Dubai: The UAE has established a new federal authority to oversee artificial intelligence, data governance and digital government, in a move designed to consolidate the country’s technology agenda under a single national framework.His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the establishment of the Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, as the unified national umbrella for managing data, artificial intelligence and digital government across the country.The new authority will report directly to the UAE Cabinet and will be led by Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.In a post on X, Sheikh Mohammed said the authority's objective is to build a government that is "more efficient, flexible and proactive", while accelerating the use of advanced technologies to improve public services and support future generations."We are continuing to develop the government of the future," Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that data and AI-powered tools would enable faster decision-making, stronger government performance and improved services for citizens and residents.The authority brings together the responsibilities of the UAE's Artificial Intelligence Office, the Information and Digital Government Sector within the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, and the Emirates Data Office.The authority will lead the UAE's national data, artificial intelligence and digital government ecosystem under a single framework. It will also coordinate national priorities and policies supporting the adoption of AI-assisted government systems, including emerging "Agentic AI" technologies.Its responsibilities include developing legislation, strategies and national programmes related to artificial intelligence and data governance, ensuring alignment between federal and local entities, and advancing the UAE's AI strategy to increase the sector's contribution to the national economy.The authority will also oversee the design and delivery of integrated digital government services, manage government data platforms and establish governance frameworks aimed at improving data quality, accessibility and sharing across the public sector.