UAE: Should ChatGPT give medical advice? Mental health experts call for regulation

In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life has grown rapidly across the globe. From virtual assistants and automation tools to healthcare and education, AI systems like ChatGPT are increasingly being relied upon for information and guidance. In the UAE, this trend is no different. The use of AI tools has exploded in sectors like finance, education, and even health—where questions around its application in mental health and medical contexts are becoming more urgent. But as more people in the UAE turn to platforms like ChatGPT for advice on everything from stress and anxiety to physical ailments, mental health experts are raising a crucial question: Should ChatGPT be allowed to offer medical advice? And if so, under what regulations?

This article explores the growing use of AI in the UAE’s healthcare and mental health spheres, the benefits and risks involved, and the urgent call by professionals for clear regulatory frameworks to govern AI-powered medical guidance.

The Rise of ChatGPT and AI Health Queries in the UAE

The UAE has been a pioneer in digital transformation, often at the forefront of adopting advanced technologies to improve efficiency and accessibility. ChatGPT, powered by OpenAI, has found a user base in the Emirates among professionals, students, and ordinary citizens alike. With its ability to converse in natural language and provide instant information, ChatGPT has become a go-to source for quick answers—including those related to health and wellness.

Whether it’s someone asking about symptoms of depression, panic attacks, or treatment options for diabetes, ChatGPT can generate relevant, informative, and seemingly helpful responses within seconds. However, these quick answers are not always accurate or nuanced enough for complex medical conditions.

Mental Health in the UAE: A Growing Concern

Mental health has become an increasingly important topic in the UAE in recent years. The country has invested in mental health campaigns, developed national strategies, and launched telehealth platforms to increase accessibility. However, stigma, lack of mental health professionals, and waiting times still deter many individuals from seeking in-person therapy or psychiatric help.

As a result, more UAE residents are turning to alternative sources—including AI tools like ChatGPT—for guidance and support. The anonymity and convenience of an AI chatbot makes it an appealing option for those who are reluctant or unable to seek professional help.

But therein lies the concern: is ChatGPT equipped to provide mental health advice in a safe and responsible manner?

What ChatGPT Can and Cannot Do

It’s important to understand that ChatGPT is a language model, not a licensed healthcare professional. It doesn’t diagnose illnesses, prescribe medications, or understand context in the way a trained doctor or psychologist would. While it can simulate empathetic conversations and provide general advice, it cannot replace human medical judgment.

ChatGPT can:

• Offer general information about symptoms, conditions, and treatments.
• Suggest lifestyle changes or coping strategies based on common medical knowledge.
• Provide educational content on mental health issues.

ChatGPT cannot:

• Offer a personalized diagnosis.
• Accurately assess a patient’s medical history or psychological state.
• Account for emergencies or suicidal ideation in real time.

Despite these limitations, many users don’t draw a clear boundary between informational and diagnostic content—making them vulnerable to misinformation or false reassurance.

Regulatory Gaps: Who Holds AI Accountable?

Currently, there is no universal legal framework in the UAE—or globally—for regulating AI-based medical or mental health advice. While some countries like the UK and EU are moving toward stricter AI legislation, the regulatory landscape in the UAE remains largely undefined in this niche.

UAE regulators have been proactive in building an AI-driven future, such as launching the UAE National AI Strategy 2031, but the strategy mainly focuses on innovation, education, and economic diversification. Mental health-specific AI regulation remains a grey area.

Mental health professionals in the UAE are calling for:

• Clear disclaimers: AI tools like ChatGPT must prominently inform users that they do not offer medical or therapeutic advice.
• Usage boundaries: Limitations on AI interactions involving certain keywords or emergency scenarios, with auto-referrals to licensed helplines.
• Monitoring and reporting: Establishing a system to flag harmful content or advice shared by AI.
• AI Ethics Board: Creation of an independent panel to review and audit the performance and impact of AI tools in healthcare scenarios.

What Are the Authorities Saying?

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi (DoH) have recognized the growing role of telemedicine and digital platforms. However, they have yet to issue AI-specific clinical guidelines that encompass non-human advisers like ChatGPT.

Experts suggest that collaboration between developers, mental health professionals, and regulators is needed to create a tailored framework that supports innovation while ensuring public safety.

Global Precedents: Lessons from Abroad

Other nations are starting to tackle the issue head-on. For example:

• The United Kingdom’s MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) has begun reviewing AI tools used in digital health to ensure compliance with safety standards.
• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a Digital Health Center of Excellence that reviews software as a medical device (SaMD), including AI chatbots used in health contexts.

These models could help the UAE design its own regulatory standards.

The Role of Developers: Building Ethical AI

It’s not just regulators who must act—AI developers also bear responsibility. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has built-in safeguards and disclaimers warning users against treating its responses as medical advice. However, enforcement is limited. Developers need to do more to protect vulnerable users, especially when AI platforms are accessed without context or supervision.

This includes:

• Enhancing content moderation and detection for harmful prompts.
• Including culturally and linguistically relevant guidance in Arabic and English.
• Redirecting users expressing mental distress to verified local hotlines or resources.

Public Awareness: Empowering UAE Residents with Knowledge

A large part of the solution lies in public education. As the UAE becomes more digitally connected, digital literacy—especially in health matters—must become part of the national agenda.

Campaigns to inform the public about the limitations of AI medical tools, when to consult a doctor, and how to use technology responsibly can go a long way in reducing dependency on unregulated platforms.

Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

There’s no doubt that ChatGPT and similar AI tools are transformative. In a region like the UAE, which champions smart governance and futuristic solutions, AI can play a constructive role in healthcare—when used appropriately.

But innovation must go hand-in-hand with responsibility. Without regulations, safeguards, and public understanding, the same technology that promises progress can pose real dangers to mental health and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts: A Call for Immediate Action

The question of whether ChatGPT should provide medical advice is not about technological capability—but about safety, ethics, and accountability. As AI becomes an invisible partner in our everyday lives, the UAE must act decisively to ensure its people are protected.

Mental health experts are right to demand clearer regulations. ChatGPT may be a helpful assistant, but it should never replace licensed professionals, especially in matters of the mind and body. The time for oversight is now.

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Call to Action:

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, always consult a licensed professional. AI tools are for information—not diagnosis or treatment. Let’s innovate responsibly.