HAZZAA ABU AL REESH (ABU DHABI)
Within the framework of Arab and international strategic orientations towards building smart governments capable of keeping pace with future requirements, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a central element in developing government work systems and enhancing leadership efficiency.
It is no longer merely a supportive procedural tool or an auxiliary technical instrument, but has evolved into a fundamental pillar for supporting decision-making, improving performance quality, and achieving good governance.
In line with the vision of the UAE and its leadership in smart governments, innovation and digital transformation have been adopted as a sustainable approach to public administration.
AI applications have emerged as a strategic means to empower government leaders to anticipate the future, accelerate responses to changes, and achieve the highest levels of efficiency and transparency. These orientations come within a broader Arab context in which many countries are seeking to build smart government models based on data and knowledge.
Within this framework, the concept of the "Smart Minister" embodies a modern leadership model that relies on advanced analytical systems and digital dashboards to support strategic decision-making, improve the quality of public policies, and enhance trust between government and society, thereby reinforcing the position of smart governments as an indispensable strategic choice for the future of development.
'Smart Minister': A Case Study
Amid the rapid digital transformation the world is witnessing, the role of government leadership is no longer confined to traditional decision-making. It has expanded to include real-time interaction with data, future foresight, and the formulation of policies based on intelligent analysis. From this shift emerged the concept of the "Smart Minister" as one of the most prominent manifestations of this new era of leadership
This special report conducted by Aletihad aims to shed light on the uses of artificial intelligence in smart governments and analyse their direct and indirect impact on the quality of leadership performance, through a case study of the "Smart Minister" as a modern applied model.
Smart governments are integrated systems that rely on digital technology, AI, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things to improve public services, enhance institutional performance efficiency, and achieve customer satisfaction.
Transformational Shift in Leadership Work
Smart governments are distinguished by several key characteristics, most notably: relying on data for decision making, providing proactive and personalized services, enhancing transparency and accountability, and responding swiftly to crises and challenges. Artificial intelligence offers advanced analytical tools that help leaders accurately interpret economic and social indicators, predict risks and develop future scenarios, improve the management of human and financial resources, and support strategic decisions based on intelligent models. As a result, leadership decisions are no longer based solely on personal experience or traditional reports, but are now reinforced by intelligent systems capable of analysing millions of data points in record time.
From this perspective, Aletihad explores the idea of introducing the "Smart Minister": a government leader who employs artificial intelligence systems in carrying out daily tasks and crafting inspiring strategic decisions that rely on digital dashboards, predictive analytical reports, and decision support systems powered by AI algorithms.
Methodology
Despite the rapid expansion in adopting artificial intelligence technologies within smart government projects, debate still persists in some circles regarding the actual effectiveness of these technologies in improving the quality of leadership performance, and the true extent of their impact on government decision making.
While mainstream media narratives around the world highlight tangible successes in digital transformation, professional and journalistic questions also emerge about whether the use of AI has genuinely enhanced the efficiency of government leaders, or whether, in some cases, it has been limited to technical appearances without producing a substantive impact on leadership performance.
From this standpoint, the focus of this investigation revolves around the need for a realistic and professional assessment of AI applications in leadership positions, through examining the "Smart Minister" model and measuring the impact of these applications on decision quality, speed of execution, transparency levels, and leaders' ability to anticipate the future and respond to societal needs.
Several tools can be used to observe and analyse aspects of AI usage in smart government projects and measure its impact on leadership performance. These include: analysing official documents and reports related to smart government strategies, tracking applied models of AI use in supporting leadership decisions, examining media discourse and relevant official statements, and consulting experts and specialists in artificial intelligence and public administration. This investigation relies on a case study approach by examining selected dimensions of the "Smart Minister" concept specifically as a viable applied model, with the aim of linking theory to practice and presenting a balanced professional perspective that raises public awareness and supports the discussion on the future of government leadership in the era of intelligent transformation.
Most experts and specialists in artificial intelligence agree that the AI revolution is practically opening the door to a bright new era of advanced technological capabilities-an era that grows more effective, refined, and professional with each new day. The views of those involved in this field deserve attention, first and foremost, because they have meaningful insights to offer in this context.
