Technology

The UAE is set to transform public services with plans to deploy Agentic AI across 50% of federal operations within the next two years, a move experts say could redefine how residents interact with government systems.

Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the initiative positions artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as an “executive partner” in enhancing efficiency, accelerating decision-making, and improving service delivery.

What is Agentic AI?

Agentic AI refers to advanced systems capable of independently planning, executing, and optimising tasks. Unlike traditional automation, these systems can analyse situations, make decisions, and continuously improve outcomes with minimal human intervention.

‘Invisible Government’ Experience

Experts say the most noticeable change for residents will be the reduction in manual processes. Services such as visa renewals, trade licences, and healthcare bookings could become proactive—initiated automatically before users even realise they are due.

Jessica Constantinidis described the shift as a move toward “government working around the individual rather than the other way around,” where multiple agencies coordinate behind the scenes to deliver seamless outcomes.

Similarly, Sumeet Agrawal referred to the model as an “invisible government,” where bureaucratic friction is minimised through systems that anticipate needs and execute services in real time.

Faster, Smarter Public Services

Industry leaders say the adoption of Agentic AI could dramatically reduce processing times—from days to minutes—by removing human bottlenecks and enabling round-the-clock operations.

Karan Gupta noted that services will be able to apply policies consistently at scale while integrating data across departments instantly. This could simplify complex processes such as property approvals, licensing, and education selection.

A Global First

If implemented as planned, the UAE would become the first country to operate government services at this scale using autonomous systems, setting a global benchmark for digital governance.

Hetarth Patel highlighted that the system will not rely on a single AI platform but rather a network of coordinated AI agents embedded across ministries, functioning as “digital coworkers.”

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the potential benefits, experts caution that the shift will require strong governance frameworks, transparency, and robust cybersecurity measures.

Sam Tayan emphasised that as systems become more interconnected, ensuring visibility and control over data flows will be critical to maintaining security and trust.

A New Era of Governance

The initiative signals a fundamental shift in the relationship between governments and citizens—moving from reactive service delivery to proactive, predictive systems that anticipate needs and streamline daily interactions.

As global governments watch closely, the UAE’s ambitious move could redefine the future of public service delivery worldwide.

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