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On June 14, 2026, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the creation of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority—a single national body tasked with unifying the country’s data, AI, and digital government capabilities under one ecosystem. The move marks the next phase of the UAE’s push toward an AI-powered, agile government model that prioritizes data-driven decision-making and citizen-centric services.
A Single Entity for a Smarter Future
The new Authority consolidates functions previously spread across three separate entities: the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; the Digital Government Sector at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and the UAE Data Office. By merging these operations, the UAE government aims to eliminate fragmentation and create a cohesive national strategy for digital transformation.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has been appointed Chairman of the Authority. In a statement, Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today we approved the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, the single national body responsible for data, artificial intelligence and digital government in the UAE, reporting directly to the Cabinet. … Our goal is a government that is faster, smarter and always one step ahead, one that uses technology to serve people and build a better future for the next generation.”
Mandate: Agentic AI, Data Platforms, and Unified Services
The Authority’s responsibilities are wide-ranging. It will lead the national AI strategy, develop AI-powered data platforms to support evidence-based policymaking, and oversee the design of proactive, integrated digital services that put individual needs first. Its mandate also includes setting standards and guidelines for data management, digital transformation, and government services, ensuring compliance across all federal entities.
A key focus is agentic AI—systems that can act autonomously to achieve goals. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized this vision: “We are building the government of the future. A government that runs on data and agentic AI. One that decides faster, delivers better and never stops improving. A government built around people, not paperwork.”
The Authority will also work to increase the digital economy’s contribution to GDP, manage government data quality and sharing, build national AI capabilities through research and development, and enhance international partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital government. Additionally, it will support cybersecurity efforts and government information security management.
Broader Impact: Cementing the UAE’s Global Leadership
This structural consolidation reflects the UAE’s long-standing ambition to become a world leader in digital innovation and smart government. By centralizing AI and data governance, the nation aims to improve public service efficiency, foster economic diversification, and attract global tech talent and investment. The Authority reports directly to the Cabinet, signaling the high-level political commitment behind the initiative.
For residents and businesses, the practical outcomes could include faster permit processing, more personalized government interactions, and data-driven insights that improve quality of life. The UAE government has already rolled out numerous digital services; this new Authority is designed to accelerate and unify those efforts.
What’s Next
The Authority will now begin operationalizing its mandate, including developing a national AI roadmap and integrating data platforms across federal and local levels. Expect announcements on pilot projects, partnerships with tech firms, and new digital service standards in the coming months. For other nations watching the UAE’s experiment, this move offers a blueprint for how to organize government AI capabilities under a single, accountable body.
For more on the UAE’s digital transformation initiatives, visit the official UAE government portal or follow updates from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority.