Authorities say every ministry will be assessed on AI adoption and workflow redesign, while all federal employees will receive training to work alongside the systems.
The move aims to speed permits and public services, but raises concerns over accountability, privacy, bias and public trust as governments worldwide weigh faster AI adoption.
As the UAE builds its AI government, what prevents the catastrophic failures seen in other nations’ AI experiments?
With AI making government decisions, how can citizens effectively challenge a ruling made entirely by a machine?
UAE to Automate 50% of Federal Government Services with Agentic AI by 2028: A Global First
Overview
In April 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that by 2028, the UAE will transform half of its federal government services to autonomous agentic AI systems that independently analyze data, make decisions, and optimize outcomes. This shift includes mandatory AI training for government employees and performance evaluations for leaders to ensure rapid and effective adoption. Key sectors like healthcare, transport, and immigration are already benefiting from AI-driven improvements, leading to increased employment and compliance. The initiative also modernizes legacy systems and implements human oversight frameworks to maintain accountability and trust. Anchored by the National AI Strategy 2031, this bold move positions the UAE as a global leader in AI-powered governance and economic growth.