Latest news with #MinistryofEconomy
Web Release
7 hours ago
- Business
- Web Release
6 Ways the UAE Government Is Using AI to Deliver Smarter Public Services
AI is revolutionising how governments serve their people, and in the Middle East, nowhere is this more evident than in the UAE. With AI expected to contribute nearly 14% of the UAE's GDP by 2030, the government has adopted a proactive, strategic blueprint for integration, building dedicated platforms and mechanisms designed to capture AI's full potential. As one of the first nations in the region to embrace AI, the UAE has strategically embedded its use across public services, from legal systems to urban planning, to build a data-driven, immersive, and future-ready government that transforms citizen experiences. Alfred Manasseh, COO & Co-Founder of Shaffra, dives into the key ways the UAE government is putting AI to work across its public service ecosystem. 24/7 Virtual Assistants for Public Queries These intelligent bots use natural language processing and machine learning to answer questions, guide users through applications, and provide real-time updates. From digital avatars that greet visitors on official portals to chatbots integrated across service websites, this approach reduces wait times and relieves pressure on human agents. Citizens benefit from faster, more consistent support, while government teams can focus on complex, high-value issues. These tools are already operational across various ministries, streamlining workflows and elevating the standard of public interaction. Metaverse Government Offices The Ministry of Economy has launched a full-scale virtual replica of its Abu Dhabi headquarters, accessible to anyone, anywhere. Visitors can enter using a virtual ticket, attend meetings, network through avatars, and even sign legally binding agreements. Audio-enabled customer service agents offer a more immersive experience than traditional web portals. This initiative goes beyond novelty; it ensures accessibility, convenience, and round-the-clock support. As global business becomes more borderless, the UAE's metaverse office signals a bold step toward future-ready governance. AI in Urban Planning and Infrastructure Dubai Municipality is using AI-enhanced Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geographic data analytics to optimise land usage and improve urban infrastructure. These tools help planners design eco-efficient buildings, align with green goals, and reduce resource consumption. With AI, design time is projected to drop by 40% , and resource efficiency may improve by 35%. This smart integration allows cities to grow sustainably, keeping pace with rapid urbanisation without compromising on quality or aesthetics. The UAE's approach is becoming a blueprint for AI-driven development worldwide. Smart Service Delivery via Predictive Analytics Initiatives by the Digital Dubai Authority have set the foundation for high-quality data governance and AI deployment. AI systems sift through massive data sets to forecast service demand, detect patterns, and make proactive decisions. This results in smarter resource allocation and more personalised citizen services. Whether predicting traffic congestion, public health needs, or social support requirements, AI enables public institutions to move from reactive to anticipatory service delivery, building citizen trust and satisfaction through reliable, timely interventions. Automating Licensing and Legal Services The Legislative Intelligence Office maps national legislation, integrates it with real-time economic data and court rulings, and suggests amendments accordingly. This could cut legislative drafting time by up to 70%. Additionally, the UAE is rolling out AI legal advisors and bots that guide citizens through family law and other legal processes. The country is also benchmarking against global standards by linking to international policy research centres. These tools are helping the government stay agile, ensure legal consistency, and improve public access to justice. AI-Powered Virtual Employees Supporting Citizens 'Aisha' is a generative AI assistant deployed by the Ministry of Justice to offer legal advice, draft applications, and answer court-related queries using an extensive legal database. Stationed in courts, Aisha interacts with both the public and legal professionals. Aisha can also write requests, generate audio and visual content, and provide case-based advice informed by millions of historical cases, far beyond the experience of any individual legal practitioner. Companies like Shaffra deploy AI employees to handle repetitive tasks such as data entry, reporting, and customer queries, freeing up human teams for strategic, high-impact work. Some clients report up to a 40% increase in output and improved employee satisfaction. By embedding AI into its very core, the UAE government isn't just adopting technology; it is reimagining governance. The country stands as a regional leader in digital public services, setting benchmarks in efficiency, innovation, and citizen satisfaction.
