How Early Investments in Artificial Intelligence Propelled the UAE to the Forefront of the Global Digital Race

The UAE's position as the top nation across numerous digital areas is down to its early focus on the sector, according to an expert. The nation's determination to advance digitisation and artificial intelligence in delivering government services was highlighted this week through the launch of a new agentic AI project.

Aimed at achieving what Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, described as “a step change in government,” the initiative keeps the country at the forefront of public sector technological advancement. AI advisers are set to assist ministers in making better and faster decisions, alongside a major push for AI to be integrated into education.

Authorities revealed this week that the UAE ranks first globally for digital skills, institutional frameworks for digital government, and AI adoption. Furthermore, the country places second globally for satisfaction with government services and sits within the top 10 for technology and digital competitiveness.

Dr Raymond Khoury, a partner and public sector practice lead at the Arthur D Little consultancy in Dubai, noted that the UAE acted as an early mover in this digital evolution. Having spent a quarter of a century developing government strategies for digital transformation in the region, he explained that heavy investments have allowed the nation to secure foundational elements and top global rankings.

Dr Khoury emphasized that initiatives at both federal and local levels have driven success across telecoms infrastructure, digital skills, and AI fields. Digitisation continues to offer service delivery improvements and cost savings through automation.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last year, Maryam Al Hammadi, Minister of State and Secretary General of the UAE Cabinet, noted that modernisation has been a national priority for two decades. She reported that 99 per cent of government services in the UAE are now digitally transformed, resulting in savings of $4 billion alongside enhanced service delivery.

Dr Khoury added that Gulf states benefit from a unique collective position to advance ambitious national agendas, a distinct advantage allowing them to elevate digital government experiences beyond typical global standards. He contrasted this with developed nations that struggle with difficult legacy setups, though he highlighted Switzerland and Singapore as successful exceptions.

Current strategic efforts focus on advancing agentic AI within governments and economies to deliver tailored services with minimal human supervision. The UAE aims to provide half of government services through agentic AI within two years, aligning with the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme announced in 2023.

To support this transition, the federal government announced plans to train 80,000 government staff in agentic AI, while a new AI curriculum will soon launch in schools nationwide. Private companies in Dubai are also being encouraged to adopt agentic AI through dedicated training programmes.

“With the foundations in place by the UAE government, they really are in pole position to move from a world-class digital government to the world’s most seamless and intelligent government enabled by agentic AI, and there’s a clear agenda for that,” Dr Khoury concluded.