The UAE is on a mission to become one of the smartest governments in the world, and big data is definitely driving this change. The country is not just collecting data for the sake of it. Instead, it’s using data to improve how government works, make faster decisions, and deliver better services to its people.

On June 20, 2025, the UAE took a bold step. It announced that its National Artificial Intelligence System will officially join the Cabinet as an advisory member starting January 2026. This means AI won’t just be a tool that is most talked about, it will have a voice in the highest level of government. Ministers will be able to use AI-powered analysis and forecasts to make smarter, faster decisions in areas like healthcare, transportation, energy, and security. This is a first in the world, and it shows how seriously the UAE is taking technology.

But the UAE’s data revolution doesn’t stop there. At the end of June 2025, the Ministry of Finance, working with the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, launched a new platform called “Rules as Code.” This platform turns laws and regulations into machine-readable code. In simple terms, this means the government can test policies using computers before they are put into action. This cuts down delays and mistakes, and makes the government more transparent and efficient. The official details are here.

The UAE is also focused on bringing in the best talent to keep this momentum going. In 2025, the Golden Visa program was updated to give priority to AI specialists, climate change innovators, and tech professionals. This shift shows the country wants smart people more than just investors. By attracting global experts, the UAE hopes to build a knowledge-driven economy and keep growing as a technology hub.

Behind the scenes, huge investments are being made in infrastructure. The Stargate AI Campus in Abu Dhabi is a $10 billion project designed to create one of the largest and most advanced AI data centers in the region. This campus will provide the computing power needed to support AI research and government data needs. Despite some geopolitical challenges, the project is moving ahead. Reuters reported on it here.

Telecom companies like Etisalat and du are expanding 5G networks and cloud services to make sure data moves quickly and securely across government and business platforms. The UAE is also partnering with major global tech companies such as Nvidia and Microsoft to boost innovation and share expertise. These partnerships are key to making the most of big data technologies.

The only question here is that UAE may be ahead in collecting data, but the next step is governance: how it handles data privacy, security, and ownership. As more services go digital, questions around who owns this data, and how it’s used are becoming louder. Still, the UAE’s vision is clear: by 2030, it wants to be a global leader in data-driven governance. The goal is a government that makes smarter decisions, responds faster, and offers better services, all powered by big data and AI.

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