Abu Dhabi is shifting its artificial intelligence strategy from experimentation to large-scale deployment as governments and businesses worldwide seek measurable returns from AI investments. The UAE capital is positioning AI as a core layer of government, business and economic infrastructure rather than a standalone technology.
The shift will take centre stage at AI Everything Abu Dhabi, scheduled for October 6 and 7 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event will bring together more than 400 companies and organisations from 60 countries, including startups, investors and global technology firms.
A major part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy centres on government services. The emirate aims to become the world’s first AI-native government by 2027.
More than 40 government entities are being integrated into a single AI-driven ecosystem, while more than 100 AI use cases are already live across public services. A $3.54 billion investment programme is supporting the wider push towards AI-led services and economic development.
The government’s digital strategy also targets the automation and digitisation of government processes. Abu Dhabi plans to deploy AED 13 billion between 2025 and 2027 under its government digital strategy, while more than 200 AI solutions are expected to be implemented across government services.
The growing emphasis on deployment reflects a broader change in the global AI market. Businesses have spent years testing generative AI, but the next challenge is integrating these systems into everyday operations.
Abu Dhabi is focusing on sectors where AI can deliver measurable outcomes, including healthcare, finance, energy, manufacturing, transport and government. Large-scale AI adoption requires more than advanced models. It also depends on computing capacity, data centres, energy, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, capital and skilled talent. Abu Dhabi’s recent partnership with Together AI, for instance, aims to explore AI infrastructure opportunities and establish the company’s presence in Abu Dhabi.
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