Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which aims to advance the emirate's transformation towards an AI-powered government, is gaining traction driven by a robust innovation ecosystem.
Implemented by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi in collaboration with Abu Dhabi government entities, the strategy envisions establishing a solid digital infrastructure, creating a flexible and scalable foundation to achieve 100% adoption of sovereign cloud computing for government operations and digitising and automating 100% of processes.
Dr. Najwa Aaraj, Chief Executive Officer at the Technology Innovation Institute (TII), said that Abu Dhabi has a strategic vision that focuses on research and innovation with an emphasis on long-term investments.
"Abu Dhabi's ambition to lead in advanced technologies is driven by a strategic vision focused on research, innovation, and long-term investment. We support this vision by focusing on breakthrough scientific exploration that enables technological progress whilst helping to build a knowledge-based economy," Dr. Aaraj told Aletihad.
TII's research is expansive, including AI, robotics, quantum computing, cryptography and secure systems, which will build the next-generation networks and smarter automation.
Dr. Aaraj stressed that TII is at the forefront of developing indigenous cutting-edge AI, cybersecurity, robotics and autonomous systems.
"Our research spans multiple domains that are critical to digital transformation, ensuring the emirate remains a leader in secure, intelligent and connected urban environments."
Among the key initiatives presently being driven by TII are AI-powered transport systems, fast-mobility drones for smarter logistics and AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, including post-quantum cryptography.
All of these fall within TII's more extensive strategy to enfold AI into urban planning as well as energy management and emergency response.
TII also brings innovation in enriching the startup ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
Through VentureOne, TII helps startups and spin-offs scale deep-tech innovations in AI, cybersecurity and quantum computing, where groundbreaking research is transitioned into market-ready solutions.
"By fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem, TII is positioning Abu Dhabi as a regional tech hub, ensuring that startups and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive, scale and play a role in shaping the future of technology," Dr. Aaraj said.
Ertug Ayik, the Managing Director of HP Middle East and Africa, presented HP's investment in supporting Abu Dhabi as it sets out to be the world's first fully AI-native government by 2027.
"HP is fully aligned with Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision. We plan to collaborate with government entities to integrate AI solutions that enhance public services and operational efficiency," Ayik stated.
HP promotes government efficiencies, creativities and collaborative interactions through an AI portfolio that includes AI PCs.
"By delivering personalised experiences, HP empowers government workers to succeed in an AI-first world," Ayik told Aletihad.
In support of digital education, HP promotes initiatives such as the HP Innovation and Digital Education Academy (HP IDEA) and the HP Cambridge Partnership for Education EdTech Fellowship to engage educators to drive AI-influenced innovation.
This aligns with Abu Dhabi's AI for All programme under the strategy, designed to upskill citizens towards the future digital economy.
