Microsoft Copilot is now on 35,000 Abu Dhabi government computers. The rollout means that a large share of the civil service can now access the AI‑driven productivity suite directly from their desktops, enabling them to draft documents, analyse data and automate routine tasks.
The federal government is racing to meet a deadline that calls for automating at least half of public‑sector work using AI agents. The target reflects a broader national push to embed artificial intelligence into everyday operations, with the aim of improving efficiency and reducing manual workload for employees across ministries.
Inception42, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi AI group G42, is developing agents that will work with the Microsoft AI platform to handle tasks such as buying goods and services in the right quantities and at competitive prices — to keep the country running smoothly. These agents are being programmed to interact with existing procurement systems, pulling data, evaluating vendor options and generating purchase orders without human intervention.
“Success is when it’s invisible,”
— Ashish Koshy, CEO, Inception42
With a population of around 11 million, the UAE serves as a compact test case for large‑scale government automation, a move that many nations are watching cautiously. Because the population size allows for a manageable scope, the UAE can trial AI solutions at scale while monitoring outcomes, offering insights that could inform similar initiatives elsewhere.
Microsoft has already pledged $15.2 billion to the emirates by 2030 and holds a stake in G42, underscoring the depth of its partnership with the region. The commitment includes a range of investments that support the collaboration and reinforce the strategic alignment between the tech giant and the emirate’s digital agenda.
Brad Smith, Microsoft President, told Semafor that the company sees the UAE as a gateway for computing power and data storage across the wider region. He highlighted that the partnership supports Microsoft’s broader regional strategy while the UAE benefits from access to cutting‑edge technology and expertise.
These developments signal a broader shift toward AI‑driven public services, aiming to make routine processes faster and less visible to citizens. By moving routine decision‑making behind the scenes, the government hopes to free up staff to focus on more strategic work, ultimately enhancing service delivery and public satisfaction.
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AI agents to streamline procurement
The new agents being built by Inception42 will integrate directly with Microsoft’s Copilot suite, allowing officials to issue purchase orders and manage supply chains without manual entry. By automating the procurement workflow, the agents aim to reduce errors and secure better pricing for government projects. The integration leverages Copilot’s natural‑language capabilities, so officials can simply describe what they need and the AI translates the request into a structured order, checking compliance and budget limits along the way.
Early trials suggest the AI‑driven approach can cut processing time, freeing staff to focus on higher‑value activities. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to embed advanced technology across its public sector, demonstrating the potential productivity gains and reinforcing the government’s confidence in scaling the solution.
Frequently asked questions
How many Abu Dhabi government workers have access to Microsoft Copilot?
Microsoft Copilot is installed on 35,000 Abu Dhabi government computers, giving that many civil‑service employees direct access to the AI‑driven productivity suite.
What AI agents is the UAE government deploying with Microsoft Copilot?
The UAE is rolling out AI agents that automate routine public‑sector tasks such as procurement, data analysis, and document drafting, aiming to automate at least half of government work.
Who is developing the procurement‑focused AI agents for Abu Dhabi?
Inception42, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi AI group G42, is creating agents that work with Microsoft’s AI platform to automate buying goods and services, evaluating vendors and generating purchase orders without human input.
How much has Microsoft pledged to invest in the UAE by 2030?
Microsoft has pledged a total of $15.2 billion in investments to the United Arab Emirates by 2030, supporting its partnership with the emirate’s digital agenda.
What is the UAE’s target for AI‑driven automation in the public sector?
The federal government aims to automate at least 50 % of public‑sector work using AI agents as part of a broader national push to embed artificial intelligence into everyday government operations.
