SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Building on 54 years of progress, the UAE is moving forward with a clear vision of technology's transformative impact. By leveraging artificial intelligence for social good and people-centred growth, the nation is shaping a future where technology drives community empowerment and sustainable growth.
In 2017, the UAE became the first nation to establish a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and appoint the world's first minister, setting a precedent for comprehensive AI governance.
Also in 2017, the UAE Government launched "UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI)". The initiative aims to support the goals of UAE Centennial 2071 – a long-term roadmap for enhancing government work, and strengthening the nation's soft power. It also focuses on preparing young generations with the skills and knowledge needed to adapt to rapid changes, with the ultimate aim of making the UAE the best country in the world by 2071.The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence has evolved into a complete ecosystem of programmes, councils, licences, and national capabilities, positioning the country prominently among the global digital frontrunners.
AI is now a pillar of the nation's long-term vision, shaping everything from education, healthcare, and economic competitiveness to government performance.
The UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence is serving as the backbone of this journey, upgrading government performance, building an integrated smart digital system, and positioning the UAE as a global hub for AI investment.
Its sectoral reach encompasses transport, health, space, renewable energy, water, technology, education, environment, traffic, and more – all chosen for their potential to realise significant benefits from intelligent automation.
Five Key Themes
To implement this vision, the UAE structured its strategy around five key themes.
These include establishing the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence, organising nationwide programmes and workshops, training government staff in advanced technologies, integrating AI into public services, and adopting a legislative framework for AI use.
This multi-dimensional approach demonstrates the national conviction that deploying AI is not merely a matter for technology, but a strategic tool for governance and human capital development.
Chief Executive Officer for Artificial Intelligence
A key step in this direction was the establishment of the Chief Executive Officer for Artificial Intelligence role across ministries and federal entities.
These CEOs develop strategic plans, promote best practices, advise on AI-driven solutions and establish governance frameworks. Their role ensures that AI adoption is not fragmented but structured, accountable and aligned with national priorities.
Complimenting this effort, the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence harmonises policies among government departments, advances cutting-edge research and strengthens cooperation among public and private sectors, including global tech leaders.
Abu Dhabi's Leadership in AI Innovation
Abu Dhabi is set to become the world's first fully AI-powered government through the "Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027". The plan aims to adapt its digital transformation framework in line with worldwide AI trends, aiming to strengthen services and expand its role as an international tech hub.
Backed by an investment of Dh13 billion through 2025-2027, the strategy seeks to position Abu Dhabi as a global leader in AI driven.
A cornerstone of this transformation is workforce readiness: more than 95% of the government's 30,000 employees have completed comprehensive AI training. The initiative also focuses on building a robust digital infrastructure, ensuring 100% adoption of sovereign cloud computing for government operations.
Abu Dhabi has also launched the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC) to formulate investment strategies, prioritise research priorities, and develop an ecosystem for sophisticated technology projects on scale.
Its projects seek to establish Abu Dhabi as a global hub for AI development, while fostering world-class talent, strategic collaborations, and advanced research and development.
Beyond Policy Design
The UAE's dedication reaches beyond policy design to tangible, meaningful programmes.
The UAE National Programme for Artificial Intelligence – BRAIN – is a comprehensive compilation of resources that showcases the advances in AI and robotics, best-in-class collaborations and research breakthroughs and national capabilities.
In the meantime, the Generative AI Guide, which was introduced to help institutions and individuals navigate new technologies, offers 100 use cases that can be used in diverse fields, including education, health and wellbeing.
Simultaneously, licensing schemes reshape the ecosystem for new and emerging technology.
With the Dubai International Financial Centre's launch of the Artificial Intelligence and Coding Licence in cooperation with the UAE Artificial Intelligence Office, overseas AI firms can operate at the DIFC Innovation Hub – the region's largest cluster of FinTech and innovation companies – in a supportive environment.
The licence also opens access to the UAE Golden Visa, strengthening the country's appeal to global talent.
At the same time, initiatives like UAE Codes Day, celebrated annually on October 29, highlight the importance of coders. The UAE AI and Robotics Award for Good redirects tech investment from purely high-tech applications towards impactful use cases that benefit people worldwide, especially in health, education, and social services.
Such initiatives confirm a key national message: AI is not just an economic force but a device to improve quality of life and address social issues.
Digital Infrastructure
The UAE's digital infrastructure is keeping pace with the country's AI ambitions. In 2024, the UAE ranked first worldwide in the Telecom Infrastructure Index. The UAE also maintained the fastest mobile internet speeds globally from July 2024 to June 2025, according to the Speedtest Global Index issued by global company Ookla. Also in 2024, the UAE recorded over 173 million digital government transactions.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi both reached the top five places in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, while in the Government AI Readiness Index, the UAE topped the region. These indicators highlight not only the strength of the nation's technology but also a culture that embraces innovation as the path to sustained growth.
The impact is clear: AI is projected to contribute 13.6% to the UAE's GDP, about $100 billion by 2030, according to a report by PwC.
Meanwhile, a study by Grand View Research (GVR) forecasts that the UAE AI market will surge to $46.3 billion by 2030, reflecting the country's fast-growing role in driving the Middle East and North Africa's broader Dh610 billion ($166 billion) AI boom.
With billions invested in digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, sovereign cloud systems and workforce upskilling, the UAE is not just poised for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, it is actively shaping it.