Abu Dhabi’s plan to become the world’s first native AI-powered government by 2027, backed by a Dh13 billion budget, is set to create thousands of jobs and revolutionise public services through advanced data and analytics. Experts weigh in on the potential—and challenges—of this transformative vision.
Abu Dhabi has announced an ambitious initiative to reshape its public sector with artificial intelligence (AI) at the core. By pledging Dh13 billion, the emirate plans to become the world’s first ‘AI-native government’ by 2027, aiming to create up to 5,000 new jobs for Emiratis in fields like machine learning, data science, and robotics. Experts predict this move will elevate the efficiency of services - ranging from cybersecurity to disaster preparedness - and set a global precedent for AI-driven governance.
Shiva Pillai, a project delivery specialist at an Abu Dhabi-based high-tech company, lauds the initiative as a potential game changer for government operations. He sees far-reaching benefits in improved decision-making, smoother procurement cycles, and better quality of life for citizens. “AI helps create more precise predictions in areas like healthcare, law enforcement, and other critical services,” he explains. But he also cautions against the pitfalls of incomplete data, warning that a lack of uniformity in personal records could lead to unequal access to benefits.
One of the plan’s most prominent outcomes is expected to be the influx of technical roles—like machine learning engineers, AI ethics advisors, and data scientists—within public institutions. Pillai believes Emirati professionals should focus on these skill sets to tap into the new job openings. Meanwhile, tech expert Sami Abd Alnour forecasts the rise of AI policy advisors, compliance officers, and governance officers, underscoring that these “hybrid” roles will align with the UAE’s responsible AI deployment goals and leadership aspirations.
At the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), Vice President of Public Affairs and Alumni Relations Sultan Al Hajji sees a natural progression in combining AI research with real-world applications. “Roles that intersect AI and robotics will expand, along with positions guiding ethical AI systems,” he explains. MBZUAI’s M.Sc. and Ph.D. tracks, alongside specialized executive programs, are designed to fast-track a new generation of AI practitioners who can support such large-scale transformations.
Transforming into a fully AI-native government will require building robust infrastructure, likely involving powerful supercomputers, next-generation data centers, and sovereign cloud solutions. Abd Alnour says that a centralized enterprise system across all government departments could facilitate real-time data sharing, reduce bureaucracy, and elevate e-services for citizens and residents.
He further highlights that maintaining data security and privacy is crucial: “Proactive monitoring systems enabled by AI will help identify threats earlier. Adoption of advanced cybersecurity measures can reduce exposure to hacking and data leaks. People would see tangible improvements in service delivery, from receiving government notifications in a timelier manner to enjoying faster turnaround on approvals.”
While the government invests in infrastructure and specialized workforce training, experts acknowledge that a cultural shift is essential for success. Pillai compares AI-based services to self-service kiosks that remain underused due to user preference for face-to-face interaction. Residents might need time to adapt to AI-led processes, trusting algorithms to handle tasks historically managed by in-person staff. Yet, as convenience and speed become evident, acceptance is likely to grow.
Another aspect is data cleanliness. Pillai notes that any discrepancies in name spelling or gender titles across various databases can introduce glitches into automated systems. Hence, the government’s AI rollout will require thorough data audits and streamlined record management. “The more consistent the data, the more efficiently AI can run. We must ensure that all population segments benefit equally,” he says.
Abu Dhabi’s AI endeavor also aims to boost the economy. Beyond direct job creation, local suppliers providing cloud services, analytics tools, and security solutions will thrive. Start-ups specializing in AI-based products can flourish under government-backed pilot programs. With the emirate’s reputation for innovation, the sector could attract foreign investors, fueling further economic diversification and mitigating reliance on oil revenue.
As Abu Dhabi embarks on this AI-native government journey, the world watches to see how effectively the emirate addresses challenges like data governance, public trust, and workforce readiness. Should the initiative succeed, it may serve as a template for other nations exploring large-scale AI integration in the public sector. For now, the emirate is poised to redefine what government services look like—faster, smarter, and more personalized—heralding a new era of administrative efficiency and economic opportunity.
