UAE Plans to Automate 50% of Government Operations Using Agentic AI by 2028
The United Arab Emirates plans to shift half its government sectors, services, and operations to autonomous AI systems within two years. The initiative, directed by the UAE president, includes training all federal employees in AI. Separately, Freeport-McMoRan Inc. reported first-quarter earnings exceeding expectations.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced on April 23, 2026, that 50% of the UAE's government sectors, services, and operations will run on Agentic AI by 2028. The announcement positions the UAE as the first government globally to operate 50% of its sectors, services, and operations through autonomous systems.
ZeroHedge reported the new government model was launched under the directive of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, 'AI is no longer a tool. It analyses, decides, executes, and improves in real time. ' He added, 'This transformation has a clear timeline. Two years. ' The announcement came via a post on X by HH Sheikh Mohammed.
Every federal employee in the UAE will be trained to master AI. Implementation will be overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed. A dedicated taskforce chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi will drive execution.
The project includes a phased implementation across ministries and federal entities based on continuous performance and impact assessment. ZeroHedge reported the move builds on 20 years of digital transformation in the UAE's government, including eGovernment, service digitalization, mobile government, and integrated systems such as the UAE Pass.
0 introduced proactive, data-driven service delivery in the UAE.
In 2017, the UAE appointed the first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in the world. That same year, the UAE launched the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 under the UAE Centennial 2071 vision. In 2020, the UAE established the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
Platforms developed under UAE Government and Digital Dubai allow residents to access hundreds of services online, including paying fines and registering businesses. ZeroHedge reported this infrastructure connects government entities, enabling AI to manage entire workflows. The shift allows users to request outcomes with systems handling complexity behind the scenes.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
6 events- 2026-04-23
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that 50% of UAE's government sectors, services, and operations will run on Agentic AI by 2028.
2 sourcesSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum · HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) - 2026-04-23
Freeport-McMoRan Inc. reported Q1 2026 EPS of $0.57.
1 sourceFreeport-McMoRan Inc. - 2020
The UAE established the Ministry of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
1 sourceunattributed - 2017
The UAE appointed the first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in the world.
1 sourceunattributed - 2017
The UAE launched the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 under the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.
1 sourceunattributed - 2006
Beginning of 20 years of digital transformation in UAE government, including eGovernment and UAE Pass.
1 sourceKhaleej Times
Potential Impact
- 01
Positioning UAE as a global leader in AI-driven governance.
- 02
Enhanced government efficiency and service delivery in UAE through AI adoption.
- 03
Positive stock performance for Freeport-McMoRan following earnings beat.
- 04
Potential job displacement or role changes for UAE federal employees trained in AI.
- 05
Broader adoption of similar AI models in other governments inspired by UAE.
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