The United Arab Emirates is embarking on an unprecedented government transformation. On April 24, 2026, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum declared that within the next two years, 50% of government sectors, services, and operations will be executed by autonomous agentic artificial intelligence (AI). The directive follows an order from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, positioning the UAE as the first country to adopt large-scale AI agents for public governance.
From Tool to Partner: Agentic AI in Government
Al Maktoum stated on social media: 'AI is no longer just a tool. It will analyze, decide, execute, and improve in real time. It will become our operational partner, enhancing services, accelerating decision-making, and increasing efficiency.' The new systems will be evaluated on key metrics such as deployment speed, execution quality, and AI governance in reshaping government work. This shift transforms the traditional bureaucratic model into a faster, more responsive, and impactful intelligent governance structure.
Universal AI Training and Oversight
All federal employees will undergo systematic training to 'master AI,' building the capabilities needed for an AI-driven government. The massive transition project is overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, with a strict two-year deadline. Al Maktoum emphasized: 'The world changes. Technology accelerates. But our principle remains the same: people come first.' This indicates that AI governance aims to empower civil servants, not replace them.
Foundation Laid in 2025: AI Legislation
The UAE has a track record of embracing AI in governance. In April 2025, Al Maktoum launched the Emirates' AI-powered legislative system, which uses AI agents to draft laws, track their impact via data analysis, and propose amendments based on insights. This pilot paved the way for the broader government AI rollout. The UAE also enacted one of the world's first comprehensive AI laws, effective April 2025, providing a regulatory framework for AI deployment.
Global Benchmark and Challenges Ahead
The UAE's AI governance plan sets a global benchmark but also faces challenges: how to ensure data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and accountability when AI agents handle sensitive public affairs? The government stated it will establish rigorous testing and audit mechanisms to guarantee transparency and accountability. As the two-year countdown begins, the world watches how this Middle Eastern nation reshapes government with artificial intelligence.