The United Arab Emirates is set to introduce an artificial intelligence and robotics-driven system to screen work permit applicants starting May, marking a significant shift in how the country evaluates and attracts global talent.
The initiative, led by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security in partnership with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, will deploy smart algorithms to assess applicants on parameters such as skills, educational background, professional experience, and domain knowledge.
Officials say the system is designed to bring greater objectivity to hiring decisions by introducing data-led evaluation mechanisms. The goal is to better align incoming talent with labour market demands while raising overall workforce quality in a rapidly evolving economy.
The rollout comes as part of a broader push towards integrating advanced AI models across government operations, a strategy championed by UAE Vice-President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Authorities describe the approach as a move towards “agentic AI,” where systems go beyond basic automation to analyse data, make decisions, and execute tasks with minimal human intervention.
Under this framework, the government aims to transition 50% of federal services and operations to AI-driven systems within the next two years. The work permit screening project is one of the early applications of this shift, intended to enhance labour market efficiency and support the country’s transition to a knowledge-based economy.
A dedicated taskforce, overseen by Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, has been established to drive implementation. Government entities will be assessed based on how effectively and quickly they adopt AI technologies.
Authorities say the phased rollout will include continuous performance monitoring, ensuring that adoption remains aligned with broader economic priorities.
The move comes amid intensifying global competition for skilled professionals and shifting patterns in talent mobility. By embedding AI into its hiring infrastructure, the UAE is positioning itself to attract high-quality talent while maintaining a more balanced and productive labour market.