The UAE government has increased its support for artificial intelligence in public services. The Mohammed bin Rashid Innovation Fund (MBRIF) has issued a credit guarantee worth AED 1.5 million to Dubai-based 01Gov. The funding will help the company expand its AI-powered government services platform. It will also support the growth of its flagship agentic AI system, “One.”
As a result, 01Gov plans to strengthen services for existing government clients across the UAE and the wider Gulf region.
UAE Accelerates AI Adoption Across Government Services
The funding comes as the UAE speeds up AI deployment across federal operations. Earlier this year, the UAE Cabinet approved a plan to integrate agentic AI into 50 percent of government sectors and services within two years.
Since then, authorities have launched AI agents in procurement, tax auditing, customer support, and technical services.
In addition, the government introduced an AI-powered regulatory intelligence platform. Officials say the system could reduce law-making timelines by up to 70 percent.
Research from INSEAD states that the UAE now treats AI as public infrastructure rather than isolated digital projects.
01Gov Expands AI Tools for Public Sector Professionals
Founded in Dubai in 2013, 01Gov develops cloud-based tools for government institutions.
Its platform allows public sector professionals to monitor global trends, benchmark performance, generate ideas, and access international best practices.
The company’s AI roadmap centres on “One,” its agentic AI platform for government development and decision-making.
Moreover, the MBRIF guarantee will help the startup deepen AI capabilities and expand deployment among current clients.
The leadership team includes former government officials with extensive public sector experience.
The company’s AI strategy is led by Dr. Saeed Al Dhaheri, a recognised expert in artificial intelligence and future foresight.
Meanwhile, CEO Ibrahim Ahmed El Badawi previously worked in the public sector and received a scholarship from the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government.
MBRIF Continues Supporting Innovation and Startups
MBRIF operates under the UAE Ministry of Finance. Emirates Development Bank manages the programme.
Since 2016, the initiative has supported innovative businesses through its Guarantee Scheme. The programme helps startups secure financing without giving up equity.
In addition, MBRIF runs an accelerator programme that has supported startups since 2018.
The latest support for 01Gov reflects the UAE’s wider focus on economic diversification, digital transformation, and AI-led growth.
UAE Creates New Opportunities for GovTech Firms
The AED 1.5 million guarantee is relatively small. However, it sends a strong message to the UAE startup ecosystem.
Government departments are increasing investments in AI-driven services. Therefore, demand for specialised GovTech platforms will likely rise in the coming years.
Because 01Gov was built by former government professionals, the company understands the needs of public institutions.
Its strong focus on Arabic-language AI tools may also give it an advantage across Gulf markets.
Furthermore, the funding shows how the UAE government is supporting local AI innovation alongside global technology partnerships.
