Dubai 10X initiative: Development of two AI projects

The projects are in line with the Dubai '10X' initiative that sets the Government of Dubai on a mission to be 10 years ahead of all other cities.

The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, in close collaboration with the Dubai Future Foundation, has developed two artificial intelligence (AI) projects namely: 'Virtual Charity Foundation' and 'Virtual Ifta'. The projects are in line with the Dubai '10X' initiative that sets the Government of Dubai on a mission to be 10 years ahead of all other cities.

• The 'Virtual Charity Foundation' is the world's first charity institution that allows donations to be routed directly from donor to beneficiary with the use of AI and blockchain technology, thus eliminating the need for counterparties and significantly reducing waiting periods for the beneficiary. It aims to protect the identity of beneficiaries as well as open new ways for community groups from around the world to search and identify charitable aid opportunities.
• 'Virtual Ifta', is a platform that uses an 'artificial intelligence expert system' - a computer system that emulates the decision-making ability of a human expert - and 'big data technology' to streamline the process of disseminating fatwas. It aims to facilitate a more instant experience and reduce duplications by removing the need for muftis to repeat answers to the same questions.

The Department intends to create a flexible and intelligent environment to enhance charitable activities, strengthen the Department's efforts to deliver and document 'fatwas', and serve the community through innovative services, through these two projects.