The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is poised to revolutionize its government services through the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to simplify processes such as renewing driving licenses and applying for housing.

Mohamed Bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services in the UAE, discussed these advancements during the World Government Summit.

According to Bin Taliah, the future will see citizens interacting directly with the government using voice commands, streamlining what are currently complex tasks.

"Instead of navigating through websites and mobile applications, we’ll be interacting with the government through AI," Bin Taliah stated.

He highlighted the idea that while many governments have rushed to digitalize services, inherent bureaucratic challenges remain.

He noted that strategic design of technological environments and policies is necessary to leverage AI effectively to serve the public.

The impact of AI on government services could be significant, with Bin Taliah suggesting that AI could perform tasks much faster and with greater effectiveness than current technologies.

This transition to voice-powered interfaces is seen as a step towards creating more user-friendly and efficient interactions between citizens and the state.

In parallel, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) projected that AI-driven mobility solutions could lead to a 25% reduction in travel time by 2035 and a 30% decrease in traffic congestion over the next decade.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the RTA, emphasized Dubai's commitment to digital transformation under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting recent enhancements in the city's Intelligent Traffic Systems, which improved incident detection and reduced response times.

Globally, there is a trend towards zero-emission transport, and in Dubai, public transport initiatives have already avoided five million tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the last seven years.

By 2040, Dubai plans to have all taxis powered by electric or hydrogen fuel, continuing efforts towards a sustainable transport ecosystem.

At the World Government Summit, Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, emphasized that unifying national data into secure databases will enhance the effectiveness of AI in delivering governmental services.

He stated that access to comprehensive data, such as healthcare records, is crucial for maximizing AI’s impact.

In a related development, the UAE's Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council was restructured to enhance governance of these technological initiatives.

Chaired by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the council aims to steer policies that will harness AI to benefit various sectors, thereby reinforcing the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its digital landscape.

Further innovations have come in the form of agricultural technology, as researchers at the Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence introduced an AI-powered robot designed to pick ripe strawberries with precision.

This robot, equipped with advanced sensors and machine learning capabilities, aims to reduce labor costs and increase productivity in farming.

The integration of AI across various sectors in the UAE signals a push towards a more connected and efficient future, presenting opportunities for enhanced citizen engagement, sustainable mobility solutions, and advancements in agricultural productivity.