Adapting UAE’s AI model for Nigeria’s digital future

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is aiming to become an AI-native government by 2027, offering Nigeria valuable lessons in digital infrastructure, data integration, and translating artificial intelligence policies into practical public services. Abu Dhabi, the UAE's capital, is pursuing a government model in which artificial intelligence goes beyond answering queries and automating routine duties to integrate public services, interpret legislation, and enable AI agents to conduct transactions on behalf of residents.

This approach offers Africa's most populous nation, Nigeria, a potential blueprint as it pursues its own artificial intelligence strategy, expands digital infrastructure, and seeks to strengthen its position in the global digital economy. Director-General of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Government Enablement, Wesam Lootah, explained that the emirate’s goal to become an AI-native government by 2027 required a fundamental redesign of public administration around citizens, residents, and businesses.

The distinction is important for Nigeria, where government agencies led by Dr Bosun Tijani have introduced digital platforms and developed policies on AI adoption, cloud infrastructure, and digital public services.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.