Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, a new federal body that consolidates the country’s AI, data, and digital government functions under a single mandate reporting directly to the Cabinet.
The Authority brings together three previously separate entities: the Office of Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; the Digital Government Sector at the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority; and the UAE Data Office. Omar Sultan Al Olama, the current Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, has been appointed its Chairman.
“Today we approved the establishment of the Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority, the single national body responsible for data, artificial intelligence and digital government in the UAE, reporting directly to the Cabinet. Omar Sultan Al Olama will lead the Authority. 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,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement.
“We are building the government of the future. A government that runs on data and agentic AI. One that decides faster, delivers better and never stops improving. A government built around people, not paperwork,” he added.
The Authority’s mandate is broad. It will develop and lead the national AI strategy, work to grow the digital economy’s contribution to GDP, and manage government data to ensure quality and availability across federal entities. It will also set standards for AI and data management, oversee digital transformation compliance across federal bodies, and operate AI-powered national data platforms to support evidence-based decision-making.
Its remit extends to designing proactive, integrated digital services, building national capabilities through research and technical advisory, and strengthening international partnerships in AI and data. Supporting cybersecurity and government information security is also included in its scope.
The move is framed as preparation for what officials describe as a new phase of AI-powered digital transformation, with the UAE seeking to position itself as a global hub for smart government and digital innovation.
