AI-powered governance positions UAE as global leader in digital transformation
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 development.The 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 .
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