Sharjah Digital Department to Lead Development of Assistive AI Programme Following Crown Prince’s Directives

Government

Sharjah Digital Department to Lead Development of Assistive AI Programme Following Crown Prince’s Directives

The Sharjah Digital Department (SDD) has confirmed its readiness to lead the development of the Sharjah Assistive Artificial Intelligence Programme, following directives issued by His Highness the Crown Prince of Sharjah to accelerate the emirate’s transition towards an AI-assisted government.

The initiative marks a significant step in Sharjah’s digital transformation journey, with the programme set to be developed in coordination with government entities and strategic partners across the emirate.

His Excellency Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of the Sharjah Digital Department, said the Crown Prince’s directives represent a major milestone in advancing government innovation and operational efficiency through the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

“The Sharjah Digital Department, in collaboration with government entities and partners, will develop a comprehensive programme that considers institutional readiness, builds national capabilities, and transforms artificial intelligence opportunities into tangible value that benefits individuals and society,” he said.

The department emphasised that artificial intelligence is not a separate component of Sharjah’s digital transformation strategy but an integrated element embedded across key strategic pillars, including digital services, data management, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital empowerment.

According to the department, assistive artificial intelligence offers an opportunity to accelerate ongoing digital initiatives and enhance government performance through practical, future-ready applications that support efficiency, innovation, and digital sovereignty.

As part of the next phase, the Sharjah Digital Department will implement a dual-track strategy. The first track will focus on launching immediate initiatives aimed at enhancing awareness, readiness, and early adoption of AI technologies across government entities. The second track will concentrate on building long-term institutional capabilities by identifying priorities, assessing organisational readiness, and developing governance frameworks and enablers to ensure responsible and secure adoption of assistive AI technologies.

The department also plans to strengthen collaboration with government agencies, private-sector organisations, academic institutions, and the wider community to create a practical and scalable AI ecosystem that addresses the emirate’s needs and supports service excellence.

Assistive artificial intelligence is among the latest advancements in AI technology, enabling intelligent systems to understand context, analyse information, interact with users, and independently perform or support tasks with greater efficiency. The technology is increasingly being adopted by governments worldwide to improve productivity, accelerate service delivery, support decision-making, and provide more proactive and personalised public services.

The initiative aligns with Sharjah’s broader vision of leveraging advanced technologies to enhance government efficiency, improve customer experiences, and build sustainable digital capabilities that support long-term economic and social development.