It's time to take the UAE-UK relationship to the next level
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Al Etihad
28 minutes ago
- Al Etihad
AI-powered governance positions UAE as global leader in digital transformation
24 July 2025 00:15 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)As the UAE accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence, citizens and residents are poised to benefit from forward-looking, people-centric policies and services, positioning the nation as a global model for digital innovation, experts say. Earlier this month, the UAE Government launched a new federal strategic planning cycle as part of its ambitious 'We the UAE 2031' vision, marking a shift toward a more agile, AI-powered, and resource-optimised approach to governance. This new framework shortens the government's strategy cycle to a three-year timeframe, aiming to deliver faster, smarter, and more impactful public services. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, directed all ministries and federal government bodies to develop strategies rooted in innovation, flexibility, and advanced technology to ensure the goals outlined in 'We the UAE 2031' are achieved with greater speed and efficiency. The UAE's holistic strategy - balancing foresight with innovation, regulation, and collaboration - provides a valuable blueprint for other countries to accelerate digital transformation, Jad Haddad, Partner and the Global Head of Quotient – AI by Oliver Wyman, told Aletihad . Haddad leads regional advisory work on public sector transformation and AI strategy and has supported national-level clients across the GCC on planning models, data-driven governance, and workforce modernisation. 'The UAE's approach to data-driven governance stands out for its strong leadership commitment, integrated data infrastructure, and balanced regulatory framework emphasising ethics and privacy,' he said. 'By fostering public-private partnerships and focusing on citizen-centric services, the UAE accelerates AI adoption while ensuring tangible benefits for residents.'AI is positioned as a core pillar of governance under the new planning cycle. According to Haddad, this will transform federal services by enabling data-driven decision-making, personalised public experiences, and enhanced inter-agency collaboration. 'AI and predictive models enable the UAE to optimise government spending and human capital by forecasting budget needs, preventing inefficiencies, and automating routine tasks,' he added.'This enhances workforce planning, talent matching, and performance monitoring, driving resource efficiency and supporting sustainable, agile, and citizen-focused governance.'Haddad also pointed out that agile governance at the federal level prioritises citizen engagement, adaptive regulations, and rapid responsiveness, ultimately 'transforming the government into a flexible, efficient system that delivers timely, inclusive solutions nationwide'. Upskilling for the Future Lisa Lyons, Regional Transformation Centre of Excellence Lead, Mercer – IMEA, noted that success depends on how effectively the UAE nurtures and deploys future-ready skills. 'Equipping talent with AI skills is the linchpin in transforming ambition into sustainable leadership,' she told Aletihad . Lyons pointed to the recent partnership between the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) and Dubai AI Campus to train over 10,000 individuals in the field of AI by 2030 as a strong example of the UAE's commitment to prioritising AI skills Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, led by the Department of Government Enablement, includes an AI for All initiative designed to empower citizens with AI capabilities. Backed by a Dh13 billion investment, the strategy aims to build a fully AI-native government by digitising services, automating operations, and deploying over 200 AI solutions across federal entities. 'The biggest opportunity is for organisations to invest in the development of critical AI skills to enhance long-term productivity and differentiate the organisational employee value proposition when bidding for talent. Investing in critical AI skills is how we turn AI from a tool into a true catalyst for growth,' Lyons said. The UAE's focus on AI is fostering a culture of continuous learning and workforce transformation within the public sector, said Saqr AlMaazmi, Head of Government and Public Sector Consulting, Mercer UAE. 'As government employees upskill to work alongside advanced technologies, the delivery of services will become more proactive and people-focused. This strategic push not only enhances efficiency and innovation but further positions the UAE as a leader in smart governance and digital transformation,' he told Aletihad .
The National
6 hours ago
- The National
Security guard at US Embassy in Oslo 'paid in Bitcoin to spy for Iran'
A Norwegian man has been charged with intelligence activities targeting his own nation and the US for Russia or Iran. The Oslo State Attorney's Office said he could face 21 years in prison, having disclosed information that 'individually or collectively' could 'harm fundamental national interests'. The defendant was working as a security guard at the US Embassy in Oslo when he allegedly began spying for the Russian and Iranian authorities. According to the indictment, the unnamed man shared vital information with both states. This included: A list of couriers from the national intelligence service, classified as restricted information Names, addresses, telephone numbers and vehicle details of embassy staff and diplomats, as well as their families Roles of the embassy staff Pre-booked visits to the embassy Security procedures Floor plans of the embassy Pictures of garage facilities and communication equipment The prosecutor believes the information the man shared posed an 'elevated risk' to the individuals, the embassy and 'American security interests'. The US working closely with Israel during the war in Gaza motivated him to contact Russian and Iranian intelligence, according to the indictment. Russian authorities are said to have paid him €10,000 (about $11,700) for information handed over in Norway and Serbia. Iranian authorities allegedly paid 0.17 Bitcoin (around $20,000) for the information. According to the indictment, it was handed over in Oslo and Turkey. The man tried to hide the money by depositing it in accounts belonging to his family and a friend, and then asked them to transfer the sums to him, the indictment alleges. He is also accused of hiding income from the Norwegian Tax Administration. In 2023, he was listed with an income of 57,000 kroner (about $5,600). According to the indictment, however, he had an income of more than 400,000 kroner from the US Embassy that year, which he did not report. He ran a security company with another person. The man has pleaded not guilty. Local reports said despite this the suspect acknowledged the facts of the case but denied any criminal responsibility. Officials said he has co-operated during the investigation and has identified a Russian agent to the authorities in Oslo. His trial is scheduled for August 19 in Oslo District Court, with two weeks set aside for the main hearing. Spying cases have become common across Europe. In the UK on Tuesday, a court found that 65-year-old Howard Phillips offered to pass information about former defence secretary Grant Shapps to two men he believed were Russian agents. The men were undercover British intelligence agents. Phillips offered to turn over Shapps' contact details as well as the location where he kept his private plane to 'facilitate the Russians in listening on British defence plans'. The defendant's ex-wife told Winchester Crown Court that Phillips 'would dream about being like James Bond' and watched films about the British secret services because he was 'infatuated with it'. Bethan David, head of the Crown Prosecution Service's counterterrorism division, said the conviction sent a clear message to anyone considering spying for Russia. 'Phillips was brazen in his pursuit for financial gain, and unbothered about the potential detriment to his own country,' Ms David said. A jury found Phillips guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act. He will be sentenced at a later date.
The National
7 hours ago
- The National
Best photos of July 23: Funeral in Notre Dame to the Tesla Diner in LA
Senior Catholic clergy prepare to pay their respects at the funeral of cardinal and former archbishop of Paris Andre Vingt-Trois, at Notre-Dame Cathedral in the French capital. AFP
