UAE creates a Federal Authority for AI and Data to run AI, data and digital government

On 14 June 2026, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid approved a new Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data. It brings the UAE’s AI Office, the UAE Data Office and the digital government work of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) into one body that reports to the Cabinet. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, chairs it.

What happened

WAM reported on 14 June that Sheikh Mohammed approved setting up the authority.
CDO Magazine said it combines three bodies: the Office of AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; the UAE Data Office; and TDRA’s digital government portfolio.
Law firm Morgan Lewis noted that TDRA continues as the telecoms regulator and loses only its digital government functions. It added that the data office had been announced earlier but never became fully operational.
CDO Magazine said the authority will oversee the national AI strategy, coordinate digital transformation across federal agencies, manage government data platforms and set policies and standards for AI, data and digital services.
CDO Magazine reported that Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications, will chair it.
Morgan Lewis said the market expects the authority to finalise the regulations under the UAE’s Personal Data Protection Law and enforce it properly. How quickly that happens isn’t yet clear.
CDO Magazine quoted Sheikh Mohammed saying the aim is a more efficient, agile and proactive government that uses data and AI to improve decisions and services.

Summarised by Karaza from 15 sources. Claims are attributed to the outlet that made them.

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Read first

Mohammed bin Rashid approves establishing Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority | Emirates News Agency

WAM EN Government · 14 June 2026

15 sources

Grouped by who reported it, newest first in each group

Local press · 8

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Emirates 24|7 Local press · AE · 14 June 2026
Mohammed bin Rashid approves establishment of Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data
GDNOnline Local press · BH · 14 June 2026
UAE Business: UAE to set up new data, artificial intelligence authority
Khaleej Times Local press · AE · 14 June 2026
Sheikh Mohammed announces formation of UAE's AI and data authority
ARN News Centre Local press · AE · 14 June 2026
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Government · 2

Government of Dubai Media Office Government · AE · 14 June 2026
Mohammed bin Rashid approves establishing Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority
WAM EN Government · AE · 14 June 2026 · Read first
Mohammed bin Rashid approves establishing Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority | Emirates News Agency

UAE creates a Federal Authority for AI and Data to run AI, data and digital government

15 sources

Local press · 8

Government · 2

International press · 4

Company PR · 1

15 sources

Local press · 8

Government · 2

International press · 4

Company PR · 1

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