The UAE has created a new federal body to consolidate the country's artificial intelligence, data, and digital government functions under one roof, following approval by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority will absorb three previously separate entities: the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; the Digital Government Sector at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and the UAE Data Office. The Authority reports directly to the Cabinet.
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has been appointed Chairman of the new body.
Sheikh Mohammed said the Authority's goal is
"a government that is faster, smarter and always one step ahead, one that uses technology to serve people and build a better future for the next generation."
The Authority's mandate spans a wide range of responsibilities. It will develop and lead the national AI strategy, grow the digital economy's contribution to GDP, and manage government data to ensure quality, availability, and sharing across federal entities. It will also operate AI-powered national data platforms to support evidence-based decision-making and oversee the delivery of proactive, integrated digital services centred on individual needs.
Beyond operations, the Authority is tasked with setting data and AI management standards, ensuring compliance across federal bodies, and building national capabilities through research, development, and technical advisory services.
International partnerships and coordination in AI, data, and digital government also fall within its scope, alongside supporting cybersecurity and government information security efforts.
The move positions the UAE to accelerate its transition toward what Sheikh Mohammed described as "a government that runs on data and agentic AI."
News Source: Emirates News Agency
