The UAE has launched an annual challenge for federal employees to develop agentic AI solutions, with AED 9 million ($2.5M) in prizes for nine winning projects.
Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the competition will be run by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation within the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs.
The first edition will focus on using agentic AI to redesign government services and operations, improve decision-making and raise public-sector performance. Employees from federal ministries and public entities can participate.
Projects will compete across three categories: Government Services, Internal Operations and Unconventional Ideas. The first covers solutions that simplify customer journeys and reduce processing time. The second focuses on internal procedures, coordination, analysis and productivity, while the third invites new models for how government operates.
Judges will assess strategic relevance, feasibility, the suitability of the AI application, measurable impact, scalability, governance and sustainability. The nine winners will be recognised across the three categories.
The challenge supports the UAE government’s target of moving 50% of government sectors, services and operations to agentic AI models within two years. According to the announcement, a national committee is also planning AI assistants that work alongside government employees.
Source: Middle East AI News
