UAE Government Departments Face New AI Performance Tests

The UAE government’s AI program has reached a new milestone with nationwide performance evaluations in all government departments. The country’s commitment to AI shows in its massive investments – Dh20.6 billion in Dubai alone to boost AI capabilities. This positions UAE as a pioneer in public sector AI adoption.

The government has placed 230 chief AI officers in departments of all sizes. UAE has pulled in more than Dh20 billion in AI investments. The country has also rolled out 26 initiatives under the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence. These evaluations of AI systems across government entities ensure that new technology creates real value for citizens beyond surface-level implementation.

Minister Launches AI Performance Checks Across Government

“This policy is set to strengthen the UAE’s global leadership in AI, ensuring that technological advancements go hand in hand with improving the well-being of society.” — Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications

Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, showed complete performance review measures for all UAE government entities at Dubai AI Week 2025. This announcement shows how the nation will approach artificial intelligence implementation across public sector organizations.

Announcement made at Dubai AI Week 2025

Al Olama presented the new assessment framework to over 150 government officials and global experts at his keynote address during the AI Retreat at the Museum of the Future. The inaugural Dubai AI Week brought AI specialists, policymakers, and industry leaders from the world’s top organizations in the field together.

“Every single government department is going to be assessed, rated and classified based on how well they use artificial intelligence and how beneficial it is for their entity,” Al Olama stated during the gathering.

His Highness Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has always emphasized AI as the life-blood of Dubai’s future. Under his patronage, Al Olama explained how the UAE plans to speed up AI adoption while maintaining proper governance. The UAE’s approach focuses on acceleration instead of getting stuck in debates between regulation and state-of-the-art.

Objective: Review real-life effect of AI in public services

The new performance checks do more than track technological implementation. Al Olama believes this initiative will ensure AI integration creates real benefits for the public rather than surface-level adoption.

“We don’t want to make use of artificial intelligence just for the sake of AI,” he explained. “We want to ensure that the application actually improves the quality of life of citizens in the UAE and in Dubai specifically”.

This lines up with the UAE’s broader AI strategy to become a global leader in meaningful AI implementation. The government has made notable progress:

• 325 companies have received classification through the UAE’s AI certification system
• The Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has executed 75 pilot projects across government entities
• 183 potential generative AI use cases have been identified through work with 33 Dubai government departments

The performance checks will help the UAE government ensure AI applications deliver on their potential to optimize efficiency, eliminate routine tasks, and free up public officials for more strategic and creative activities. The assessment will support the national goal of using AI to improve decision-making capabilities and deliver public services in ways that directly benefit citizens.

This initiative takes a vital step to meet the objectives of the UAE Strategy for Artificial Intelligence 2031. The strategy aims to boost government performance at all levels while creating new economic opportunities worth up to AED 335 billion in extra growth.

Government Departments Face New AI Accountability Standards

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The UAE’s new framework will subject government entities to unprecedented scrutiny of their artificial intelligence implementations. These standards represent a most important move from measuring tech adoption to reviewing ground outcomes for citizens.

Departments to be ranked based on AI effectiveness

A detailed ranking system will now measure the concrete benefits of AI deployments in government departments. The assessment looks beyond standard digital transformation metrics to review how AI boosts actual operations.

The UAE leads the Arab world and ranks 18th globally in the Government AI Readiness Index 2023. This index examines 193 countries’ governments based on three foundations: government capacity, technology sector capabilities, and infrastructure readiness.

The UAE has classified 325 companies through its AI classification system to bring clarity to the growing ecosystem. The Minister stated, “We need to clarify what is real AI and what is not.” Government entities can now identify legitimate AI solutions that match their needs through this system.

Focus on quality of life improvements, not just tech adoption

Meaningful implementation matters more than surface-level adoption in the UAE’s approach. Departments must show how AI technology improves citizens’ quality of life to receive recognition.

“AI applications in government services are mostly geared towards driving efficiencies, eliminating mundane tasks that can be automated, allowing public officials to dedicate their time towards more strategic, creative, and analytical activities,” states the UAE’s AI Adoption Guidelines.

The UAE has created strong ethical frameworks that include:

• The UAE Charter for the Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence, which will give ethical and responsible AI use
• The UAE Ethical Charter of Artificial Intelligence, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness
• Federal Law on Data Protection (Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021), governing how personal data is collected and processed

These assessment standards support the UAE’s vision to become a leading AI nation by 2031. This could generate up to AED 335 billion in additional economic growth while ensuring AI implementation benefits everyone.