Gulf Business
9 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Must know: 6 ways that the UAE is using AI to serve its people
Image credit: Supplied Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the UAE's government modernisation agenda. AI is projected to contribute nearly 14 per cent of the UAE's GDP by 2030, according to global estimates, and the nation is acting swiftly to unlock its full potential. The following six areas exemplify how the UAE government is already putting AI to work to reshape public services. Read- 1. Virtual assistants for round-the-clock public support AI-powered virtual assistants are increasingly present on government platforms, handling a wide range of citizen queries. These bots use natural language processing and machine learning to deliver instant, 24/7 support. From helping residents navigate forms to answering real-time questions, these tools reduce wait times and improve user satisfaction. Chatbots and avatars are active across various government ministries, streamlining service delivery and enabling human staff to focus on more complex, value-added issues. 2. Metaverse-based government offices In a regional first, the Ministry of Economy has launched a fully interactive metaverse office—a virtual replica of its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Through this platform, users can attend meetings, network, and even sign legally binding documents, all from remote locations. This initiative combines convenience with innovation. Virtual ticketing, avatar-based interactions, and audio-enabled services create a next-generation user experience that showcases the UAE's commitment to accessible, always-on governance. 3. AI in urban planning and infrastructure development Dubai Municipality is deploying AI tools such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and geospatial analytics to revolutionize urban planning. These technologies enable smarter resource allocation, greener building design, and enhanced sustainability outcomes. By using AI to cut design times by up to 40 per cent and improve efficiency by 35 per cent, the municipality is leading the way in AI-driven city building. These efforts align with national sustainability goals and position Dubai as a model for smart infrastructure globally. 4. Predictive analytics for smarter service delivery The Digital Dubai Authority has pioneered data governance frameworks that underpin predictive AI models. These models analyze vast datasets to anticipate public service demands—from traffic flow to healthcare requirements—and guide real-time decisions. By moving from reactive to proactive governance, AI enables more effective resource distribution and personalized citizen engagement, thereby increasing trust in public services. 5. Automation of licensing and legal services The UAE's Legislative Intelligence Office is using AI to map national laws, monitor court rulings, and recommend legislative updates in real time. This could reduce policy drafting timelines by as much as 70 per cent. AI legal bots are also becoming increasingly accessible to the public. From helping residents navigate family law to linking with global legal standards, these tools ensure improved access to justice and more agile regulatory responses. 6. AI-Powered virtual employees supporting the judiciary 'Aisha', a generative AI assistant developed by the Ministry of Justice, is setting a new standard for legal support. It provides real-time legal advice, drafts court applications, and even generates multimedia explanations based on a deep legal knowledge base. Stationed in courts, Aisha supports both legal professionals and the public. Meanwhile, private companies such as Shaffra are deploying virtual employees to handle tasks like data entry and customer service, improving output and job satisfaction across sectors. 'Some clients report a 40 per cent increase in output after implementing AI solutions,' says Alfred Manasseh, COO & co-founder of Shaffra. UAE on its way to become a global leader in AI The United Arab Emirates has made its ambition clear: to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI) by 2031. This vision, outlined in the national AI Strategy, is not merely aspirational—it is backed by structured initiatives, concrete objectives, and a robust multi-stakeholder approach to implementation. Aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision, which aims to position the nation as the best country in the world by its 100th anniversary, the AI Strategy is a cornerstone of long-term national transformation. The UAE's multinational, tech-forward population forms a strong foundation for this transformation. As early adopters of emerging technologies, the country's communities are well-positioned to support, pilot, and scale AI innovations, attracting global talent to conduct research and drive implementation on UAE soil. 8 strategic pillars driving the UAE AI strategy The AI Strategy outlines eight core objectives that guide implementation across sectors: Build a reputation as an AI destination: Establish the UAE as a hub for AI development, research, and innovation. Increase competitive edge in key sectors: Apply AI to boost productivity and global competitiveness in priority industries. Create a fertile AI ecosystem: Encourage entrepreneurship, research collaboration, and innovation through enabling environments. Enhance customer services with AI: Leverage AI to improve citizen experiences and government efficiency. Attract and train AI talent: Develop a future-ready workforce capable of thriving in an AI-driven job market. Advance research collaborations: Link world-class AI research to the needs of critical national industries. B uild supporting infrastructure and data systems: Provide accessible data and smart infrastructure to test, scale, and refine AI solutions. Ensure strong governance and regulation: Uphold ethical AI practices with clear laws, data privacy standards, and regulatory oversight. Economic Impact: AI as a regional powerhouse According to a The Middle East is expected to claim approximately 2 per cent of this global AI dividend, equivalent to $320 billion by 2030. Notably, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading the regional AI charge: Saudi Arabia is projected to accrue $135.2bn in AI-related gains, accounting for 4 per cent of its GDP. The UAE is expected to see the largest relative impact, with AI contributing nearly 14 per cent of its 2030 GDP. This impressive growth—estimated at 20–34 per cent annually—is fueled by substantial investment in AI R&D, innovation infrastructure, and public-private collaboration. Both countries rank in the top 50 globally on the Global Innovation Index, a reflection of their focused efforts to become future-ready economies through advanced technologies. Looking ahead: A region poised for disruption AI is not just transforming how governments function—it's disrupting entire markets and reshaping business models. The current wave of digitization is only the beginning. With AI in play, tomorrow's regional leaders may be startups or companies that don't yet exist today. By setting a strong strategic foundation, the UAE is seizing its moment in the AI revolution. With the right nurturing, public policy, and innovation support, the nation could unlock even greater economic returns and establish itself as a global model for AI-driven transformation. In a world where technological evolution is constant, the UAE's proactive, inclusive, and far-sighted approach to AI stands as a bold blueprint for others to follow.
