Government change usually happens slowly, one policy at a time. That is exactly why this announcement feels different. Under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has revealed a new Agentic AI framework designed to reshape how the UAE government works, and it is genuinely encouraging to see this level of ambition paired with a clear, defined plan.
What the Agentic AI Framework Actually Aims to Do
At its core, the Agentic AI framework has one clear goal: to transform 50 per cent of government sectors, services, and operations to use autonomous Agentic AI models within two years. This will happen by:
- Redesigning government policies, processes, and procedures based on AI capabilities
- Enabling smart systems to perform tasks proactively and accurately
- Reducing operational costs across government departments
- Boosting overall productivity
- Providing faster, more efficient public services
This is described as moving beyond simple digital transformation and into a new phase of autonomous, intelligence-driven government systems, according to the official announcement. It marks a genuine step past traditional digital transformation efforts of the past decade.
How AI Will Actually Support Government Work
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid explained that today’s AI models can already monitor changes, provide analysis, offer recommendations, manage operations, and carry out a series of actions independently, without needing constant human input. Under the new Agentic AI framework, AI is expected to act as a genuine executive partner to government, helping to:
- Support decision-making across departments
- Enhance the quality of public services
- Boost the efficiency of daily operations
- Evaluate results and introduce improvements in real time
This kind of autonomous execution is a meaningful shift from AI simply assisting with tasks to AI actively helping run parts of government work, and it reflects the broader promise of autonomous execution across daily operations.
A Clear Two-Year Timeline
One of the most appreciated details in this announcement is how specific the plan actually is. Sheikh Mohammed confirmed that, as per the directives of the UAE President, the transformation has a defined timeline of two years. During this period:
- Ministers, directors general, and government entities will be assessed on how well they adopt this transformation
- Their speed in implementing new standards will also be reviewed
- Federal government employees will receive continuous, specialised training to help them use AI tools confidently
Giving employees real training, rather than expecting instant expertise, shows genuine care for the people carrying out this shift day to day.
Strong Oversight Behind the Scenes
To keep this ambitious Agentic AI framework on track, a dedicated task force has been formed. It is overseen by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and chaired by His Excellency Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs. This kind of structured oversight helps ensure that such a large-scale shift stays organised and accountable as it moves forward.
Progress on the Agentic AI framework has already been reviewed by senior UAE leadership, with briefings led by Al Gergawi and attended by His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.
Why This Approach Deserves Appreciation
- It sets a clear, measurable target rather than a vague long-term ambition
- It pairs bold goals with real training support for government sectors and their employees
- It builds in accountability through defined assessments and a dedicated task force
- It reflects a genuine belief that AI should support people in government work, not replace them
This kind of careful planning, paired with real ambition, is exactly the balance needed for a transformation of this scale actually to succeed.
Conclusion
The UAE’s new Agentic AI framework is a thoughtful example of pairing bold vision with practical planning. By setting a clear two-year timeline, training employees properly, and building in real oversight, this initiative shows a government preparing seriously for a more autonomous, AI-supported future, rather than simply talking about one.
If your organisation wants guidance on adopting AI responsibly and effectively, Horizontal8 is here to help. Reach out to Horizontal8 today, and let’s talk about what a thoughtful AI transformation could look like for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the goal of the UAE’s Agentic AI framework?Â
It aims to transform 50 per cent of government sectors, services, and operations to use autonomous Agentic AI models within two years.
What does Agentic AI actually do?Â
It can monitor changes, provide analysis, offer recommendations, manage operations, and carry out tasks independently, without constant human input.
How will government employees be prepared for this shift?Â
Federal government employees will receive continuous, specialised training to help them confidently use AI tools as part of their daily work.
Who is overseeing this transformation project?Â
A dedicated task force, overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed and chaired by Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, has been formed.
How will progress on this framework be measured?Â
Ministers, directors-general, and government entities will be assessed on how well they adopt the transformation and how quickly they implement new standards.




