Ensuring sovereignty, capability and capacity of the GCC member states in the technological revolution

As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states move away from reliance on oil production and seek to develop into technological societies, a range of concerns arise. In particular, the reliance on increasingly autonomous artificial intelligence driven systems, which will have a significant and ongoing impact within the GCC member states. Managing the intellectual property associated with autonomous systems needs to be addressed, as does balancing the public/private divide. Creating effective data management systems and understanding the distinction between internal security and international expectations will be crucial to a successful 21st century and ensure continued prosperity for Gulf societies.

This chapter examines the trajectory of the GCC member states, and their increasing movement towards highly technological knowledge-based societies. It examines technology management and protecting data and information security in the region. It identifies potential risks and considers how to best implement control over autonomous technology for the benefit of the Gulf societies while mindful of individual state priorities, socio-cultural concerns, international relationships, and trade obligations.