Why the UAE Tapped IBM AI to Automate Trade Compliance

Public-private partnerships are a key component of governmental strategy, particularly when it comes to infrastructural projects and advanced technologies. A new agreement between IBM and the United Arab Emirates is an example of such a collaboration.

The US-based technology company has agreed to work with the UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) to develop an AI system intended to advance the country's environmental objectives.

The partnership was formalised at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, with Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change & Environment, in attendance.

Signing on behalf of the ministry was Amal Abdulrahim, the UAE's Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services and Chief AI and Innovation Officer at MoCCAE, while Shukri Eid, the General Manager for the Gulf Levant and Pakistan at IBM, represented his firm.

Automating trade compliance and data validation

The collaboration will centre on creating AI-driven prototypes for environmental management in the UAE. One of the first initiatives is the development of an intelligent system for CITES certificate verification, which will use AI to automate data entry and validation.

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, is an international agreement between governments that ensures wildlife is not endangered when traded across borders.

By expediting the processes involved with CITES compliance, the UAE Government could ensure it is acting in accordance with global conservation standards at a much faster rate.

This system is designed to enhance compliance and data quality while also reducing the administrative burden under the UAE's Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme.

"Our goal is not just to adopt technology but to use AI as a strategic tool to proactively address environmental challenges, enhance food and water security, and achieve our Net Zero 2050 targets" says Amal.

Enhancing agricultural and food supply chains

Another part of the project will involve IBM developing an AI-driven quarantine system, allowing the UAE to inspect agricultural and veterinary consignments.

These systems could help to speed up import approval procedures and allow officials to detect biological risks present in the trade of wildlife.

The partnership will also focus on the country's fisheries by creating monitoring mechanisms through mobile applications and cameras at landing sites and local fish markets.

This initiative aims to track fish stocks accurately and prevent overexploitation, providing real-time data on the sustainability of the UAE's fishing industry.

Digitising ESG reporting and national strategy

The agreement includes a study to examine the requirements for establishing a digital platform for ESG reporting.

This platform should enable transparent and real-time national reporting to support the UAE's current and future climate policies while also bolstering government accountability.

A key element of IBM's involvement will be its role in helping to teach skills and build capacity for MoCCAE employees.

The training programmes will focus on advanced technology and digital techniques to support the ministry's digital transformation strategy.

The initiatives align with broader UAE government programmes, including the 'UAE Centennial 2071' and 'We the UAE 2031' visions. The planned relationship remains subject to the parties reaching definitive agreements.

The collaboration is one of several technology partnerships to emerge from GITEX Global 2025. IBM's involvement extends its existing presence in the Gulf region, where IBM has been expanding its hybrid cloud and AI capabilities.

"These scalable solutions will not only meet the UAE's objectives but can also serve as a model for the region and the world," explains Shukri.