His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the establishment of the Federal Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, a strategic initiative aimed at unifying the country’s data, artificial intelligence and digital government ecosystem under a single national umbrella.
The move marks a new phase in the UAE’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing the government’s readiness to harness advanced technologies and expand the use of AI-driven solutions across public services and decision-making processes.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that the UAE remains committed to developing a world-leading government model that is more efficient, agile and proactive. He emphasised that data and artificial intelligence are central to shaping government policies, improving public services and enhancing quality of life, while strengthening the country’s competitiveness and leadership in the global digital economy.
A Unified National Framework
“Today, we approved the establishment of the Federal Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority to serve as the unified national umbrella for data, artificial intelligence and digital government in the UAE. The Authority will report directly to the Cabinet, and we have entrusted Omar Sultan Al Olama with leading it,” His Highness said.
“Our goal is to build a government that is more efficient, flexible and proactive, while leveraging technology to serve people and create a better future for coming generations.”
Government of the Future
He added: “We will continue developing the government of the future — a government powered by data and agentic artificial intelligence, capable of making faster decisions, delivering higher efficiency and creating better opportunities and services for society.”
The establishment of the Authority reflects the UAE’s broader vision of anticipating global technological shifts, accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies and building an integrated digital government ecosystem founded on efficiency, flexibility and future readiness.
As part of the restructuring process, responsibilities and resources related to data, artificial intelligence and digital government will be consolidated under the new Authority. This includes the Office of the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, the Information and Digital Government Sector of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, as well as the UAE Data Office.
His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has been appointed Chairman of the new Authority, a move expected to strengthen coordination across government entities and unify national efforts in digital transformation and AI development.
A Leading the National AI Ecosystem
The Federal Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority will oversee the UAE’s data, AI and digital government ecosystem under a unified framework, ensuring greater integration of policies, initiatives and digital projects at the national level. It will also support the development of more efficient government operations and proactive digital services.
Among its key responsibilities will be aligning national priorities to support a unified digital government powered by Agentic AI technologies, proposing national policies, legislation and strategies, and ensuring coordination between federal and local digital initiatives.
The Authority will also lead the country’s AI strategy, enhance the contribution of artificial intelligence to the national economy, and manage the integration, governance and quality of government data. In addition, it will develop and operate national data platforms supported by AI technologies to strengthen data-driven government decision-making.
Digital Infrastructure and Smart Services
Another major focus will be enabling the effective use of data to advance AI applications across vital sectors, while upgrading federal digital infrastructure to improve connectivity and interoperability between government systems and platforms.
The Authority will further oversee the design and delivery of integrated, proactive digital government services that utilise artificial intelligence to enhance customer experience, simplify procedures and provide seamless access through interconnected channels.
Standards, Partnerships and Cybersecurity
In addition, it will establish standards, technical specifications and operational guidelines for data management, artificial intelligence, digital transformation and government services, while ensuring compliance across federal entities.
The Authority will also support research and development, build national capabilities in AI and digital transformation, provide technical advisory services to government organisations, and strengthen international cooperation and partnerships in the fields of artificial intelligence, data and digital government.
Furthermore, it will contribute to cybersecurity enablement and government information security management, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for digital innovation and smart government solutions.
