- The UAE has created a new federal authority to consolidate oversight of AI, data governance and digital government under a single national framework
- His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, which reports directly to the UAE Cabinet
- The authority will be led by Omar Sultan Al Olama and will consolidate the responsibilities of three existing government bodies
The United Arab Emirates has created the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, which brings its artificial intelligence, data and digital government functions under one national framework. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, made the announcement, Gulf News reported Sunday.
What Is the New Authority & Why Was It Created?
The Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data will consolidate three existing bodies: the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence Office, the Information and Digital Government Sector within the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority and the Emirates Data Office.
“We are continuing to develop the government of the future,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
He explained that data and AI-driven tools would allow faster decision-making, stronger government performance and better services for citizens and residents. He described the authority’s goal of creating a government that is “more efficient, flexible and proactive.”
What Will the New Authority Do & Who Will Lead It?
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, will head the new body. Its mandate covers developing the national AI strategy, growing the digital economy’s contribution to GDP, managing government data and setting standards for AI and digital transformation compliance across federal entities.
The authority is also charged with strengthening international partnerships in AI and digital government to reinforce the UAE’s standing as a global hub for smart government solutions.
What Are the UAE’s Most Recent AI Initiatives?
The new authority arrives amid a broader wave of AI policy activity at the federal level. In June 2025, Sheikh Mohammed announced a landmark decision to integrate the UAE’s national AI system as an advisory member of the Cabinet and all associated councils starting from January 2026, with the aim of supporting decision-making, providing real-time analysis and improving government policy efficiency across all sectors.
In May 2026, the UAE Cabinet approved a federal framework for implementing Agentic AI across ministries and federal entities, with a target of transitioning at least 50 percent of government services and operations to Agentic AI models within two years. The Cabinet also approved a program to train 80,000 federal employees across five categories in Agentic AI tools and technologies, from ministers and senior executives to new joiners across every ministry, authority and government entity.
The Cabinet further approved a National Policy for Advancing Digital Healthcare Services and Artificial Intelligence in the Health Sector, built on developing a national AI-driven medical system, building advanced digital health infrastructure and equipping the healthcare workforce with AI capabilities. A federal law to regulate the use of AI in the health sector was also greenlit, covering data governance, safety standards and patient rights protections.
