The initiative to include artificial intelligence (AI) as a consulting member of the cabinet in the UAE marks a groundbreaking precedent on a global scale. This innovative step signifies not only a commitment to modernizing governance but also showcases the UAE’s ambition to reshape its future through technology. As the nation forges ahead under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister, this decision exemplifies a proactive approach to integrating AI into the highest levels of decision-making.
The Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammed Al Gergawi, stated that the UAE, guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is adopting a comprehensive and proactive approach through a forward-looking design for the future, encompassing all its changes, opportunities, and challenges.
He added, “The announcement by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum regarding the adoption of the national AI system as a consulting member in the Council of Ministers and the Ministerial Council for Development, as well as in the boards of directors of federal authorities and government companies, starting next year, confirms that the UAE does not wait for the future but actively creates it.”
Pioneering Steps in Artificial Intelligence
Al Gergawi continued, “The membership of AI as a consultant in the Cabinet is a governmental precedent that is the first of its kind globally. Its integration at the highest level of governmental decision-making will create exceptional opportunities for the future. This decision reflects the leadership’s commitment to embracing future trends today. The new member will be a digital entity supported by advanced AI technologies, participating in Cabinet meetings to provide members with real-time data and analyses that support strategic decision-making.”
He stated, “This historic step, which will be implemented in less than six months, is the result of proactive planning and the visionary outlook of the UAE leadership. Eight years ago, under the presidency of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Cabinet approved the launch of the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2017, at a time when many were still far from envisioning or understanding the extent of the future changes that AI technologies would bring to the world.”
Future Aspirations to Enhance Government Performance
He added, “The national strategy aims to accelerate the implementation of developmental programs and projects, relying on AI in services and data analysis at a rate of 100% by 2031, enhancing government performance, speeding up achievements, and creating innovative work environments, making the UAE government the first in the world to invest in AI across its various vital sectors and creating a promising new market in the region with high economic value.”
Mohammed Al Gergawi confirmed that the AI agenda has been continuously monitored by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, following the same proactive approach of the UAE. In 2017, His Highness announced the appointment of the first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence to meet a range of long-term national future requirements and to establish the skills, sciences, and technologies of the future, in an early foresight that “the next global wave is artificial intelligence,” preparing the UAE to be the most ready and quickest to adapt to all its changes.
Roles of AI as a Consulting Member in the Cabinet
Starting in January, the primary roles of AI as a consulting member of the Cabinet will include providing strategic consultations based on comprehensive knowledge analyses of Cabinet files, preparing real-time analyses during meetings on agenda items to support the confidentiality and quality of decision-making.
The roles will also involve conducting immediate benchmarking comparisons with relevant international policies and experiences concerning agenda items, generating future scenarios using predictive models to study available options for each decision, and simulating the impact of proposed policies, strategies, and legislations on various sectors before their approval.
Mohammed Al Gergawi: • Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s foresight that “the next global wave is artificial intelligence” enhances the UAE’s readiness to be the most prepared to deal with all its changes. • The UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy was launched eight years ago, at a time when many were far from envisioning the extent of the future changes awaiting the world.