Abu Dhabi Aims to Become World’s First AI-Native Government with 200 AI Systems by 2027

The Abu Dhabi Government has unveiled an ambitious Digital Strategy 2025-2027, positioning the emirate as the world’s first fully AI-native government across all digital services by 2027. Announced on January 21, 2025, the strategy will deploy AED13 billion ($3.5 billion) to integrate AI into every government process, including over 200 innovative AI solutions for public services. This initiative, led by the Department of Government Enablement (DGE), aims to automate 100% of operations using sovereign cloud infrastructure and foster global AI leadership. In this article, we explore the strategy’s details, its economic benefits, and its role in Abu Dhabi’s tech transformation. CIO

Abu Dhabi Digital Strategy 2025-2027: Key Details

The strategy focuses on creating a unified digital framework to revolutionize government operations. Core components include:

• AI Integration: Over 200 AI solutions will be implemented across services like healthcare, education, and citizen engagement, enabling proactive, data-driven decision-making.
• Sovereign Cloud Adoption: 100% migration to secure, UAE-based cloud infrastructure for all processes, ensuring data sovereignty and scalability.
• Unified ERP Platform: A single digital backbone to streamline management, boost productivity, and automate workflows across entities.
• Investment and Timeline: AED13 billion ($3.5 billion) allocated through 2027, with full AI-native status achieved by then.

Collaborations with the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and G42 will drive large language model development.

Why Abu Dhabi Is Pursuing an AI-Native Government

The strategy aligns with UAE’s vision for technological sovereignty and economic diversification:

• Efficiency and Innovation: AI will optimize services, reducing administrative burdens and enabling predictive governance.
• Global Leadership: Positions Abu Dhabi as an AI hub, attracting talent and investment amid global AI races like xAI’s $10B raise.
• Citizen Empowerment: The “AI for All” program will train residents in AI applications, supporting Emiratisation.
• Cybersecurity Focus: Robust frameworks to mitigate risks, ensuring secure AI deployment.

Chairman Ahmed Hisham Al Kuttab stated: “By incorporating AI… we will transform public service delivery.”

Economic and Social Impact

The initiative promises substantial returns:

1. GDP Contribution: Expected to add AED24 billion ($6.5 billion) to Abu Dhabi’s GDP by 2027.
2. Job Creation: Over 5,000 new roles, emphasizing Emiratisation and AI skills development.
3. Service Enhancement: Faster, smarter public services, from e-health to smart cities.
4. Global Attractiveness: Boosts Abu Dhabi’s appeal as an AI innovation center.

The Bigger Picture: UAE’s AI Ambitions

Abu Dhabi’s strategy is part of UAE’s broader AI push, including the UAE AI Strategy 2031 and partnerships with Microsoft and G42. It aligns with global trends like India’s $20B semiconductor scheme and Oracle’s $20B Meta deal, positioning the UAE as a Middle East AI leader. In 2025, amid xAI’s $10B raise and BlackRock’s $260M crypto ETF revenue, sovereign AI investments like this drive economic diversification.

Conclusion

Abu Dhabi’s Digital Strategy 2025-2027, with 200 AI systems by 2027, heralds the world’s first AI-native government, blending innovation with efficiency. Backed by $3.5B, it promises GDP growth and job creation while setting a global benchmark.