Dubai: Reinforcing Dubai's commitment to strengthening its position as a global model for future digital cities, Digital Dubai organised the "Digitalizing Life in Dubai 2026" event, bringing together a wide range of government entities responsible for services, data, and digital technologies. The event aimed to coordinate government efforts and accelerate the development of the next phase of the digital operating model, ensuring alignment with rapid technological advancements and transforming them into more integrated, proactive services and experiences across unified digital channels.
According to Emirates News Agency, the event aligns with the ''Dubai-it'' initiative as a practical platform that brings together government entities to develop shared methodologies, address challenges, and accelerate the implementation of initiatives that enhance the experience of individuals and the business sector. The vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, drive the initiative to accelerate the adoption of AI across government operations and unify services for individuals and businesses within a single digital ecosystem.
"Digitalising Life in Dubai 2026" serves as an annual platform that brings government entities together to review progress, identify shared challenges, and accelerate solutions, strengthening cross-government coordination and supporting the transition from vision to execution through a unified, Agentic AI-enabled digital transformation roadmap. The event featured workshops and expert discussions centered around four strategic pillars that will define the next stage of Dubai's digital transformation journey.
The first pillar, AI-Ready Data, explored how to develop interconnected, high-quality data ecosystems that enable the safe and responsible use of AI while supporting decision-making and the development of future services. The second pillar, The Future of Experience Service Delivery, focused on creating a more customer-centric government model that designs services around the needs of individuals and businesses rather than traditional institutional structures, enabling more integrated, seamless, and accessible experiences through unified digital channels.
The third pillar, AI Execution, examined approaches for implementing AI and Agentic AI into government services and operational processes to enhance efficiency, productivity, responsiveness, adaptability, and innovation. The fourth pillar, The Future of Digital Maturity, addressed the development of next-generation measurement frameworks that reflect emerging requirements and support continuous improvement and future policymaking.
Commenting on the event, Hamad Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of Digital Dubai, stated the importance of integrating data, systems, and services into a single ecosystem powered by AI and centred on people. He emphasized the shift from providing more digital services to making services more connected to people's lives, understanding their needs, and responding proactively.
Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment at Digital Dubai, highlighted that data is the infrastructure for digital services and AI applications. He emphasized the importance of an integrated data ecosystem founded on governance, trust, and interoperability to enhance quality of life and strengthen Dubai's competitiveness.
Matar Saeed Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive of the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, discussed the importance of designing integrated experiences around customer needs and the necessity of unifying platforms, standards, and methodologies to simplify and enhance customer journeys.
The event concluded with agreement on a series of implementation pathways and actions linked to the four strategic pillars, with clear ownership assigned to responsible entities and mechanisms established for ongoing monitoring and follow-up, strengthening accountability and accelerating execution. The broad participation of government entities reflected a shared commitment to advancing a more integrated and proactive government model powered by data, AI, and institutional collaboration, reinforcing Dubai's global leadership in digital transformation.
"Digitalising Life in Dubai 2026" forms part of an ongoing annual pathway led by Digital Dubai to align government efforts, accelerate the resolution of common challenges, and transform strategic priorities into measurable outcomes that enhance quality of life and strengthen Dubai's competitiveness and global digital leadership.