UAE Leaders Explore National AI Strategy to Boost Innovation

The United Arab Emirates is taking major steps to strengthen its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence. H.H. President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan attended a key session exploring the UAE’s national AI strategy and its vision for building an integrated AI ecosystem. The event highlighted the UAE’s commitment to using AI to improve people’s lives while boosting national competitiveness in technology and innovation.

The session focused on how AI is transforming daily life and influencing global trends. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority, opened the event by sharing the UAE leadership’s vision for innovation and AI. He provided examples of how AI is already affecting people’s routines and contributing to a smarter, more efficient society.

Several senior officials and ministers attended, including Sarah Al Amiri, Minister of Education; Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications; Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Dr. Mohamed Al Askar, Director-General of TAMM; and Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of the UAE Cybersecurity Council. Other participants included Ahmed Yahia Al Idrissi, CEO of MGX, and Peng Xiao, CEO of G42.

Speakers emphasized that AI is a transformative field with a direct impact on healthcare, education, the economy, and public services. The UAE has kept pace with global advances in AI while placing the wellbeing of citizens and communities at the center of its technological approach. They discussed how AI can improve healthcare outcomes, increase efficiency in education, and support sustainable economic growth.

The session also highlighted cybersecurity in the age of AI, the importance of AI networks, knowledge sharing, and investment to support innovation. Officials discussed how AI can improve government services and empower communities, emphasizing education programs that equip students with AI skills and future-ready knowledge.

Healthcare was a major focus, with examples showing how AI improves diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes. Speakers noted measurable benefits, including better accuracy and higher survival rates, demonstrating how AI can strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

The UAE’s AI initiatives include a national AI strategy, the AI Readiness Index to measure federal entities’ preparedness, and the Large Language Model Alignment Index to ensure AI tools reflect Emirati values. These initiatives place UAE culture at the center of its AI development and guide the country’s long-term technology planning.

A live demonstration of the TAMM app showed how multiple government services—such as vehicle renewals, insurance, and payments—can be integrated with AI tools for real-time support. This highlighted how AI is improving public service delivery and simplifying daily tasks for citizens.

Education also played a central role in the discussions. Officials emphasized using AI responsibly to improve learning outcomes, strengthen national identity, and teach students about Emirati culture while preparing them for future technological challenges.

The session, held at Qasr Al Bahr, was attended by senior leaders including H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, along with ministers, sheikhs, and senior officials.

The event highlighted the UAE’s commitment to being at the forefront of AI innovation, ensuring technology benefits society, strengthens government services, and drives national and global progress in this rapidly evolving field.