Sheikh Mohammed Launches Landmark Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the establishment of the UAE Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data. The new body, announced on June 14, 2026, consolidates key national entities to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and position the UAE as a global leader in AI-driven governance.

Background: UAE’s Decade-Long AI Journey

The UAE has pursued an ambitious AI agenda for over ten years. In 2017, the country became the first in the world to appoint a Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. Subsequent initiatives included the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031 and the National AI Programme. These efforts laid the groundwork for integrating intelligent systems across public services, economic sectors and daily life.

Earlier in 2026, Sheikh Mohammed unveiled a framework directing 50 percent of federal government sectors and operations to adopt “agentic AI” — autonomous, self-executing systems — within two years. The new authority builds directly on that vision, providing the institutional structure needed to deliver results at scale.

Details of the Announcement

The Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data reports directly to the UAE Cabinet. It is chaired by Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama. The authority merges three existing organisations: the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; the Digital Government Sector of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA); and the Emirates Data Office.

Sheikh Mohammed stated that the goal is “a government that is more efficient, flexible and proactive, harnessing technology to serve humanity and build a better future for generations to come.” The authority will oversee national AI strategy, digital government services, government data integration and efforts to increase AI’s direct contribution to UAE GDP.

Structure and Mandate

The authority’s core responsibilities include developing and implementing a unified national AI and data strategy, regulating ethical AI use, advancing digital government platforms and ensuring seamless data sharing across federal entities. It will also drive workforce upskilling, with plans to train tens of thousands of federal employees as AI specialists.

By centralising functions previously spread across multiple bodies, the authority aims to eliminate duplication, speed up decision-making and create a single point of accountability for the nation’s digital future.

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Link to Agentic AI Framework

The April 2026 Cabinet decision to deploy agentic AI across half of government operations within two years provides the operational context for the new authority. Agentic systems can execute tasks, make recommendations and adapt in real time without constant human oversight. The authority will coordinate the regulatory, technical and human-capital requirements to make this transition successful.

Economic and Social Implications

Officials expect the authority to boost productivity, reduce bureaucratic delays and enhance service quality for residents and businesses. Early estimates suggest AI could add tens of billions of dirhams to the economy through efficiency gains and new technology-driven industries. Citizens are expected to benefit from faster, more personalised government services delivered through unified digital platforms.

International Context and Leadership Position

The UAE already ranks among the world’s top countries in AI readiness and adoption. The creation of a dedicated federal authority strengthens this position at a time when governments globally are grappling with how to regulate and harness rapidly advancing AI technologies. The move aligns with broader national priorities outlined in UAE Centennial 2071 and the country’s diversification away from oil.

Stakeholder Perspectives

Industry leaders and technology experts have welcomed the announcement, noting that a single authoritative body will provide clearer direction for private-sector partners. Government employees anticipate new training opportunities, while privacy advocates emphasise the importance of robust data-protection safeguards built into the authority’s mandate.

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Challenges Ahead

Successful implementation will require careful attention to ethical guidelines, cybersecurity, talent retention and public trust. Integrating legacy systems across multiple emirates and ministries presents technical and organisational hurdles. The authority will need to balance rapid innovation with transparent governance.

Future Outlook

Over the next two years, the authority is expected to roll out pilot programmes, issue detailed regulations and publish progress reports on agentic AI adoption. Longer term, it will play a central role in shaping how the UAE uses AI to address national priorities such as sustainability, healthcare and education.

The establishment of the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data marks a pivotal moment in the UAE’s digital evolution, turning strategic vision into institutional reality.