commitment to advancing innovation while addressing shared challenges.
Leading the project is Queen Mary University of London, in partnership with Hamad bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. Professor David Leslie, an expert in ethics and technology and Director of Ethics and Responsible Innovation Research at the Alan Turing Institute, will spearhead the research. The collaboration will harness the expertise of both institutions, aiming to explore novel approaches to AI development while promoting responsible innovation.
“The UK and Qatar have shown themselves to be innovators in the policy implementation of AI, including the need to build strong systems of ethics and governance,” said British Ambassador to Qatar Neerav Patel. “I’m delighted that such prestigious UK and Qatari institutions are involved in this important initiative. It reflects both countries’ desire to work together on the shared challenges the 21st century will bring.”
This initiative is the result of a concerted effort by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the AI Committee of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Qatar Research, Development, and Innovation Council (QRDI), and the British Embassy in Doha. Funding comes from the UK Government’s Gulf Strategy Fund, a programme under the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
The announcement coincides with the State Visit of the Amir of Qatar to the UK, highlighting the growing emphasis on bilateral cooperation in science and technology. This partnership complements Qatar’s Digital Vision 2030 and the UK’s ongoing investments in AI research, both of which prioritise innovation, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem development. By targeting areas of mutual interest, the initiative seeks to strengthen both nations’ positions in the global AI arena while contributing to long-term technological growth.
“By leveraging the transformative potential of AI, we have the opportunity to make meaningful progress in peacebuilding, improve decision-making processes, and tackle complex global issues with greater accuracy,” said Qatar Minister Plenipotentiary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mariam Khalid Al-Hamar. “Furthermore, embracing the idea of ‘AI for All’ ensures that the benefits of this technology reach every nation, empowering them to actively engage in the AI era. This vision reflects our unwavering commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and ensuring that technology serves as a tool for justice and progress for all.”
Expanding global AI collaborations
The UK has increasingly pursued international partnerships to bolster AI research and safety. In April 2024, it signed a memorandum of understanding with the US to jointly develop safety tests for advanced AI systems, including provisions for capability sharing and joint testing on publicly available models. Earlier this year, the UK also partnered with France, securing £800,000 in funding for collaborative research and forging ties between the UK AI Safety Institute and France’s Inria.
In November 2024, the UK launched the Laboratory for AI Security Research (LASR), a specialised facility dedicated to addressing emerging AI threats. LASR collaborates with academic, intelligence, and industry experts to evaluate AI’s national security implications and develop cutting-edge defence mechanisms.
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