The United Arab Emirates has announced that 50 per cent of its government sectors, services and operations will be run by artificial intelligence systems within the next two years.

The new model was unveiled by Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum under directives from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Officials said the plan will make the UAE the first country to operate government functions at such scale using autonomous, decision-making AI systems.

“AI is no longer a tool. It analyses, decides, executes, and improves in real time,” Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that it would serve as an “executive partner” to enhance efficiency and accelerate decision-making.

The government has set a two-year timeline for implementation, with performance measured by speed of adoption, quality of execution and the extent to which AI reshapes public services.

As part of the initiative, all federal employees will receive training in AI to build a strong, future-ready workforce.

Oversight of the programme will be led by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, with a dedicated task force chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi responsible for execution.

Officials said the transformation aims to create a faster, more responsive and citizen-centric government while ensuring that human needs remain at the core of technological advancement.