🇦🇪 UAE Restructures the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council: A Strategic Leap Toward Digital Leadership

Amid accelerating technological shifts, artificial intelligence is no longer a supporting tool —
it has become a foundational infrastructure reshaping economies and redefining digital sovereignty.

While global powers race to develop superintelligent AI models,
the UAE reaffirms its position not as a follower, but as a frontrunner.

On October 23, 2025, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a decree
to restructure the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council,
appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan as chairman,
alongside a select group of tech and investment leaders.

This move is far more than administrative — it signals a strategic shift
in how the UAE governs AI and prepares for the next wave of innovation.

🧠 What Is the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council?

This council serves as one of the UAE’s key policy engines, responsible for steering national priorities in artificial intelligence, advanced computing, and industrial innovation.
Established under a forward-looking national vision, the council aims to position the UAE as a global hub for developing and deploying future technologies. It coordinates efforts across public and private sectors, channels investments into high-impact tech projects, and ensures that AI initiatives align with long-term strategic goals.
Its role goes beyond policy drafting—it supervises implementation, evaluates national performance in AI, and issues strategic recommendations to keep the UAE at the forefront of global tech leadership.

⏳ Why Restructure the Council Now?

This restructuring comes at a pivotal moment when the world is witnessing an unprecedented surge in superintelligent AI models and their integration into critical sectors such as healthcare, education, security, and energy.
The UAE, already a regional leader in tech adoption, seeks to:

Strengthen national AI policies to match global developments
Accelerate the deployment of advanced technologies across government and industry
Foster local innovation and connect the UAE to the global AI ecosystem
Ensure ethical governance of AI in line with national values and privacy standards

The timing is deliberate: the UAE is not waiting for global standards to be imposed—it is positioning itself to help define them.

👥 Who Are the Key Members of the New Council?

The newly restructured council is chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, known for his strategic vision in both security and technology. He is joined by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as vice chairman, signaling that AI is a top-tier national priority.
Notable members include Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, serving as secretary-general and widely recognized for his leadership in sovereign investments and tech strategy. Other influential figures include Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, with deep expertise in energy and innovation, and Faisal Al Bannai, a prominent face in the UAE’s tech landscape.
This diverse composition blends technical expertise, investment acumen, and policy leadership—ensuring the council can make holistic, high-impact decisions.

📈 Expected Impact on the UAE’s Tech Landscape

The restructuring is expected to trigger a wave of strategic transformations, including:

Launching new national AI initiatives focused on training, research, and industrial applications
Expanding international partnerships with leading tech firms and research institutions
Accelerating digital transformation in key sectors like healthcare, education, and energy
Attracting foreign investment into the UAE’s tech infrastructure and nurturing AI startups

These outcomes are not side effects—they are core objectives embedded in the council’s mandate.

🏆 The UAE’s Track Record in Artificial Intelligence

This is not the UAE’s first bold move in AI. The country previously launched the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, appointed the world’s first Minister of AI, and invested billions in data centers, cloud computing, and tech education.
Today, the UAE hosts global initiatives such as the Government AI Lab and the UAE Robotics Program, making it a prime environment for testing and deploying cutting-edge technologies.
This impressive track record reflects not just technical ambition, but a comprehensive political and economic vision that sees AI as a tool of sovereignty—not just a technology.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About the UAE AI Council

① Why did the UAE restructure the AI Council?

To enhance national tech policies, accelerate AI adoption in vital sectors, and ensure ethical governance of emerging technologies.

② Who leads the new council?

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan chairs the council, with Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed as vice chairman, supported by top tech and investment figures.

③ Will this move impact the economy?

Yes. It is expected to boost foreign investment, attract AI startups, and strengthen the UAE’s digital infrastructure.

④ How does the council relate to the UAE’s AI strategy?

It acts as an executive arm of the national strategy, translating vision into measurable, scalable projects.

⑤ Is international collaboration part of the plan?

Absolutely. The UAE aims to expand partnerships with global tech leaders and research hubs to exchange knowledge and co-develop solutions.

🔚 Toward a Responsible and Visionary UAE AI Model

Technological shifts wait for no one—and those who aspire to lead must act, plan, and guide.
The UAE’s decision to restructure its AI and Advanced Technology Council is not a reaction to global trends—it’s a proactive move rooted in deep strategic insight.
When top leadership personally shapes the digital phase and entrusts the mission to elite minds in tech and investment, the message is clear: the UAE is not just ready—it is designing the infrastructure, setting the pace, and steering the course.
With this institutional momentum, AI will not merely be a tool used in the UAE—it will become part of its developmental identity, a driver of a smarter, more sustainable, and more influential economic model.