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Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the UAE’s government modernisation agenda. AI is projected to contribute nearly 14 per cent of the UAE’s GDP by 2030, according to global estimates, and the nation is acting swiftly to unlock its full potential. The following six areas exemplify how the UAE government is already putting AI to work to reshape public services.
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1. Virtual assistants for round-the-clock public support
AI-powered virtual assistants are increasingly present on government platforms, handling a wide range of citizen queries. These bots use natural language processing and machine learning to deliver instant, 24/7 support. From helping residents navigate forms to answering real-time questions, these tools reduce wait times and improve user satisfaction.
Chatbots and avatars are active across various government ministries, streamlining service delivery and enabling human staff to focus on more complex, value-added issues.
2. Metaverse-based government offices
In a regional first, the Ministry of Economy has launched a fully interactive metaverse office—a virtual replica of its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Through this platform, users can attend meetings, network, and even sign legally binding documents, all from remote locations.
This initiative combines convenience with innovation. Virtual ticketing, avatar-based interactions, and audio-enabled services create a next-generation user experience that showcases the UAE’s commitment to accessible, always-on governance.
3. AI in urban planning and infrastructure development
Dubai Municipality is deploying AI tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geospatial analytics to revolutionize urban planning. These technologies enable smarter resource allocation, greener building design, and enhanced sustainability outcomes.
By using AI to cut design times by up to 40 per cent and improve efficiency by 35 per cent, the municipality is leading the way in AI-driven city building. These efforts align with national sustainability goals and position Dubai as a model for smart infrastructure globally.
4. Predictive analytics for smarter service delivery
The Digital Dubai Authority has pioneered data governance frameworks that underpin predictive AI models. These models analyze vast datasets to anticipate public service demands—from traffic flow to healthcare requirements—and guide real-time decisions.
By moving from reactive to proactive governance, AI enables more effective resource distribution and personalized citizen engagement, thereby increasing trust in public services.
5. Automation of licensing and legal services
The UAE’s Legislative Intelligence Office is using AI to map national laws, monitor court rulings, and recommend legislative updates in real time. This could reduce policy drafting timelines by as much as 70 per cent.
AI legal bots are also becoming increasingly accessible to the public. From helping residents navigate family law to linking with global legal standards, these tools ensure improved access to justice and more agile regulatory responses.
6. AI-Powered virtual employees supporting the judiciary
‘Aisha’, a generative AI assistant developed by the Ministry of Justice, is setting a new standard for legal support. It provides real-time legal advice, drafts court applications, and even generates multimedia explanations based on a deep legal knowledge base.
Stationed in courts, Aisha supports both legal professionals and the public. Meanwhile, private companies such as Shaffra are deploying virtual employees to handle tasks like data entry and customer service, improving output and job satisfaction across sectors.
“Some clients report a 40 per cent increase in output after implementing AI solutions,” says Alfred Manasseh, COO & co-founder of Shaffra.
UAE on its way to become a global leader in AI
The United Arab Emirates has made its ambition clear: to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2031. This vision, outlined in the national AI Strategy, is not merely aspirational—it is backed by structured initiatives, concrete objectives, and a robust multi-stakeholder approach to implementation. Aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, which aims to position the nation as the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary, the AI Strategy is a cornerstone of long-term national transformation.
According to the UAE government, AI will significantly shape key sectors such as education, the economy, government services, and overall community well-being. Specific applications span across diverse industries, including energy, tourism, and education—laying the groundwork for a more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent future.
The UAE’s multinational, tech-forward population forms a strong foundation for this transformation. As early adopters of emerging technologies, the country’s communities are well-positioned to support, pilot, and scale AI innovations, attracting global talent to conduct research and drive implementation on UAE soil.
8 strategic pillars driving the UAE AI strategy
The AI Strategy outlines eight core objectives that guide implementation across sectors:
- Build a reputation as an AI destination: Establish the UAE as a hub for AI development, research, and innovation.
- Increase competitive edge in key sectors: Apply AI to boost productivity and global competitiveness in priority industries.
- Create a fertile AI ecosystem: Encourage entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and innovation through enabling environments.
- Enhance customer services with AI: Leverage AI to improve citizen experiences and government efficiency.
- Attract and train AI talent: Develop a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in an AI-driven job market.
- Advance research collaborations: Link world-class AI research to the needs of critical national industries.
- Build supporting infrastructure and data systems: Provide accessible data and smart infrastructure to test, scale, and refine AI solutions.
- Ensure strong governance and regulation: Uphold ethical AI practices with clear laws, data privacy standards, and regulatory oversight.
Economic Impact: AI as a regional powerhouse
According to a PwC Middle East report, artificial intelligence could contribute a staggering $15.7tn to the global economy by 2030—more than the current combined GDP of China and India. Of that, $6.6tn will stem from improved productivity, while $9.1tn will come from consumer benefits.
The Middle East is expected to claim approximately 2 per cent of this global AI dividend, equivalent to $320 billion by 2030. Notably, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the regional AI charge:
- Saudi Arabia is projected to accrue $135.2bn in AI-related gains, accounting for 4 per cent of its GDP.
- The UAE is expected to see the largest relative impact, with AI contributing nearly 14 per cent of its 2030 GDP.
This impressive growth—estimated at 20–34 per cent annually—is fueled by substantial investment in AI R&D, innovation infrastructure, and public-private collaboration.
Both countries rank in the top 50 globally on the Global Innovation Index, a reflection of their focused efforts to become future-ready economies through advanced technologies.
Looking ahead: A region poised for disruption
AI is not just transforming how governments function—it’s disrupting entire markets and reshaping business models. The current wave of digitization is only the beginning. With AI in play, tomorrow’s regional leaders may be startups or companies that don’t yet exist today.
By setting a strong strategic foundation, the UAE is seizing its moment in the AI revolution. With the right nurturing, public policy, and innovation support, the nation could unlock even greater economic returns and establish itself as a global model for AI-driven transformation.
In a world where technological evolution is constant, the UAE’s proactive, inclusive, and far-sighted approach to AI stands as a bold blueprint for others to follow.
