UAE Unveils Major Government Restructuring with AI Joining Cabinet and New Ministry of Foreign Trade

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Announces Key UAE Government Restructuring

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, revealed significant updates to the UAE government structure. Starting January 2026, the National Artificial Intelligence System will join the UAE Cabinet as an advisory member. This system will also advise the Ministerial Development Council and boards of directors across federal entities and government companies.

The objective is clear: support decision-making processes with immediate analyses, provide technical advice, and improve the efficiency of government policies across all sectors.

New Ministry and Ministry Renaming

Alongside AI integration, Sheikh Mohammed announced the creation of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, led by Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi. Additionally, the Ministry of Economy will be renamed the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, with Abdulla bin Touq appointed as its minister.

Preparing for Future Decades

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that global changes—scientific, economic, and social—are prompting this restructuring. The goal is to prepare the UAE today for the challenges and opportunities of coming decades, ensuring sustained prosperity and quality of life for future generations.

Building on the UAE’s AI Foundation

Artificial intelligence has been central to UAE government policy for years. In 2017, the Emirates appointed the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar Al Olama, who now also handles digital economy and remote work applications.

In 2019, the UAE launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, targeting leadership in AI by 2031. That same year, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence was founded as the world’s first graduate-level, research-based AI university.

More recently, Abu Dhabi introduced its Digital Strategy 2025-2027 to transform into the world's first fully AI-powered government by 2027.

AI's Role in Government Transformation

At the World Governments Summit held in Dubai in February, Minister of Cabinet Affairs Mohammed Al Gergawi emphasized AI’s potential to accelerate human progress at an unprecedented pace over the next 25 years.

• National AI System becoming an official advisor in government decision-making by 2026
• Launch of Ministry of Foreign Trade
• Renaming Ministry of Economy to include Tourism
• Continuing efforts to position the UAE as a global AI leader

For government professionals interested in understanding AI's growing role in public administration and policy, exploring specialized courses can provide valuable insights. Resources like Complete AI Training offer tailored programs to build AI knowledge relevant to government roles.