In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has established launched a new Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, consolidating the country’s AI, data, and digital government functions under a single organization as it accelerates its vision of becoming a global leader in AI-driven governance.

Approved by Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on June 14, the authority will combine the responsibilities of the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; the UAE Data Office; and the digital government portfolio of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA).

The new body will oversee the UAE’s national AI strategy, coordinate digital transformation initiatives across federal agencies, manage government data platforms, and develop policies and standards for artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital public services. It will also support research, technical advisory services, and capacity building to expand the country’s AI capabilities while strengthening cybersecurity and international cooperation.

Another key objective is to increase the contribution of the digital economy to the UAE’s GDP by promoting AI adoption and fostering collaboration across the public and private sectors.

Highlighting the government’s vision, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE remains committed to building “a more efficient, agile, and proactive global government model” that uses data and artificial intelligence to improve decision-making and public service delivery.

“Our goal is a government that is faster, smarter, and always one step ahead, one that uses technology to serve people and build a better future for the next generation,” he said, adding, “We are building the government of the future… [one] that runs on data and agentic AI… never stops improving [and is] built around people, not paperwork.”

Omar Sultan Al Olama, the UAE’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, has been appointed to chair the new authority.

By bringing AI, data governance, and digital government under one umbrella, the UAE aims to streamline policymaking, improve cross-government collaboration, and accelerate the delivery of intelligent public services through the use of data and agentic AI.