AI will continue to be a transformative force in government and society, making Abu Dhabi a global model for digital governance. Department of Government Enablement
AI will continue to be a transformative force in government and society, making Abu Dhabi a global model for digital governance. Department of Government Enablement
AI will continue to be a transformative force in government and society, making Abu Dhabi a global model for digital governance. Department of Government Enablement
Ahmed Tamim Hisham Al Kuttab is the chairman of the Department of Government Enablement
October 13, 2024
Over the past decade, digital technologies, data and AI have transformed businesses, industries and governments on a global scale, fundamentally reshaping the way we live and work.
The government of Abu Dhabi has not just kept pace with this technology-driven shift, but it has also consistently led the way and pushed the boundaries of what is possible in today’s digital-first economy.
As we look forward to what’s next, we are preparing to enter a new era of next-gen transformation. Underpinned by innovative AI capabilities, we will re-define how government interacts with people by putting the services they want and need in their hands – available and accessible all day, every day.
Tamm has transformed the way more than 2.5 million users access over 800 government services across Abu Dhabi. Photo: Department of Government Enablement
Our journey to this point began more than a decade ago, with the launch of e-government initiatives and the creation of foundational infrastructure such as ADNet – Abu Dhabi’s secure government network – which enabled secure data exchanges across government entities. Citizens, residents and businesses were empowered to engage with public services, whether for simple transactions like paying bills or renewing documents online, or more complex procedures such as obtaining building leases or permits.
At the same time, early investments in cyber security ensured that trust remained a cornerstone of our operations, as digital interactions began to grow exponentially. Between 2016 and 2019, the rise of the smart government era saw our services go mobile, allowing people to renew vehicle registrations, book appointments or apply for permits directly from their phones.
Imagine a government where AI doesn’t just respond to, but also anticipates, your every need
Then the game changed with Tamm, our unified platform that consolidates hundreds of government services into one interface, re-imagining how people connected with government. Today, we are building an AI-native government, where services are intelligent, predictive and seamlessly integrated into people’s daily lives.
At the Department of Government Enablement (DGE), we are shifting from a reactive to a proactive model by using AI to create a future where the services offered to every citizen, resident, community and business are as unique as their fingerprints.
Imagine a government where AI doesn’t just respond to, but also anticipates, your every need – where you get reminders to renew your vehicle registration, or book your healthcare appointments and check-ups before you think about them, and where housing and education services are automatically tailored to your evolving circumstances. This future is now.
There are three reasons that we are doing this.
First, we are deeply committed to enhancing quality of life for all. Second, we are co-creating an ecosystem where people meet with new opportunities to thrive, alongside our government partners. And third, we believe that a community that is deeply connected is a happy community.
Tamm has already transformed the way more than 2.5 million users access over 800 government services across the emirate, giving them back time and control over their daily lives.
But this is just the beginning. The potential impact of AI on public services is immense. As we scale AI-driven innovations across government, the quality, speed and personalisation of services will dramatically improve.
Our progress is driven by the bold Abu Dhabi Digital Strategy, which focuses on five key enablers: embedding AI across public services for real-time responsiveness; using data analytics for smarter decision-making; ensuring robust cyber security; designing user-centric services that are accessible and inclusive; and promoting sustainability through technology.
This forward-thinking strategy positions Abu Dhabi as a global leader in digital governance, setting a new standard for how governments can evolve to meet the changing and dynamic needs of their people.
What truly sets Abu Dhabi apart is our vision and our speed of execution. We are working closely with global partners and industry leaders such as G42, Microsoft, Oracle, ServiceNow and others, who recognise that the emirate is ahead of the curve. These partnerships underscore the fact that the pace of digital development in Abu Dhabi is not just tracking with global trends, but it is often also ahead of its time.
Abu Dhabi’s leadership in AI and digital innovation will take centre stage at this year's Gitex Global, which begins on Monday, where DGE and other Abu Dhabi government entities will present more than 80 forward-thinking projects and initiatives. The Abu Dhabi Pavilion will highlight five critical areas: services and experiences; data and insights; emerging technology; sustainable technology; and cyber security and digital trust.
At Gitex, we will unveil the next version of Tamm, showcasing the future of intelligent government services. These innovations will set the stage for a government that doesn’t just respond to the present but is constantly anticipating the future.
With the right partnerships, a shared vision and a commitment to excellence, Abu Dhabi will continue to be a global leader in digital innovation and public service excellence for years to come.
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Egerton, Charlotte Rampling, Jeremy Irons
Three stars
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
The National will broadcast live from the IMF on Friday October 13 at 7pm UAE time (3pm GMT) as our Editor-in-Chief Mina Al-Oraibi moderates a panel on how technology can help growth in MENA.
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
This is Firth's pick and an ingredient he says, "gives you an instant cheesy flavour". He advises making your own cream cheese with it or simply using it to whip up a mac and cheese or wholesome lasagne. It's available in organic and specialist grocery stores across the UAE.
Seeds
"We've got a big jar of mixed seeds in our kitchen," Theasby explains. "That's what you use to make a bolognese or pie or salad: just grab a handful of seeds and sprinkle them over the top. It's a really good way to make sure you're getting your omegas."
Umami flavours
"I could say soya sauce, but I'll say all umami-makers and have them in the same batch," says Firth. He suggests having items such as Marmite, balsamic vinegar and other general, dark, umami-tasting products in your cupboard "to make your bolognese a little bit more 'umptious'".
Onions and garlic
"If you've got them, you can cook basically anything from that base," says Theasby. "These ingredients are so prevalent in every world cuisine and if you've got them in your cupboard, then you know you've got the foundation of a really nice meal."
Your grain of choice
Whether rice, quinoa, pasta or buckwheat, Firth advises always having a stock of your favourite grains in the cupboard. "That you, you have an instant meal and all you have to do is just chuck a bit of veg in."
Key facilities
Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
Premier League-standard football pitch
400m Olympic running track
NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
600-seat auditorium
Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
Specialist robotics and science laboratories
AR and VR-enabled learning centres
Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Favourite hobby: taking his rescue dog, Sally, for long walks.
Favourite book: anything by Stephen King, although he said the films rarely match the quality of the books
Favourite film: The Shawshank Redemption stands out as his favourite movie, a classic King novella
Favourite music: “I have a wide and varied music taste, so it would be unfair to pick a single song from blues to rock as a favourite"
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30 Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7 Third Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 12-16 First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
August 20 Second ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 24 Third ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
August 27 Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31 Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3 T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Scores in brief:
New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
