The UAE is accelerating its AI ambitions with smart government services, global investments and bold innovation, positioning itself as a leading artificial intelligence hub beyond the oil economy.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS
AI becoming part of everyday life across the UAE
Sharjah: The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its position as one of the world’s most ambitious adopters of artificial intelligence, integrating AI into everyday government services while investing billions to transform its economy beyond oil.
In Abu Dhabi, residents are already experiencing what officials describe as an “AI-native government,” where digital services increasingly anticipate citizens’ needs instead of simply responding to requests.
Through the TAMM government platform, users can renew official documents, schedule appointments, report public issues and complete government transactions digitally. The platform’s AutoGov feature goes a step further by automatically processing renewals, paperwork and payments for services such as national identity cards, vehicle registrations and health insurance before users even request them.
A long-term national vision
The UAE’s AI transformation is the result of years of strategic planning rather than a short-term technology initiative.
The country appointed what is widely regarded as the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017. Two years later, it established the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi—the first graduate-level university dedicated entirely to AI research and education.
Officials say these early investments have helped position the UAE as a preferred destination for global technology companies, researchers and entrepreneurs.
“Data is destiny,” UAE Ambassador to the United States Yousef Al Otaiba said while highlighting the country’s early commitment to preparing for the AI era.
AI at the heart of smart government
According to Dr. Mohamed Al Askar, Director General of TAMM, artificial intelligence has become deeply embedded in Abu Dhabi’s public services.
Residents can use the platform to report damaged infrastructure by simply taking a photo. AI analyses the image, routes it to the relevant government department and tracks the repair process until the resident confirms the issue has been resolved.
The app also offers health-related features, including analysing food photos and providing nutritional ratings.
Government officials say additional AI-powered services are already under development as the platform continues to evolve.
AI driving economic diversification
While the UAE built its early prosperity on oil, national leaders have spent decades diversifying the economy through investments in finance, tourism, logistics, renewable energy and advanced technologies.
Artificial intelligence has now become one of the country’s highest strategic priorities.
The UAE continues to attract international investment despite ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Recent reports indicate the United States is expanding the UAE’s access to advanced AI technologies, further strengthening the country’s position as a regional technology leader.
According to PwC, artificial intelligence could contribute 11% of the UAE’s GDP by 2030, while generating an estimated $320 billion for the wider Middle East economy.
Why it matters
For residents and businesses across the UAE—including the large expatriate communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the UK and the US—the country’s AI strategy promises faster government services, improved public experiences and new economic opportunities.
As the UAE pursues its National AI Strategy 2031, it aims to become a global destination for artificial intelligence innovation, attracting world-class talent, investment and cutting-edge technologies while building a knowledge-based economy prepared for the decades ahead.
