Abu Dhabi’s Digital Strategy 2025–2027: A Bold Leap into AI-Native Governance

By Kash Khan

We are living in a transformative era where governments worldwide are reimagining public service delivery. Yet, Abu Dhabi has taken a decisive leap ahead.

The newly unveiled Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027 is far more than a roadmap—it represents a revolution. With AED13 billion earmarked for the next three years, the emirate is positioning itself to become the world’s first AI-native government, driven by innovation, agility, and ambition.

As someone who has worked with global tech leaders, traveled across 25+ countries, and graduated from IE Business School with executive education at Stanford and Harvard, I’ve encountered countless digital initiatives—few match the scale, clarity, and foresight of this one.

From Smart Governance to AI-Native Leadership

This isn’t Abu Dhabi’s first digital milestone. The journey from e-government to smart services laid a solid foundation. Now, the emirate is entering a new era of AI-powered governance—with a vision to:

  • Automate 100% of government processes

  • Digitize all public services

  • Develop a sovereign cloud infrastructure that is secure, scalable, and future-ready

Leading consultancies like BCG and Deloitte emphasize three success pillars for digital transformation: a unified vision, robust technology, and skilled human capital. Abu Dhabi’s strategy delivers on all three:

  • 200+ AI solutions will be implemented across sectors

  • 100% of operations will transition to the cloud

  • A unified digital ERP platform will streamline efficiency

  • Over AED24 billion in GDP impact is projected by 2027

  • 5,000+ new jobs will be created to support Emiratisation

This is true digital transformation—designed not just for efficiency, but for impact.

AI for All: Putting People at the Center

What truly sets this strategy apart is the “AI for All” initiative. It reinforces that Abu Dhabi isn’t just transforming systems—it’s empowering people.

By partnering with institutions like Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI, ATRC, G42, and other international leaders, the emirate is building a sustainable pipeline of AI talent and research excellence. This approach ensures that artificial intelligence becomes inclusive, not exclusive.

Frameworks by McKinsey consistently highlight that human-centered change is the key to lasting transformation. By training both civil servants and citizens in AI, Abu Dhabi ensures its evolution is grassroots-enabled, not just top-down.

TAMM 3.0 & the Pursuit of Effortless Service

Innovations such as TAMM 3.0 and the Abu Dhabi Program for Effortless Customer Experience confirm that technology is being used not for digital flair—but for human value creation.

Key tools in this shift include:

  • Predictive AI

  • Intelligent automation

  • Cloud-native delivery platforms

These advancements are set to make government services 80% faster and far more intuitive. Much like how London and Singapore redefined digital governance, Abu Dhabi is now setting a new benchmark—one that combines security, sustainability, and seamless citizen experiences.

Final Thought: Building the Future Today

This strategy is more than governance—it’s a blueprint for national progress. By aligning purpose with execution strength and strategic partnerships, Abu Dhabi isn’t reacting to global trends—it’s leading them.

The vision is clear. The architecture is sound. The momentum is real.
The world should be watching—and learning.

Kash Khan
Founder, The Black Bear | Digital Transformation Advocate | Global Marketer