The UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain has launched the third edition of the UAE AI Award, shifting its focus squarely to Agentic AI. The move aligns with the country’s aggressive strategy to integrate this advanced form of artificial intelligence across half of its government sectors, services, and operations.
Quick Facts
- Third edition of the UAE AI Award launched.
- New focus is exclusively on Agentic AI.
- Supports goal of 50% AI integration in government.
From Tool to Partner
The award’s refined focus reflects a deliberate national strategy to position Agentic AI not just as a digital tool, but as a strategic partner in government operations. According to H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, the UAE is transitioning to a new operating model where Agentic AI works alongside human talent to boost service delivery and drive innovation.
“The Award’s third edition establishes a new national benchmark for excellence in Agentic AI,” Al Olama stated. He emphasized that the goal is to recognize initiatives that transform AI “from a digital tool into a partner capable of delivering measurable impact across government services and operations.”
This initiative is a core component of the UAE’s next government transformation phase, aiming to enhance productivity and unlock new models of public service delivery.
Five Categories to Drive Innovation
The award will recognize excellence across five distinct categories designed to spur development and adoption from multiple angles:
- Excellence in Agentic AI-Powered Services: For entities successfully using Agentic AI to improve services and operational efficiency.
- Agentic AI Solutions Developed in the UAE: Highlighting homegrown solutions that showcase the nation’s development capabilities.
- Best Government-Private Partnership in Agentic AI: Recognizing impactful collaborations between public and private sectors.
- Agentic AI Scientific Research: Honouring pioneering research that advances knowledge and practical applications in the field.
- AI Leader: Celebrating individuals driving AI adoption and fostering an AI-enabled culture within their organizations.
Applications are open to federal, local, and semi-government entities, as well as private sector organizations, academic institutions, and individuals.
Racing Against the Clock
The award’s pivot to Agentic AI is timely. It comes as the UAE government races to meet its own ambitious two-year target, set for April 2026, to deploy the technology across 50% of the government.
With ministers and directors general now being assessed on their speed of adoption, this award serves as more than just a ceremony. The entries are expected to provide a live snapshot of which government entities are pulling ahead in a national push where leadership performance is directly linked to technological implementation.
About The UAE AI Award
The UAE AI Award is a flagship national initiative promoting innovation and excellence in artificial intelligence. Across its first two editions, the award attracted more than 540 applications from a wide range of sectors, reflecting the growing momentum behind AI adoption in the country. It is overseen by the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence, which guides the country’s national roadmap to become a world leader in AI by 2031.
Source: Zawya
