At a high-level international conference in Cairo, the UAE Council for Fatwa presented its efforts to incorporate artificial intelligence into the process of religious fatwa issuance. The event served as a platform for collaboration, innovation, and reaffirming the role of moderate Islamic guidance in an era shaped by digital transformation.
UAE participation at the Cairo conference
The UAE Council for Fatwa took part in the international conference titled “Making of the Competent Mufti in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”, held in Cairo and organised by the General Secretariat for Fatwa Authorities Worldwide, Egypt. The focus of the event was the intersection of religious scholarship and artificial intelligence, exploring how new technologies can support legitimate fatwa practices while maintaining Islamic values.A delegation representing the UAE Council for Fatwa conveyed the greetings of Shaikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, Chairman of the Council, and his aspirations for the conference to produce meaningful outcomes that strengthen the message of moderation and uphold the legitimacy of religious rulings.The Council’s representation included:
- Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Derei, Vice Chairman
- Dr. Saba Salem Al Kaabi, Acting Secretary-General
- Dr. Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Member
- Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Haddad, Member
These representatives actively participated in conference sessions and workshops, engaging in detailed discussions about:
- The potential and current applications of AI in religious contexts
- Aligning AI technologies with legitimate Sharia principles and national priorities
- Institutional methods to ensure AI enhances — rather than undermines — the fatwa process
Key themes and messages delivered by UAE council
During the sessions, speakers from the UAE Council stressed the importance of:
- Protecting the fatwa system from instability and misuse
- Anticipating the challenges posed by AI with structured, institutional strategies
- Maintaining legitimate constants and preventing the exploitation of religious rulings for extremist or ideological purposes
- Utilising technical expertise and developing secure, reliable databases to support fatwa work
Dr. Omar Al Derei underscored that advancing technology must be integrated responsibly, ensuring fatwa issuance remains robust and credible.Dr. Saba Al Kaabi highlighted the value of the conference as a space for sharing experiences and strategies among Islamic institutions worldwide. He stressed that the digital revolution calls for a moderate, responsive methodology that keeps pace with global developments while safeguarding the authenticity and purpose of the fatwa tradition.On the sidelines of the conference, bilateral discussions reinforced the importance of:
- Strengthening cooperation in religious affairs and awqaf (endowments)
- Promoting Islamic values of tolerance, peace, and coexistence
About the UAE Council for Fatwa
The Emirates Fatwa Council was established in 2018 under Federal Law No. (3), to serve as the sole authority for issuing general religious fatwas within the United Arab Emirates. The Council operates with full legal personality, financial and administrative independence, and reports directly to the Minister of the Presidential Court.Its mandate includes:
- Establishing fatwa practices aligned with the UAE’s national identity, both locally and globally
- Developing policies, directives, and legislation related to fatwas and their regulation
- Empowering the Emirati society with forward-looking fatwas that enhance the country’s global competitiveness
- Building a civilisational model of fatwa that responds to modern developments and contributes positively to the UAE’s international reputation and humanitarian vision
A vision for technologically enabled religious guidance
The Council’s involvement in the Cairo conference reflects its broader mission: modernising religious institutions while remaining anchored in authentic Islamic scholarship. By engaging in dialogue around AI’s role in fatwa issuance, the Council is working to ensure that:
- Religious guidance remains relevant and trustworthy
- Technological tools are used ethically and responsibly
- The UAE continues to be seen as a global leader in moderate religious discourse
The event concluded with a shared agreement among participating bodies to enhance international cooperation, protect religious institutions from technological disruption, and promote moderate, inclusive interpretations of Islam in the digital age.
