The UAE wants AI to power half of its government services and operations within two years. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid announced the plan at a UAE Cabinet meeting in April 2026, as part of a push to use AI agents across government. These are systems that analyse information, make decisions and complete tasks. The aim is faster service, less paperwork and fewer delays.
Under the plan, the agents can monitor changes, offer recommendations and manage operations. They can carry out actions without a person stepping in, then evaluate the results and improve the process as they go. The UAE wants to be the first government to use AI agents on this scale.
Everyday public services would show the clearest change. Many government tasks depend on people moving information among forms, departments, approvals, records and payments. Tasks such as visa renewals, business registrations, driving licence renewals and traffic fines could need fewer steps. A person would ask for the outcome, and the system would handle more of the process in the background, so the work keeps moving. That means shorter queues for residents, less pressure on staff and more consistent service.
For companies, the value is time. A delayed licence can slow hiring, trading, property use, customer service or entry into a new market, and a delayed renewal can create avoidable risk. Faster routine government work gives businesses more certainty and cuts the time teams spend chasing approvals.
The plan also calls for government policies, processes and procedures to be redesigned around AI, with systems that perform tasks proactively and accurately. Its stated goals include lower operating costs and higher productivity. Costs fall when repeated checks, handoffs and manual follow-ups are removed from routine work. Speed improves when the next step can be completed without another counter visit or department response.
Government staff are part of the plan too. All federal government employees will receive continuous specialised training to master AI tools and take part in the change. The plan treats AI adoption as part of government performance. Ministers, directors general and government entities will be assessed on adoption speed, new standards, understanding of AI and mastery of the tools.
