The UAE has launched four government-run artificial intelligence agents as part of an ambitious plan to automate half of all public services and operations within the next two years. The announcement came during the country’s first Agentic AI Retreat in Abu Dhabi, attended by more than 400 ministers, senior officials and technology leaders.
The initiative signals a major shift in how the UAE plans to run public administration. Officials said the AI agents will improve efficiency, reduce processing time and strengthen service delivery across government departments.
The retreat was attended by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside ministers and federal authorities.
UAE launches four AI agents for public sector operations
The newly launched AI agents will support several key government functions.
The procurement AI agent will streamline sourcing and purchasing processes across departments. Meanwhile, the tax auditing AI agent will accelerate compliance reviews and reduce audit timelines.
In addition, the customer happiness AI agent will assist frontline staff in responding faster to residents and businesses. The technical support AI agent will manage IT-related issues and help maintain uninterrupted digital services.
Officials described the rollout as the first practical phase of the UAE’s broader agentic AI strategy.
Speaking at the retreat, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE aims to create a global benchmark for AI-driven governance.
“What we are building today is not just a government project, but a model that will inspire the world,” he said.
He added that technology must continue to improve quality of life and support future generations.
ADNOC showcases large-scale AI adoption
State energy giant ADNOC highlighted how AI is already transforming enterprise operations in the UAE.
Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said ADNOC currently operates more than 115 AI agents across finance, procurement, HR and auditing functions.
According to Al Jaber, around 20,000 employees have received training to build job-specific AI models. As a result, the company now uses nearly 3,000 active AI models in daily operations.
He also revealed that AI utilisation at ADNOC reached 80% during the last 90 days. Furthermore, the company introduced a new platform called ENERGYai, designed to connect AI agents across the energy supply chain.
UAE positions itself as a global AI governance leader
Omar Sultan Al Olama said governments that delay AI adoption could face a widening competitiveness gap in the future.
He stressed that agentic AI goes beyond basic automation and will reshape governance, decision-making and service delivery worldwide.
International technology expert Luukas Ilves also addressed the retreat. He noted that the UAE is emerging as a leading example of proactive AI governance rather than reactive policymaking.
The event also marked the graduation of the sixth cohort of the UAE’s Federal Artificial Intelligence Programme. The programme focuses on building local AI talent and strengthening digital capabilities across public sector institutions.
Why the UAE’s AI push matters
The UAE has consistently accelerated investments in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and smart governance. However, the launch of operational government AI agents represents one of the country’s most concrete steps toward embedding AI directly into everyday public administration.
Experts believe the initiative could become a model for other governments exploring AI-led public services, especially in areas such as taxation, procurement and citizen engagement.