From 'Technology Adoption' to 'Solution Export'
To begin, Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Government Cybersecurity Council, said: "Artificial intelligence is no longer a technological luxury; it has become a fundamental driver of national competitiveness and economic strength.
"From a strategic perspective, AI doubles productivity and accelerates decision making through advanced analytics and intelligent automation. It improves individuals' quality of life through smart health, education, and transportation services. It also enhances cybersecurity by monitoring threats, analysing data in real time, and automating cybersecurity tasks through AI agents and agentic AI - systems capable of performing the roles of cybersecurity specialists and carrying out functions such as digital forensics, penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and reverse engineering of malware."
Al Kuwaiti noted that the UAE has moved from the phase of "absorbing technology" to the phase of "exporting solutions."
Highest Rate Globally
Al Kuwaiti added that one of the most significant achievements in this field is the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence across the Federal Government. The UAE has achieved an AI tool usage rate of 97% among government entities – an unprecedented figure that reflects the country's advanced progress in AI adoption.
He also highlighted the growing use of smart technologies among citizens. Recent data indicates that approximately 59.4% of the national workforce uses AI tools in their daily tasks-the highest rate globally, according to independent reports.
Institutional and educational leadership has also been realised, most notably through the establishment of the world's first graduate level university dedicated to artificial intelligence in Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), which has strengthened the UAE's ability to develop highly skilled professionals in this field.
UAE's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031
Al Kuwaiti stated that the country is operating in line with the UAE's Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, a clear roadmap designed to position the UAE as the world's leading nation in this field. He added that the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the AI Security Policy form essential pillars of this ambition, with expectations that artificial intelligence will contribute up to 14% of the national GDP by 2030.
Robust data and cybersecurity infrastructures have been strengthened to ensure proper and secure governance of AI applications, alongside efforts to develop national talent capable of meeting the future demand for smart jobs.
In terms of numbers and indicators, the UAE has become one of the world's top countries in AI readiness and adoption. It ranks first regionally in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and is among the top 15 globally in the Oxford Government AI Readiness Index 2024.
The UAE also leads the world in the use of AI tools among the working age population and is considered one of the most advanced nations in government readiness for AI adoption. According to the Microsoft AI Diffusion Report, the UAE ranks #1 globally in AI User Share at 59.4% (as of June 2025).
Universities, Companies, and Partnerships
The UAE is ranked among the top 10 countries globally in terms of the density of companies operating in artificial intelligence, according to the Global AI Competitiveness Index (IFF).
Al Kuwaiti affirmed that the UAE has launched several initiatives that have become regional and global models – including appointing the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, a step that positioned the country at the forefront of strategic thinking in this field.
Advanced educational institutions specialising in AI have also been established, most notably – as previously mentioned – Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, which attracts students and researchers from around the world. The country has also built global strategic partnerships in AI and data infrastructure, including major investments in data centers and collaborations with leading international companies such as OpenAI, Oracle, NVIDIA, Cisco, Microsoft, AWS, and Google.
Al Kuwaiti concluded by emphasising that artificial intelligence has become an essential component of the economic and service ecosystem – no longer a mere experimental project. Governmental and societal reliance on AI enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and creates new, high value innovative opportunities.
Building an Integrated Smart Ecosystem
Professor Saeed Khalfan Al Dhaheri, President of the Robotics and Automation Society and Director of the Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai, affirmed that artificial intelligence acts as a pivotal tool in creating effective solutions for major developmental challenges. It provides smart, scalable, and sustainable solutions, and supports continuous measurement of developmental impact, which enhances accountability and execution quality.
He added that AI helps decision makers improve the efficiency of public policies by predicting needs and directing resources with greater precision, enabling leaders to shift towards proactive, data driven planning instead of reactive responses.
In the health sector, for example, AI is used for early disease diagnosis, predicting the likelihood of epidemic outbreaks, and developing vaccines and medicines in short timeframes - as witnessed during the COVID 19 pandemic. It also contributes to improving the distribution of medical resources.
