Sheikh Mohammed launches AI system to measure government performance

Technology will support decision-making and help strategic planning

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, says the new AI-led approach will enhance the government's ability to anticipate future challenges. Photo: @HHShkMohd / X

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday announced the launch of a new system being used by the federal government to measure performance.

Using artificial intelligence algorithms, he said the new Proactive Government Performance System would supports decision-making, helps planning and improves the ability to anticipate future challenges.

"The Federal Government has launched a new performance measurement system that leverages artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, strengthen oversight of strategic planning, and improve the ability to anticipate future challenges and opportunities,” said Sheikh Mohammed, in remarks shared by Dubai Media Office.

“Our commitment to continuous improvement is unwavering. We strive for excellence and aspire for perfection, fully aware that continuous development is essential to progress.”

It follows the announcement last month that the National Artificial Intelligence System would become an advisory member of the UAE Cabinet, starting in January next year.

The new AI-powered tool was launched in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Media Council; Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; and Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.

The system can process more than 150 million data points monthly, provide leadership with more than 50,000 proactive insights annually and aims to save more than 250,000 hours a year with the goal of achieving a 60 per cent average improvement in government performance, Dubai Media Office said.

It will harness AI to track and manage targets and perform in-depth analysis, executive summaries and use real-time data to predict future performance, generating flexible reports that support government decision-making.

Using technology

Last week, the Dubai Ruler, who is also Vice President, said AI would be used to manage government resources in a bid to make services easier and faster.

He has directed teams across ministries to use strategies based on more innovative and flexible foundations, incorporating AI as part of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.

The planning cycle will involve 38 federal groups and brings together key public officials, including directors of strategy, future planning and finance.

AI has been at the heart of UAE policy for years. In October 2017, the Emirates appointed the world’s first minister of state for artificial intelligence, Mr Al Olama.

In early 2019, the UAE launched the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy to become one of the leading nations in AI by 2031.

In the same year, the country established the world’s first graduate-level, research-based university that was dedicated to AI, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. And in January this year, Abu Dhabi launched its Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which aims to transform the emirate into the world’s first fully AI-powered government by 2027.

At the World Governments Summit in Dubai in February, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said that over the next 25 years, AI would propel civilisation faster than at any stage in history.

Efficiency drive

Seeking a more efficient public sector is also nothing new. Sheikh Mohammed last month announced the next part of a scheme to make government services simpler and more efficient.

He said that under the first phase of the Zero Government Bureaucracy programme service time was reduced by more than 70 per cent.

Mr Al Gergawi said the “next phase will focus on further reducing unnecessary procedures, streamlining digital applications by achieving zero digital bureaucracy and ensuring a 24-hour uptime for digital systems”.