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Abu Dhabi Unveils Dh13-Billion Plan To Lead as the World’s First Fully AI-native Government by 2027

Abu Dhabi is setting ambitious goals for the future, announcing a Dh13-billion strategy that aims to make its government operations entirely powered by artificial intelligence (AI) by 2027. With this move, the emirate aspires to become the world’s first fully “AI-native” government, with automated processes and complete adoption of cloud computing technologies.

The Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, led by the Department of Government Enablement – Abu Dhabi (DGE), is a transformative initiative to enhance public service delivery, optimize government functions, and drive sustainable economic growth. Along with technological advances, the strategy will create over 5,000 jobs, boosting the local economy and contributing more than Dh24 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP.

The core objective of this initiative is to embed AI, cloud technologies, and data-driven insights into the very DNA of the government. “By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies, we will optimize our operations, improve public services, and ultimately support sustainable economic growth,” said Ahmed Hisham Al Kuttab, Chairman of DGE.

Key aspects of the strategy include the establishment of a unified digital enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform, which will improve government efficiency and streamline processes. As part of the “AI for All” program, the initiative will also focus on empowering citizens by training them in AI applications, ensuring a highly skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Moreover, the government is committed to implementing over 200 AI-driven solutions across various public services, ensuring that these innovations reach all facets of governmental operations. Alongside the technological advancements, comprehensive cybersecurity measures will be introduced, with new digital guidelines aimed at maintaining the highest standards of security.

This move is not only a strategic shift towards a fully digital government but also a bold step towards positioning Abu Dhabi as a global leader in the adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies in the public sector.

Forbes Middle East Unveils 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen Of 2025

Forbes Middle East has unveiled its much-anticipated 2025 ranking of the region’s top businesswomen, spotlighting influential leaders reshaping industries and driving meaningful transformation. The list was based on business size, individual accomplishments, leadership impact, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Top Spot For Hana Al Rostamani

For the third consecutive year, Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank (UAE’s largest bank by assets), claims the top position. In addition to retaining her position in the Forbes Middle East ranking, she was also featured on Forbes’ 2024 list of the World’s Most Powerful Women, securing the 60th position globally. Under her leadership, the bank achieved an impressive $3.5 billion in net profits and $334.8 billion in assets in the first nine months of 2024.

Rising Stars In The Top 10

Shaikha Khaled Al Bahar of NBK Group and Shaista Asif, cofounder and Group CEO of PureHealth Holding, take the second and third spots respectively, completing the top three.

The top 10 remains largely unchanged from last year, with Tayba Al Hashemi of ADNOC Offshore, Alisha Moopen of Aster DM Healthcare GCC, and Suzanne Al Anani of Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) making their debut in the top 10. In total, 27 new leaders have joined the list this year.

A Diverse And Powerful Group Of Women

This year’s list features 100 women from 32 sectors and 29 nationalities, underlining the diversity of talent driving the region’s progress. The banking and financial services sector leads with 25 entries, followed by healthcare and technology with nine each, and venture capital with five. Remarkably, 40% of the top 10 women are from the banking and financial services sector. Notably, Shaista Asif (PureHealth Holding) and Alisha Moopen (Aster DM Healthcare GCC) are the only non-Arab women in the top 10.

UAE Leads With 46 Leaders

The UAE continues to dominate, with 46 of the women on the list hailing from the country, solidifying its status as a global business hub. Egypt follows with 18 influential women, and Saudi Arabia claims nine entries. Egyptians lead in representation, followed by Emiratis and Lebanese women.

Empowering Women Through Initiatives

Several of the leaders have focused on upskilling and creating opportunities for women. Susana Rodriguez Puerta launched the ‘sAIdaty’ initiative in collaboration with the Dubai Business Women Council, aimed at providing 500 female council members in the UAE with AI skills. Similarly, Lamia Tazi of SOTHEMA collaborated with the Foundation for Research, Development, and Innovation in Science and Engineering to provide scholarships to PhD students from low-income backgrounds.

Click here for the full list.

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