In a groundbreaking move, the United Arab Emirates is set to become the first nation globally to incorporate artificial intelligence as a consulting member in its Cabinet. This initiative, led by the visionary leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, signifies a significant step towards a future-oriented governance strategy. The decision to introduce an AI consulting member starting January 2026 aims to transform how the government operates and interacts with emerging technologies, ensuring that the UAE remains at the forefront of AI advancements.
A Vision for the Future
Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohamed Al Gergawi emphasized that the UAE is following a proactive approach as guided by its leaders. He stated, “The announcement by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to adopt a national artificial intelligence system—serving as a consulting member in the Council of Ministers—confirms that the UAE is not waiting for the future; it is creating it.” This initiative reflects the leadership’s commitment to integrating innovative technologies into governance.
Setting Global Standards
Al Gergawi pointed out that this membership will enhance decision-making processes by providing immediate data and analytical support during Cabinet meetings. “The membership of artificial intelligence as a consultant in the Cabinet is a global first, enhancing the potential for exceptional future opportunities,” he remarked. The AI entity, supported by advanced technologies, will engage in critical discussions, ensuring that the UAE’s government operates with cutting-edge resources at its disposal.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
Underlining the importance of strategic foresight, Al Gergawi noted that the UAE’s AI strategy, initiated in 2017, was pioneering for its time. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence seeks to accelerate the execution of development projects and digital services by leveraging AI to achieve 100% reliance by 2031. This fundamental shift aims to position the UAE as a leader in AI investment across vital sectors, meeting the challenges posed by rapid technological evolution.
Enhancing Decision-Making Processes
As of January, the advisory role of AI will involve providing comprehensive strategic consultations based on thorough analyses of various ministerial files. This includes real-time assessments during meetings to support high-quality decision-making. The AI unit will also benchmark against international policies, generating predictive scenarios that explore the impact of proposed strategies on various sectors prior to their adoption.
Conclusion: Embracing Innovation
With an impressive array of capabilities, AI is poised to revolutionize the workings of the Cabinet and other federal councils. Immediate tasks will include analyzing presentations, delivering data-driven insights, and ensuring rapid access to trustworthy information. Al Gergawi added that the movement towards this innovative governance model positions the UAE as a global hub for AI initiatives, fundamentally reshaping its economic and academic landscapes for generations to come.