Muscat Daily
4 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman's economy to grow 2.2% in 2025: Ministry
By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – Oman's real GDP is expected to grow by 2.2% in 2025, up from 1.7% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Economy's latest Economic Forecasts 2025 report. The projection marks the final year of the sultanate's tenth five-year development plan (2021-25). The ministry's Economic Modeling and Forecasting Team estimates GDP at constant prices will rise from RO38.3bn in 2024 to RO39.2bn by end-2025, supported by gains in both oil and non-oil activities. Oil activities are forecast to rebound, growing 1.3% in 2025 after a 3% decline in 2024. The contribution of the oil sector to GDP is projected to increase slightly, from RO11.9bn to about RO12bn. Non-oil sectors, meanwhile, are expected to grow at a slower pace of 2.7%, down from 3.9% last year. Their total value added is forecast to rise to OMR28.6bn, compared to OMR27.9bn in 2024. The ministry also expects inflation to remain contained. The consumer price index is forecast to rise by 1.3% in 2025, compared to 0.6% in the previous year. The increase remains within the target range of the five-year plan, supported by continued government subsidies on essential goods and services.
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Oman forecasts 2.2% economic growth in 2025
MUSCAT: Oman's economy is expected to grow by 2.2% in real terms by the end of 2025, up from 1.7% in 2024, according to the Ministry of Economy's 'Economic Forecasts for 2025' report, marking the final year of the Tenth Five-Year Plan. Inflation is projected to reach around 1.3%, remaining within the plan's target range, thanks to government subsidies and stable global commodity prices. The GDP at constant prices is forecast to rise from RO 38.3 billion in 2024 to RO 39.2 billion by the end of this year, supported by a 1.3% rebound in oil activities. Oil's GDP contribution is expected to edge up to RO 12 billion, while non-oil sectors are projected to grow by 2.7%, contributing RO 28.6 billion. Looking ahead, growth is expected to continue through 2026 and 2027, driven by strategic projects and higher oil production. However, global uncertainty persists. The IMF downgraded its 2025 global growth forecast from 3.3% to 2.8%, citing rising protectionism and demand shifts. It also trimmed growth projections for advanced economies to 1.4%, and for emerging markets to 3.7%, largely due to slowing Chinese exports, real estate pressures, and weak consumption. Despite this, MENA's outlook remains relatively positive, with regional growth set to reach 3% in 2025, driven by recovering GCC economies and growing non-oil investments in diversification and renewables. Trade policy changes in the US are a potential risk. Washington's planned 10% tariff on all imports, plus additional "reciprocal" duties on around 90 countries, may impact global trade flows. Although GCC states may see minimal direct impact, indirect effects such as supply chain disruptions and oil price volatility could pose challenges. For Oman, the US remains a key trading partner, with historical data showing a US trade surplus except during 2020-2022. New global tariffs could still indirectly affect Oman through shifts in partner markets and weaker global oil demand. Rising US inflation may also delay interest rate cuts, potentially increasing imported inflation for Oman. Nonetheless, Oman's strategic location, robust infrastructure, and free zones position it well to benefit from shifting global supply chains. Re-exports and foreign investment in economic zones could increase, especially as European firms consider relocating operations in response to tariff changes. — ONA
Times of Oman
4 days ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
Oman's economy to grow to 2.2% by the end of this year
Muscat: The real growth rate of the Omani economy will rise from 1.7 percent by the end of 2024 to 2.2 percent by the end of this year (the final year of the Tenth Five-Year Plan, according to the Ministry of Economy's Economic Forecasts 2025 report. The report further indicated Oman's gross domestic product (GDP) at constant prices could rise from OMR38.3 billion at the end of 2024 to OMR39.2 billion at the end of 2025. This is attributed to the improved performance of oil activities, which resumed growth during the year by 1.3 percent, after witnessing a decline by 3 percent at the end of last year. The contribution of oil activities to the GDP is expected to rise from OMR11.9 billion in 2024 to OMR12 billion by the end of this year. Non-oil activities are expected to grow by 2.7 percent this year compared to 3.9 percent in 2024. The report further expects continued rise in the added value of non-oil activities, reaching OMR28.6 billion by the end of 2025, compared to OMR27.9 billion in 2024. In the medium term, the team's forecasts indicate that Oman's economic growth momentum will continue in 2026 as well as in 2027, amid the ongoing implementation of strategic projects in the non-oil sectors and the expected increase in oil production. The report further indicated that inflation rate, based on the consumer price index (CPI) in the, is likely to see a small increase reaching 1.3 percent by the end of this year compared to 0.6 percent in 