The UAE aims to shift half of federal services to AI agents. The plan, announced on June 10, 2026, targets a two‑year rollout to cut costs and speed up public services.
AI agents to reshape federal services
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the initiative, while Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, formally announced it. The project re‑imagines government work around AI agents that can carry out tasks, make decisions and respond proactively, rather than relying on step‑by‑step human handling.
Agentic AI, as defined by officials, refers to systems that pursue goals, coordinate tasks and act with a degree of autonomy. In practice, this could translate into faster permit processing, automated document review, smarter infrastructure planning, tax support, citizen services and streamlined internal workflows that previously required multiple forms, approvals and human follow‑up.
Government retreat launches early AI pilots
More than 400 ministers and senior officials gathered at a government retreat in Abu Dhabi to roll out early AI agents for public services. Participants also discussed training programmes to equip employees for the shift toward autonomous systems.
The UAE Cabinet has already approved teams to begin implementing the new agentic AI operating model across federal services and operations. Officials describe the effort as a national, sovereign and strategic undertaking, positioning the country as a global test case for automated governance.
Officials stress strategic importance
Mohammad Al Gergawi, minister of Cabinet affairs, framed the project as more than a technology upgrade. “This is not merely a technology project. It is a national, sovereign, and strategic undertaking to build the world’s best government and the world’s best country.”— Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs
By embedding AI agents at the core of government functions, the UAE seeks to demonstrate how autonomous technology can enhance efficiency while maintaining oversight. The rollout will be monitored closely, with early pilots expected to inform broader adoption across ministries.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UAE's plan for AI agents in government services?
The UAE aims to shift half of all federal services to autonomous AI agents within two years, using them to handle tasks, make decisions and respond proactively, thereby modernising public administration.
When will the UAE implement AI agents for half of its federal services?
The rollout is slated for a two‑year period starting from the announcement on 10 June 2026, with early pilots already underway to inform broader adoption across ministries.
Who announced the UAE's AI agents initiative?
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan directed the initiative, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice‑president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, formally announced it at a government retreat.
How will AI agents improve public services in the UAE?
AI agents are expected to speed up permit processing, automate document review, enhance infrastructure planning, provide tax support and streamline citizen services by reducing forms, approvals and human follow‑up.
What does the UAE government mean by ‘agentic AI’?
Agentic AI refers to systems that pursue goals, coordinate tasks and act with a degree of autonomy, allowing them to carry out decisions and respond proactively rather than following step‑by‑step human instructions.
Which officials described the AI shift as a national strategic undertaking?
Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammad Al Gergawi said the project is a national, sovereign and strategic effort to build the world’s best government and country, emphasizing its importance beyond a mere technology upgrade.
