Sheikh Mansour Leads UAE AI Council, Assesses Agent AI Readiness and Reviews Cross‑Sector Laws

The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi as part of the UAE’s broader push to embed artificial intelligence across government functions. Agent AI refers to systems that can act autonomously to perform tasks, a step beyond traditional predictive models. Officials used the session to gauge how prepared federal entities are to deploy such technology. The discussion aligns with the UAE National AI Strategy 2031, which targets a leading role in AI adoption and a knowledge‑based economy. By convening at the presidential palace, the council underscored the high priority placed on AI‑driven governance.

Sheikh Mansour presided over the council meeting held at the presidential palace. The council assessed the readiness of ministries and federal agencies to implement agent AI models. It also reviewed draft federal legislation affecting healthcare, economic policy, banking, and taxation. Discussions included plans to upskill government workers in line with AI best practices. The council stressed the need to strengthen both technological and legal frameworks to support AI adoption. Members noted that existing AI assistance projects will be expanded to cover additional ministries. The council highlighted the importance of data governance standards for safe agent AI deployment. Preliminary estimates suggest a multi‑year investment exceeding $4.2 billion to upgrade AI infrastructure across federal entities. The council also examined how agent AI could automate routine administrative tasks, freeing staff for higher‑value work.

By evaluating readiness, the UAE aims to identify gaps before scaling agent AI across public services. The legislative review signals an effort to align laws with rapid technological change, potentially reducing regulatory friction. Officials indicated that successful integration could improve service efficiency and institutional performance. The focus on workforce training suggests a long‑term strategy to build internal expertise rather than rely solely on external vendors. Strengthening data governance may also enhance public trust in AI‑driven decisions. Cross‑sector reforms in healthcare, banking, and tax could streamline processes such as claims processing, loan approvals, and tax filings. These changes may contribute to the UAE’s goal of climbing global innovation rankings. Continued investment in AI infrastructure is expected to attract private‑sector partnerships and talent.

Observers should monitor the release of the final AI assistance implementation plan and any forthcoming federal bills that emerge from the council’s recommendations. Pilot projects in selected ministries are likely to launch within the next six months, providing early evidence of impact. Lawmakers are expected to publish draft versions of the healthcare and tax reforms for public comment by the end of the year. The council’s next meeting, scheduled for early 2026, will review progress on upskilling programs and legislative drafts.