The UAE has approved the establishment of a new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, a move aimed at consolidating the country's digital government, data management, and AI capabilities under a single national framework.
The decision was approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as part of the country's broader strategy to accelerate AI-powered government transformation.
The newly created authority will serve as the UAE's central body for data, artificial intelligence, and digital government, reporting directly to the Cabinet. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, will lead the entity.
According to the government, the authority will be responsible for unifying national priorities related to artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital government services. It will also oversee the development of public policies, legislation, and national strategies while ensuring alignment between federal and local digital initiatives.
Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE remains committed to building a more efficient, agile, and proactive government model that leverages data and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making, enhance public services, and strengthen the country's competitiveness in the global digital economy.
"Today we approved the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, the single national body responsible for data, artificial intelligence and digital government in the UAE, reporting directly to the Cabinet," Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement.
"Our 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 is expected to play a key role in advancing the UAE's adoption of Agentic AI across government operations, helping create a unified digital ecosystem that can deliver services more efficiently and respond faster to emerging challenges.
As part of the restructuring, the new authority will absorb functions previously managed by three 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 consolidation reflects the UAE's ambition to build what Sheikh Mohammed described as a "government of the future"—one powered by data and artificial intelligence, capable of making faster decisions, improving services continuously, and placing citizens at the centre of governance.
The move comes as governments worldwide increasingly explore the use of AI to modernise public services, improve operational efficiency, and support economic growth in the digital era.