UAE Leads Global Agentic AI Strategy Dialogue with WEF
The UAE has partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to develop global principles for the use of agentic artificial intelligence in government strategy and decision-making. Announced on October 13, 2026, the initiative aims to establish a shared framework for governments and institutions adopting increasingly autonomous AI systems.
The dialogue opened during the Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders in Dubai. Moreover, organisers describe the initiative as the first global dialogue of its kind led by a country. It brings together international experts, policymakers, and technology leaders to examine how agentic AI could reshape strategic planning.
Unlike conventional AI tools that respond to prompts, agentic AI systems can reason, coordinate tasks, and take actions with greater autonomy. Consequently, the new principles will focus on helping governments use these capabilities responsibly while improving their ability to anticipate change and make informed decisions.
Global Principles for Government Strategy and AI Governance
The initiative forms part of the Global Strategic Intelligence Programme, a longstanding partnership between the UAE Government and WEF. The programme strengthens government capabilities in strategic intelligence, foresight, and evidence-based decision-making. Furthermore, it develops methods that help institutions prepare for emerging risks and long-term challenges.
Huda Al Hashimi, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, said the initiative would help governments anticipate change and develop more adaptable strategies. She also highlighted the importance of integrating data, knowledge, analysis, and evidence into public-sector decisions.
Meanwhile, Stephan Mergenthaler, WEF’s Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer, stressed the need for a shared international framework. He said clear principles could help institutions navigate complexity, respond more quickly, and make decisions with greater confidence.
The framework aims to address several priorities:
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Strategic foresight: Using AI to identify emerging trends and assess possible future scenarios.
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Evidence-based decisions: Combining data, analysis, and institutional knowledge to inform government strategies.
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Responsible deployment: Establishing shared principles for the safe and accountable use of agentic AI.
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Government agility: Helping institutions adapt their plans as conditions and priorities change.
Together, these priorities could provide governments with a common reference point for adopting AI in strategic work. However, the initiative’s practical value will depend on how institutions translate the principles into policies, processes, and measurable outcomes.
UAE Strengthens Its Role in Global AI Governance
The initiative builds on the UAE’s wider efforts to advance AI adoption across government operations. In addition, the country has set a target to transition 50% of government sectors, services, and operations to agentic AI within two years, according to WEF.
This ambition raises important questions about oversight and accountability. As AI systems take on more complex tasks, governments will need clear rules governing human supervision, data protection, transparency, and responsibility for consequential decisions.
Therefore, the UAE-WEF initiative seeks to connect technological progress with institutional readiness. It also creates an opportunity for governments to exchange experience and develop approaches suited to their different administrative systems.
The dialogue began in Dubai on October 13, alongside the inaugural Annual Meeting of Global Future Leaders, which runs through October 15. The meeting brings together more than 500 emerging leaders and experts from government, business, academia, and other sectors.
Ultimately, the proposed principles aim to help governments use agentic AI to strengthen strategic planning while preserving responsible decision-making. Their development will contribute to a wider international discussion about how increasingly autonomous AI systems should support public institutions.
