- UAE to make AI an advisory member of its Cabinet starting January 2026.
- The system will advise on policy, oversee state entities, and enhance decision-making.
- Marks the first time AI is formally embedded at the top of a national government.
In a landmark move, the United Arab Emirates will integrate artificial intelligence directly into the heart of its government. Starting in 2026, the National Artificial Intelligence System will serve as an advisory member of the UAE Cabinet, Ministerial Development Council, and all federal boards.
This initiative is a continuation of the UAE’s long-term AI strategy. The country has led AI innovation in the region, appointing the first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in 2017, launching a national AI strategy by 2019, and opening the world’s first AI university.
Dubai’s AI Cabinet Advisor Signals New Era of Machine-Guided Governance
The UAE is once again pushing the boundaries of governance with its decision to embed an AI system within the federal Cabinet. Unlike traditional advisors, this AI will operate continuously, capable of instantly processing data and proposing strategic policy inputs, making it a potentially transformative force in government operations.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that the AI system will not replace human ministers, but complement their roles by enhancing decision-making with unbiased, data-driven insights. By including the system in both executive councils and the boards of state-owned firms, the country is creating an ecosystem where machine learning influences every level of governance.
Globally, this move will likely raise eyebrows and ignite debate. While some view it as a step toward efficiency and technological advancement, others worry about transparency, algorithmic bias, and the erosion of human accountability in public decision-making. Still, the UAE remains firm in its belief that AI is crucial to shaping the future.
This development fits within a broader digital transformation framework already underway in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, where smart governance, automation, and AI-led urban services are rapidly expanding. By 2027, Abu Dhabi even aims to become the world’s first fully AI-powered government — and the Cabinet AI advisor is just the beginning.
The UAE’s decision to bring AI into its highest decision-making body signals not just innovation, but a challenge to how leadership, accountability, and power will evolve in the age of machines.
“The world is going through comprehensive restructuring… our goal is being ready today for the coming decades.” — Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
