UAE Creates New AI and Data Authority to Boost Its Tech Era
Sheikh Mohammed announces a unified federal authority to drive the UAE's digital transformation and lead in Agentic AI.
The UAE has launched a new federal authority to oversee artificial intelligence (AI) and data. This new body aims to bring all the country's digital transformation efforts under one unified national umbrella.
On Sunday, June 15, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the creation of the new Federal Authority. The authority will be led by the UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Sultan Al Olama.
By launching this authority, the UAE is showing its commitment to building a highly efficient and modern government. The goal is to use data and AI to make better decisions, upgrade government services, and improve the overall quality of life, keeping the UAE highly competitive in the global digital economy.
In a official statement, Sheikh Mohammed said, "Today we approved the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, the single national body responsible for data, artificial intelligence and digital government in the UAE, reporting directly to the Cabinet."
He added, "Our goal is a government that is faster, smarter and always one step ahead, one that uses technology to serve people and build a better future for the next generation,"
He also shared that the UAE will continue to build a "government of the future. A government that runs on data and agentic AI. One that decides faster, delivers better and never stops improving. A government built around people, not paperwork."
To support this big step forward, the UAE recently announced plans to train 80,000 government employees in Agentic AI. This training will help public sector workers use AI in their daily tasks. The project is also expected to boost the demand for AI specialists, data experts, and digital transformation professionals across the country.
Key Responsibilities of the New AI and Data Authority
According to the announcement, the key responsibilities of the authority will include:
- Unifying national goals and priorities to support a digital government system using Agentic AI.
- Proposing national policies, laws, and strategies for digital growth.
- Ensuring all digital projects match at both federal and local levels.
- Leading the national AI strategy and helping the digital economy contribute more to the UAE's GDP.
- Managing government data to keep it secure, high-quality, and easy to share between departments.
- Developing AI-powered data platforms to support smart decision-making.
- Designing proactive digital services that focus entirely on the needs of the public.
- Setting high standards for data safety, AI ethics, and cybersecurity.
The UAE's Path to Global AI Leadership
The creation of this authority is another major milestone for the UAE. In 2017, the UAE became one of the first countries in the world to appoint an AI minister. Since then, the nation has launched a national AI strategy, invested heavily in tech infrastructure, and introduced smart government services.
This latest step highlights the UAE's focus on Agentic AI—advanced systems that can perform tasks and make decisions with very little human help. As the UAE embraces these technologies, it will create exciting new job roles for AI engineers, data scientists, and developers, cementing the country's position as a top global hub for digital innovation.
AI contributed to the creation of this article.