In October the UAE Cabinet approved a AED292.5bn federal budget for 2027-2029 (up 28.3% on the previous cycle), stressing AI, fiscal data analytics and simpler procedures. In April the government set a goal of running half of federal services and operations on agentic AI within two years.
Government · leader
President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (head of state) / Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (head of government)
Key national agenda
- Run 50% of federal services on agentic AI within two years
- AI-driven budget planning, fiscal data analytics and simpler procedures
- Social development spending focused on education and health
- Update tax and development legislation
- New growth areas such as circular economy and sustainable agriculture
Government programmes
Federal budget 2027-2029AED292.5bn
AED90.1bn for 2027; social development and pensions AED34.6bn (38.4%), education 18.8%, health 6.7%, infrastructure and economy AED3bn
Agentic AI transformation of federal government
Half of federal sectors, services and operations to run on autonomous AI, with proactive services such as residency renewals and permits
Federal Tax Authority Enterprise Project Management System
Posted on the MoF Digital Procurement Platform, closes 2026-11-17
Ministry of Justice staff training (AI-assisted design, video, etc.)
Four training programmes tendered together, closing 2026-11-19
Business opportunities
Process diagnostics plus AI agent PoC package for federal entities
The PM's directive to move 50% of federal operations to agentic AI in two years has ministries seeking delivery partners.
Federal ministries and authorities (Justice, FTA, Economy, etc.)
Practical generative-AI training for civil servants (content creation, data analysis)
The Ministry of Justice is publicly tendering AI-related training programmes.
HR and training units of the Ministry of Justice and other ministries
Fiscal data analytics and budget performance dashboards
The 2027-2029 budget explicitly calls for AI-driven planning and fiscal data analytics.
Ministry of Finance, planning and finance units of ministries
UAE partner matching and localisation for Korean AI/energy SMEs
KOTRA is expanding AI and energy matchmaking and links to Dubai AI Week.
Korean AI and energy SMEs, UAE state firms (e.g. NMDC)
Tenders
- Enterprise Project Management System · Federal Tax Authority · Deadline 2026-11-17
- Training programme: infographic design, video production and motion graphics using AI · Ministry of Justice · Deadline 2026-11-19
- Training programme: information systems management · Ministry of Justice · Deadline 2026-11-19
- Space and Aerospace Museum and Office Development · Emirates Space Agency · Deadline 2026-11-18
Korean support schemes
- Korea-UAE AI and Energy Economic Cooperation Plaza · KOTRA — In Nov 2025 in Abu Dhabi it arranged 217 meetings between 23 Korean SMEs and 69 local partners and plans links to Dubai AI Week.
- 2026 Middle East Job Fair (K-Move) · KOTRA Dubai — A youth overseas-employment fair in Dubai in late Aug 2026 with 11 firms from defence, finance, electronics and other sectors.
Official notices
- 2026-10 Cabinet approves AED292.5bn federal budget for 2027-2029 with emphasis on AI and fiscal data analytics
- 2026-04-23 PM directs 50% of federal services and operations to agentic AI within two years
- 2026 New government structure approved; new ministers sworn in
- Circular Economy Council holds first meeting on the 'Scale 360' initiative
Disaster · conflict · epidemic
Watch 2026-10-30
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Tankers hit mines in Strait of Hormuz; oil spill reaches northern beaches, closures (late Oct) · Iran war regional tension; drone hit Barakah plant's external generator in May
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