2024. The ministry said that this rate will remain within the target range of the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), with the government continuing to subsidise prices of basic goods and services and the expectation of relative stability in commodity prices in global markets. Regarding the global economic front, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) made significant adjustments to its economic growth forecasts in its April 2025 World Economic Outlook, lowering its global economic growth forecast for the current year from 3.3 percent in its January 2025 report to 2.8 percent in its April 2025 report. This reflects the direct and indirect impacts of new policies on global trade and global demand amidst heightened risks that require a continuous reassessment of forecasts, policies, and economic priorities. The IMF's recent revisions cover most global economies at varying levels. The Fund expects advanced economies to grow at a slower pace from 1.8 percent in 2024 to 1.4 percent in 2025, driven by cautious expectations for the US economy, which is the main driver of growth in this group. In the developing and emerging markets group, the IMF lowered its growth forecast to 3.7 percent in 2025, compared to 4.3 percent in 2024. This decline reflects increased pressure on supply chains due to higher tariffs. This reduction was significantly concentrated in the Chinese economy due to declining US demand for Chinese exports, the continuing repercussions of the real estate crisis, and weak levels of consumption and investment. Regionally, although the International Monetary Fund lowered its growth forecasts for the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, the IMF was more optimistic compared to other economic groups. Growth in the region's economies is expected to rise to approximately to 3 percent in 2025, compared to 2.4 percent in 2024. The improved growth in the region is attributed to the recovery in the growth rate of the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, with expectations of rising oil production levels and continued improvement in the non-oil sectors, supported by the expansion of strategic investments in economic diversification and renewable energy projects. Regarding the outlook for global economic growth, the future trajectory of the global economy is likely to be influenced by developments in protectionist trade policies, leading to increased levels of uncertainty and market volatility. If tariffs escalate, this could lead to a significant slowdown in global growth and trade, with repercussions for governments' financial policies and the interest rate orientations of major central banks. The report indicated that, under the fundamental changes announced by the United States this year to its tariff regime, a 10 percent base tariff will be applied to imports of goods from all countries, with an additional 'reciprocal tariff' applied to approximately 90 countries. The additional tariffs use an unconventional methodology to achieve the concept of 'reciprocity,' as they are calculated based on multiple criteria, most notably the volume of bilateral trade and the structure of customs duties imposed on US goods in those countries' markets. Regarding the impact of this policy on the economies of the GCC countries, the imposed customs tariff of 10 percent is among the lowest compared to other targeted economies. Therefore, the direct impact of these new customs tariffs is expected to be relatively limited. However, there remains the possibility of indirect effects resulting from reciprocal tariffs between the United States and its trading partners, which could collectively negatively impact global economic activity levels. Potential impacts may include fluctuations in oil prices, in addition to disruptions in global supply chains. The report explained that by analysing foreign trade data between the Sultanate of Oman and the United States of America during 2014-2024, the balance of trade generally tends in favour of the American economy, with the exception of 2020, 2021, and 2022, when the trade exchange movement between the two countries achieved a trade surplus in favour of the Sultanate of Oman during these years. However, the Omani economy, like other global economies, may be vulnerable to indirect repercussions from tariffs. Potential shifts in the global market could impact the Omani economy's trading partners. Slowing global growth is expected to lead to lower oil prices and reduced demand for oil. Tariffs could also exacerbate inflationary pressures in the US economy, potentially prompting the Federal Reserve to back down or postpone plans to cut interest rates, leading to higher imported inflation. The report explained that, in the context of global trade variables and their potential impact on trade flows, global supply chains, and import and export costs, the Sultanate of Oman is an attractive investment destination, given its strategic geographic location linking Asian, African, and European markets. It also possesses advanced infrastructure and free zones that attract foreign investment. Re-export levels can also be increased by leveraging this unique geographic location and advanced infrastructure, as it can attract the exchange of goods from countries affected by customs duties and re-export them to target markets.
