Abu Dhabi set to become the world’s first fully AI-Powered government by 2027

In a move to establish itself as a global leader in AI-driven government, the government of Abu Dhabi has unveiled its ambitious Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027. This transformative plan, developed by the Department of Government Enablement (DGE) in collaboration with various governmental bodies, will see an investment of AED 13 billion over the next three years. The strategy’s goal is to create a fully AI-powered governance model, one that integrates the latest technologies across every facet of government operations, from cloud computing to automation, enhancing public service delivery and driving sustainable growth.

The strategy’s cornerstone is the creation of a robust digital infrastructure that will enable 100% adoption of sovereign cloud computing for government operations, ensuring that all processes are not only digitalized but also fully automated. By transitioning to a completely cloud-based system, the government aims to enhance efficiency, reduce administrative overheads, and streamline public services for residents, businesses, and government entities alike.

A key component of the strategy is the unified digital enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, which will integrate various government functions into a single digital framework, improving productivity and simplifying management processes. This digital backbone will be crucial for the effective implementation of more than 200 innovative AI solutions across government services, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub for AI-driven innovation and digital governance.

In addition to the technological infrastructure, the strategy includes a people-centric initiative under the “AI for All” program, which seeks to empower Abu Dhabi’s citizens by providing them with the necessary tools and skills to engage with AI applications. This program emphasizes the importance of upskilling the population, preparing citizens to be active participants in the digital future of their city.

Ahmed Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of DGE, emphasized that the strategy aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of a future government that is “AI-native”—seamlessly integrating AI across all systems. “By incorporating AI, cloud technologies, and data-driven insights into our government’s DNA, we will transform public service delivery, optimize operations, and drive sustainable economic growth,” Al Kuttab said in a statement.

The scope of the strategy goes beyond just government functions. It is expected to contribute over AED 24 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2027 and generate more than 5,000 new jobs as part of the country’s ongoing Emiratisation efforts. The government has also forged key partnerships with institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), ensuring that the UAE has access to the latest AI research and development.