Smart Solutions in Energy and Climate
Al Dhaheri added that in the energy sector, artificial intelligence contributes to forecasting demand, improving the efficiency of smart grids, and integrating renewable energy with higher effectiveness. It also plays an important role in smart climate solutions, actively supporting the prediction of natural disaster likelihood, modelling climate change, and enhancing adaptation strategies while reducing emissions.
He emphasised, however, that developing these solutions requires responsible governance that places humans and inclusive development at the centre of design.
He explained that the UAE has achieved record breaking leaps in artificial intelligence compared with many other countries in terms of adoption, usage, and readiness. For example, in government use of AI, the UAE has reached a rate of 97%, the highest globally in 2025 – reflecting the widespread integration of AI tools into government services and daily procedures.
Institutional Readiness and Capabilities
According to international indicators such as the Stanford AI Index Report, the UAE is ranked among the top five countries in the world in terms of artificial intelligence readiness and institutional capabilities. This index measures system environments, infrastructure, policy, and education - placing the UAE within the group of advanced nations in this field. These figures clearly demonstrate the country's leadership in adopting AI at both the governmental and societal levels, in addition to its global competitiveness in building an integrated smart ecosystem.
Al Dhaheri explained that artificial intelligence is "a powerful enabler and a professional personal assistant - if we know how to use its diverse tools correctly and harness them to support our various tasks. AI empowers, simplifies, and enhances our capabilities; it does not necessarily replace us". The coming phase, he added, will require skills such as learning agility, analytical thinking, problem solving, and the ability to acquire new skills quickly, “so that we can keep pace with the rapid evolution of this field.”
Efficiency of Public Policies Through Predictive Models
Hoda Al Khzaimi, Research Assistant Professor; Associate Vice Provost for Research Translation and Entrepreneurship, explained that artificial intelligence is now used globally to enhance the efficiency of public policies through predictive modeling, risk analysis, and decision support in highly complex sectors such as health, energy, aviation, and education.
She emphasised that the UAE was among the first countries to launch a comprehensive National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, under the supervision of the Office of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy and with direct support from the nation's leadership. This strategy links AI to government performance indicators and service quality.
Economically, reports by PwC Middle East indicate that artificial intelligence could contribute 13-14% of the UAE's GDP by 2030 - equivalent to nearly $100 billion. Al Khzaimi added that the UAE has not limited itself to domestic adoption; it has developed a model based on partnerships, investment, and building deployment capabilities, sharing expertise and regulatory frameworks with international partners. This positions the UAE as a global enabler of responsible and effective AI use and strengthens its competitiveness in the new economy.
Strengthening Trust and Credibility in Decision Making
Insights gathered from experts, specialists, and participants in a parallel survey conducted by Aletihad during the preparation of this report indicate that the concept of the "Smart Minister" – a government leader who performs duties using AI applications and capabilities – could represent a qualitative leap in administrative and economic performance, with minimal drawbacks.
The practical success of this digital administrative model does not conflict with, nor replace, the value of human leadership and inspiration in government work. Instead, it complements and enhances it, serving as a tool to elevate efficiency and performance quality.
Key Recommendations
Overall, the objectives of the "Smart Minister" concept – improving the performance and effectiveness of senior government officials – can be fully realised through several measures, including:
1. Leveraging accumulated expertise and guidance, consulting specialists to identify best practices, and integrating advanced AI technologies effectively into government workflows and decision making processes.
2. Designing and developing effective strategies based on scientific and practical insights to ensure the success of initiatives and the achievement of defined goals.
3. Assessing risks and opportunities by analysing potential challenges and future prospects through expert input, helping reduce risks and maximise expected returns.
4. Enhancing trust and credibility by supporting decisions and policies with the opinions of recognised experts and reputable advisory bodies, which strengthens institutional legitimacy and boosts efficiency and sustainability.
5. Continuous development of policies and practices based on emerging digital trends and global best practices, ensuring ongoing adaptation to technological and procedural changes.
Enhancing Efficiency in Leadership Roles
In conclusion, this report affirms that the smart government model represents a transformative shift in how public institutions are managed. Artificial intelligence plays a central role in improving performance quality and strengthening efficiency in leadership positions.
Through the "Smart Minister" case study explored in this report, the benefits of technology become clear – supporting decision making, streamlining processes, and delivering more effective services to citizens.