UAE commits $3.54 billion to become the world's first AI-native government by 2027

Abu Dhabi just put $3.54 billion on the table to bet that AI can run a government better than humans can.

The Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement (DGE) has unveiled its Government Digital Strategy for 2025-2027, allocating AED 13 billion to transform the emirate into what it calls the world’s first “entirely AI-native government” by 2027. That means 100% sovereign cloud computing adoption, full digitization and automation of government processes, and the deployment of more than 200 AI solutions across public services.

The scope of Abu Dhabi’s AI ambitions

The strategy calls for complete automation of government operations, which in practical terms means everything from permit applications to public health systems would run on AI-powered infrastructure. Over 200 innovative AI solutions are slated for deployment across various government entities by 2027.

DGE Chairman Ahmed Hisham Al Kuttab framed the initiative as a direct reflection of Abu Dhabi’s leadership vision.