Learning directly from the people building the technology is one of the smartest ways to prepare for real change, and that is exactly what the UAE is doing. A UAE AI delegation of more than 50 Chief AI Officers and government leaders is heading to the United States to study the latest developments in this technology and explore how it can be used across government services. It is a genuinely proactive move, and one that shows real commitment to getting this transformation right.
What the UAE AI Delegation Will Be Doing
The five-day visit is being organised by the UAE Government’s Artificial Intelligence Office, working alongside the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence. During the trip, the UAE AI delegation will meet with a wide range of major technology companies and academic institutions, including:
- Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Cognition, Google, Poolside, Snowflake, Databricks, AMD, and Microsoft
- Stanford University
- The Institute of Foundation Models at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
These discussions will focus on emerging agentic AI applications, how to deploy the technology at scale, and potential partnerships that could support its adoption across UAE government entities.
Why This Trip Matters Right Now
This visit comes as the UAE works toward an ambitious but clearly defined goal: transforming 50% of government sectors, operations, and services into AI-powered models within two years. Sending a dedicated UAE AI delegation to learn directly from leading companies shows genuine intent to meet that goal thoughtfully, rather than rushing ahead without preparation.
It helps to understand what makes agentic AI different from the generative AI tools many people already use. Unlike systems that simply respond to individual prompts, this technology is designed to:
- Carry out more complex, multi-step tasks with greater independence
- Plan actions and use digital tools along the way
- Complete entire workflows aimed at a defined goal
- Operate with varying levels of human oversight, depending on the task
For governments specifically, this could mean automating routine administrative work, delivering digital services more efficiently, and managing more complex workflows behind the scenes.
Learning to Deploy Responsibly
One especially appreciated detail is that this trip is not only about exploring exciting new capabilities. The UAE AI delegation will also examine the real challenges involved in deploying such systems safely and responsibly. That kind of balanced focus, both ambition and caution, is exactly what a transformation of this scale needs.
A Clear Message From Leadership
Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, explained that this programme is designed to help Chief AI Officers turn AI developments into genuinely practical applications. He shared that the focus is on empowering these leaders by expanding their knowledge partnerships, deepening their exposure to advanced global models, and turning that knowledge into practical steps suited to their own government entities.
He also noted that the programme will strengthen officials’ understanding of this technology and what is needed to use it safely and responsibly, supporting a genuine shift from simply exploring possibilities to actually deploying solutions across government operations.
Building on Previous Momentum
The UAE AI delegation’s trip marks a continuation of an ongoing effort. This is the second international mission for the UAE’s government AI leaders, showing that this kind of hands-on learning is becoming a regular, structured part of how the country prepares its leaders. Ahead of the visit, the UAE Government’s Artificial Intelligence Office and the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence also held a preparatory session, covering the programme, destinations, and priority areas, so the delegation arrives well prepared to make the most of every meeting.
Why This Approach Deserves Appreciation
- It sends more than 50 leaders directly to learn from major AI companies, rather than relying on secondhand information
- It pairs ambition with a genuine focus on safe, responsible deployment
- It builds structured, repeated learning opportunities rather than a one-time event
- It connects global expertise directly to the practical needs of UAE government services
Conclusion
The UAE AI delegation’s trip to the United States is a warm example of preparing seriously for meaningful change. By learning directly from the companies and researchers shaping this technology, and by focusing on responsible deployment alongside ambition, the UAE is showing genuine care in how it approaches this next phase of government transformation.
If your organisation wants guidance on preparing for AI adoption more broadly, Horizontal8 is here to help. Reach out to Horizontal8 today, and let’s talk about building a thoughtful path forward together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is part of the UAE AI delegation?Â
The delegation includes more than 50 Chief AI Officers and government leaders from across the UAE.
Which companies will the delegation meet during the visit?Â
They will meet representatives from Dell Technologies, NVIDIA, Salesforce, Cognition, Google, Poolside, Snowflake, Databricks, AMD, Microsoft, Stanford University, and the Institute of Foundation Models at MBZUAI.
What is agentic AI, and how is it different from generative AI?Â
Agentic AI can carry out complex, multi-step tasks with more independence, planning actions and completing workflows, while generative AI mainly responds to individual prompts.
What is the UAE’s broader goal behind this trip?Â
The UAE aims to transform 50% of government sectors, operations, and services into agentic AI-powered models within two years.
Is this the delegation’s first international trip focused on AI?Â
No, this marks the second international mission for the UAE’s Chief AI Officers focused on agentic AI.