etisalat UAE has become the first telecommunications operator in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to achieve accredited ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification, following an independent assessment by LRQA.
The certification, delivered under LRQA’s UKAS accreditation, recognises the organisation’s AI Management System and its structured approach to managing AI-related risks, accountability and oversight. The achievement marks an important milestone in etisalat UAE’s commitment to responsible AI governance. Advancing responsible AI in telecommunications
As telecommunications operators accelerate AI adoption across their services and operations, effective governance is becoming increasingly important.
ISO/IEC 42001 is the world’s first international management system standard dedicated to AI. It provides a framework for organisations to manage AI-related risks and opportunities, establish accountability and support continual improvement. Independent certification provides assurance that an organisation's AI management system meets internationally recognised requirements for responsible AI governance.
For etisalat UAE, the certification builds on its Responsible AI Framework, bringing together expertise across Technology & Information, AI Engineering & Factory, Business Excellence and operational teams.
Its AI Management System addresses key requirements including risk and impact assessments, transparency, human oversight, performance monitoring and lifecycle management.
Marwan Bin Shakar, Chief Technology Officer at etisalat UAE, said:
“As we expand the use of AI across our services and operations, strong governance must be developed alongside technical capability. This certification is a testament to our capabilities in managing AI responsibly and embedding robust governance practices across the organisation. It reinforces our commitment to scaling AI innovation while maintaining accountability, transparency and stakeholder confidence."
A milestone in LRQA’s longstanding partnership with etisalat
The achievement builds on LRQA’s longstanding relationship with etisalat UAE, which dates to 2017, reflecting a continued focus on internationally recognised standards and independent assurance.
The certification was formally presented during a ceremony in Dubai in September 2026, attended by representatives of both organisations, including Luis Cunha, LRQA’s Executive Vice President, EMEA.
Luis Cunha, Executive Vice President, EMEA at LRQA, said:
“We are delighted to certify etisalat UAE as a global pioneer in AI certification in the telecom sector, supporting a long-standing client as it expands its use of AI and reinvents its business. As AI adoption grows, this is a great example of how LRQA helps organisations put structured governance at the heart of their AI and business transformation ambitions.”
Saif Al-Obaidi, Business Director, Middle East and Africa at LRQA, said:
“We congratulate etisalat UAE on this milestone. Achieving ISO/IEC 42001 accreditation reflects the commitment of teams across the organisation to embedding responsible AI practices into their operations. As AI adoption accelerates across the region, this achievement provides a valuable example of how organisations can put structured governance at the heart of their AI ambitions.”
Building confidence through independent AI assurance
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in business-critical operations, independent certification provides organisations with a recognised means of demonstrating that their AI management systems meet international requirements.
LRQA supports organisations worldwide through ISO/IEC 42001 training and accredited certification, helping businesses strengthen governance and build confidence in their approach to responsible AI.
