Abu Dhabi has partnered with OpenAI to convert government regulations into machine-readable formats, enabling AI systems to interpret rules and automate parts of public service delivery.
The initiative is part of the emirate's plan to become the world's first AI-native government. It will focus on regulatory processes, including permit applications, certificates and compliance assessments.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Government Enablement is leading the program, with its first pilot already running at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority.
AI processing will take place within UAE data centers. The system is designed to link automated assessments directly to relevant regulations, while government officials retain responsibility for final decisions.
For African and Black-owned businesses looking to enter the UAE market, the initiative could reduce the complexity of navigating government requirements. However, its impact will depend on how widely the system is deployed across government services.
