The UAE plans to bring 50 % of the public sector under the control of agent-based artificial intelligence within two years

United Arab Emirates (UAE) Announce Major Initiative to Transition to Agent Artificial Intelligence

* Goal and timeline – within two years 50 % of government services, operations, and processes will be automated using agent AI.

* Who presented the plan – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

* Strategic approach – The UAE does not view this as ordinary digitization but as a fundamental restructuring of public administration toward an autonomous government.

What is Agent AI?
Agent artificial intelligence refers to systems that not only generate analytics but also autonomously perform tasks, adapt to new data, and improve their effectiveness. In the public sector such solutions can:

1. Automate citizen inquiries.
2. Provide services without human involvement.
3. Make operational decisions.

Why this matters for the UAE?
* Investments as a competitiveness factor – AI is seen as a key element of the national development strategy.
* A foundation built over years – The country has already developed digital identification (UAE Pass), smart government services (TAMM), sovereign cloud platforms, and data‑management programs. These resources will now be leveraged to achieve operational autonomy.

What Experts Say
Expert Organization Key Thoughts Manish Randhawa (IDC EMEA) Software & Cloud Technology Research Success depends not on computing power but on the readiness of ministries to restructure processes. Data must be prepared, working procedures defined, and governance rules established – a long‑term change‑management program. Mohammed Rushdi (Reem Finance) IT Department The goal is ambitious but achievable thanks to the country’s digital maturity: mature UAE Pass and TAMM platforms, stable investments, and widespread AI adoption in government structures. Barriers include fragmentation of legacy systems, uneven data readiness, and limits on sovereign AI capabilities. Manish Randhawa (repeat) Risk Management When moving from AI as a productivity tool to participation in decision‑making, humans must be involved at the design stage: delineate fully automated solutions, those requiring verification, and responsibility zones. Cybersecurity, data protection, explainability of decisions, continuous model monitoring, and AI accountability are required.

Regional Implications
* Benchmark for GCC – The UAE could become a model for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
* Accelerated investment – Deploying agent AI may spur spending on sovereign clouds, AI‑management platforms, automation software, and workforce development in the region.
* Training of civil servants – Every federal employee will receive AI training, and upskilling will become standard.

Conclusion
The UAE aims to transition to an autonomous government through agent AI within two years. This requires not only technological investment but deep changes in processes, data, and risk management. If successfully implemented, it could serve as a benchmark for the entire region, accelerating digital transformation of public systems across the GCC.