The United Arab Emirates is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to transform its public sector, aiming to become the world's first AI-run government. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that 50% of government sectors, services, and operations will transition to 'Agentic AI' systems within the next two years.
Agentic AI refers to sophisticated artificial intelligence systems capable of independently analyzing data, making decisions, executing tasks, and continuously improving outcomes in real time. This ambitious shift, launched under the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, positions the UAE at the forefront of autonomous governance.
AI as an Executive Partner in Governance
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that AI is no longer merely a support tool but an 'executive partner' embedded directly into the fabric of governance. The primary goals of this integration are to significantly enhance service delivery, accelerate decision-making processes, and boost overall efficiency across various government departments.
Unlike many policy announcements, the UAE's transition to a predominantly AI-powered government comes with a strict two-year deadline. Performance will be rigorously evaluated based on three key metrics: the speed of AI adoption, the quality of implementation, and the ability of departments to redesign workflows effectively using AI technologies.
Leadership and Human Capital Development
Oversight of this monumental rollout will be led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with a dedicated taskforce chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi managing the day-to-day execution. Crucially, the initiative also includes a significant investment in human capital: every federal employee is slated to undergo comprehensive AI training, ensuring the workforce is equipped to collaborate with and leverage the new autonomous systems.
This push for an AI-centric government is not an isolated development but the culmination of two decades of digital transformation within the UAE. The nation has steadily advanced from early eGovernment initiatives to mobile-first services and fully integrated digital platforms, including the successful implementation of UAE Pass for identity verification and the Government Services 2.0 program.
Pioneering AI Governance for the Future
The UAE has also been a pioneer in establishing institutional frameworks for AI. In 2017, it became the first country globally to appoint a dedicated Minister of Artificial Intelligence. This was followed by the launch of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 and the creation of the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications in 2020.
At its core, the UAE’s new governance model reflects a forward-thinking philosophy where speed, responsiveness, and predictive capabilities are defining features of the state. Sheikh Mohammed noted, “The world is changing. Technology is accelerating. Our principle remains constant — people come first,” framing the initiative as a means to create a more agile and impactful government for its citizens.