TLDR: Dubai’s Digital Government Chief, Matar Al Hemeiri, asserts that speed in implementing AI initiatives is more crucial than extensive spending in the global competition for AI-powered governance. Dubai’s strategy emphasizes quickly moving AI solutions from pilot to deployment, with over 96% of government entities adopting at least one AI solution in 2025. This approach contrasts with neighboring Abu Dhabi’s significant investment in AI infrastructure, focusing instead on embedding AI ethics and interoperability into a scalable governance framework.
Dubai’s Digital Government Chief, Matar Al Hemeiri, has declared that the emirate’s competitive edge in the global race for AI-powered governance lies in the swift deployment of artificial intelligence solutions rather than sheer financial outlay. In an exclusive interview, Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive of Digital Dubai Government Establishment, highlighted that Dubai’s strategy involves rapidly transitioning AI initiatives from pilot phases to full-scale deployment, a model that has seen over 96% of government entities integrate at least one AI solution in 2025.
This approach was underscored when Dubai launched its State of AI Report in April 2025, revealing more than 100 high-impact AI use cases. Al Hemeiri explained that Dubai’s methodology fundamentally differs from both regional competitors and established Asian tech hubs. While Abu Dhabi has committed a substantial $4.8 billion investment to become the world’s first fully AI-powered government by 2027, Dubai has chosen a path focused on embedding AI ethics, interoperability, and explainability within a scalable governance framework.
The tangible results of this strategy are evident in DubaiAI, the citywide AI-powered virtual assistant. This system now offers information on over 180 public services, making it one of the most comprehensive government AI chatbot deployments globally. DubaiAI efficiently handles 60% of routine government inquiries, leading to a 35% reduction in operational costs.
Addressing concerns about job displacement due to AI automation, Al Hemeiri stated, ‘Automation frees our workforce from repetitive, informational tasks. Employees are being reskilled and redeployed into higher-value roles such as AI oversight, service design.’ He further emphasized Dubai’s commitment to ethical AI, noting, ‘Our competitive edge lies in the speed with which Dubai operationalises its ethics. The AI Policy is not a theoretical framework; it is a binding set of principles and technical requirements applied to every AI deployment across government.’ This builds upon the Ethical AI Toolkit launched in 2019, positioning Dubai as a leader in embedding ethical compliance from procurement to performance evaluation.
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The economic impact of this forward-thinking approach is significant. The State of AI Report projects that AI could contribute over AED 235 billion to Dubai’s economy by 2030, representing nearly 20% of the emirate’s targeted economic expansion under its D33 Economic Agenda. This agenda aims to generate AED 100 billion annually from digital innovation.
