The UAE government has launched a revamped strategic planning cycle for federal entities, with artificial intelligence (AI) placed at the core of planning, process optimisation, and financial efficiency in alignment with the We the UAE 2031 Vision.
Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the new framework replaces the previous five-year planning model with a three-year cycle, allowing for greater flexibility and alignment with global shifts.
“We have launched the new strategic planning cycle for the Federal Government for 2031. This plan prioritises artificial intelligence in government planning, process simplification, resource optimisation, and enhanced financial efficiency,” said Sheikh Mohammed, as quoted by the Dubai Media Office.
He stressed that while government success in the past was measured by rigid regulations and comprehensive procedures, today’s success hinges on regulatory agility, data-driven planning, and intelligent resource use. “Tools and priorities change, but the unwavering commitment to serve the people of the UAE remains constant,” he added.
A Future-Ready Government Model
The initiative, titled Towards Achieving We the UAE 2031 Vision, reflects the UAE’s evolving governance model, with strategic planning now seen as a proactive, intelligence-led tool for anticipating future challenges.
Sheikh Mohammed has tasked ministries and federal entities with integrating AI and future technology solutions into their strategies to accelerate national progress. The cycle involves 38 federal bodies and brings together directors of strategy, future planning, and finance from across the government.
Key priorities include:
Integrating strategic planning with AI and data analytics
Simplifying procedures and reducing bureaucracy
Optimising national resource use
Aligning federal entities’ plans with national initiatives
Improving financial efficiency across public programs
Institutional Collaboration and Innovation
A strategic workshop organised by the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs gathered directors of strategy from ministries and federal institutions. It introduced the core features of the new planning model and emphasized the UAE’s aim to be a global benchmark for government of the future.
Discussions centred on the concept of strategic intelligence—using analytics, future forecasting tools, and performance indicators to better anticipate and respond to change. Attendees explored ways to enhance cooperation between strategy and finance teams to ensure alignment between policy goals and budget planning.
The session also reviewed recent national initiatives launched under the 2031 vision, including the National Cybersecurity Strategy and the National Investment Strategy, showcasing federal efforts to turn long-term vision into actionable outcomes.
Huda Al Hashimi, Head of Strategy and Government Innovation, highlighted how the previous planning cycle laid the foundation for strategic foresight and cross-sectoral collaboration. She emphasized that data-driven models and planning cycles are crucial to helping government entities respond to rapid change with speed and precision.
As part of this renewed approach, federal entities are expected to prioritize implementation over operational complexity, enabling faster and more efficient public service delivery aligned with national goals.
Source: Arabian Business