AI Seals, Officers, and Data Centers Support the Overhaul

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The UAE government built its complete AI performance assessment system on three vital pillars: a certification program for trusted AI providers, a network of specialized officers, and resilient data infrastructure.

325 companies awarded AI Seal for trusted solutions

The Dubai Center for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) has certified 325 companies through its groundbreaking “Dubai AI Seal” initiative. This unique certification creates a framework for mutually beneficial alliances between government entities and technology companies that establishes a network of trusted AI solution providers. Companies must now acquire this seal before partnering with UAE and Dubai government projects.

The seal certification process assesses six main areas: company activities, AI specialist staffing, current projects, and existing partnerships. Certified companies receive a unique serial number and classification and can display the seal on their digital platforms as proof of reliability.

230 Chief AI Officers appointed to lead transformation

His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the “Chief Executive Officer for Artificial Intelligence” role across ministries and federal entities, which led to 230 officer appointments. This decision helps expand AI applications in government operations.

Dubai has appointed 22 Chief AI Officers to major government departments. The core team includes representatives from Dubai Police, Roads and Transport Authority, Electricity and Water Authority, and the Department of Economy and Tourism. These appointments support the UAE’s “We the UAE 2031” vision that focuses on achieving global leadership in AI and digital technology.

17 AI-focused data centers launched to support infrastructure

The UAE has launched 17 specialized data centers that power its AI ambitions. AI workloads need more computational resources than traditional applications, so these facilities use specialized hardware, advanced cooling systems, and increased power capacity.

The UAE-France partnership marks a milestone with a framework agreement for a 1-gigawatt AI data center valued between AED 110.16 and AED 183.60 billion. The private sector leads the UAE’s AI infrastructure ecosystem by owning 89% of the total AI-related processing power.

How Performance Checks Will Influence Future Policy

The UAE has made performance checks a key part of resource distribution among government entities. These checks create a clear connection between how well AI systems work and future investment decisions.

Resource allocation and funding based on rankings

The UAE government’s new evaluation system will shape how it distributes resources for upcoming AI projects. Organizations that show real results from their AI systems will receive more funding and backing. This strategy matches the UAE’s economic goals, which target AI to make up 20% of the non-oil economy in the next few years.

AI will boost the UAE’s GDP by AED 335 billion by 2030 according to PwC projections – a 26% increase. Smart investment in high-performing AI applications has become both financially necessary and strategically important.

The Federal National Council suggests building a single platform where government bodies and private companies can share open data. This platform will help startups and entrepreneurs get financing, marketing help, and technical support based on the new performance standards.

Real AI benefits over surface-level adoption

Performance checks do more than guide resource distribution – they push organizations toward meaningful AI use that delivers clear benefits. The UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence guides AI adoption in government and education sectors. The Council proposes policies that create an environment where AI can thrive.

Quality measurement tools developed by the government specifically evaluate AI-powered services and their efficiency. These tools help separate surface-level tech adoption from systems that actually make citizens’ lives better.

Minister Omar bin Sultan Al Olama outlines the UAE’s step-by-step AI strategy, which rests on three main pillars:

• Building strong AI foundations
• Bringing AI into different sectors
• Making UAE a global AI leader

The UAE government stresses that AI should work alongside human expertise rather than replace it. The focus stays on areas where technology can strengthen knowledge and abilities. Yes, it is through this evaluation framework that future policies will prioritize AI systems that benefit citizens while helping UAE become a regional AI hub.

The UAE has reached a crucial point in its AI trip. Regular performance checks show the nation’s steadfast dedication to meaningful AI implementation rather than basic technological adoption. Detailed assessments and investments of more than Dh20.6 billion in Dubai alone make UAE a pioneer in government AI integration.

The careful selection of 230 chief AI officers and certification of 325 companies through the Dubai AI Seal program creates a strong framework for AI governance. On top of that, 17 specialized data centers provide the backbone needed to support these ambitious initiatives.

Performance-based evaluation systems represent a fundamental change in how government entities use AI. These assessments measure real improvements in public services and citizen well-being instead of just tracking new technology adoption. This practical approach fits perfectly with UAE’s broader vision to generate AED 335 billion in extra economic growth through AI by 2031.

UAE’s systematic approach combines infrastructure development, talent acquisition, and strict performance standards that set an example for nations worldwide. These initiatives will shape government services’ future and ensure that artificial intelligence serves its main goal – making UAE citizens’ lives better.