DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Dubai has always been synonymous with ambition, innovation, and forward-thinking urban development. While known for its futuristic skyline and luxury, the city is also making great strides in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday life. The Dubai government has set its sights on becoming a world leader in AI adoption across multiple sectors, transforming not just industries but also the way its residents and visitors experience the city. Under the Smart Dubai initiative and beyond, AI is now embedded in various areas, including transport, law enforcement, healthcare, and hospitality, making Dubai a true smart city.
The Smart Dubai Initiative: AI in government services
At the heart of Dubai’s AI revolution is the Smart Dubai initiative, which aims to make Dubai the happiest and smartest city on Earth. Through the integration of AI into government services, Smart Dubai is streamlining daily life and improving efficiency for both residents and visitors.
One of the core platforms under this initiative is DubaiNow, a mobile app that provides over 120 government services from a single interface. AI is central to this app’s functionality, offering personalised suggestions based on user data. From paying utility bills and parking fees to renewing car registrations and tracking visa applications, DubaiNow uses AI to predict and address user needs, making government interactions smoother and faster.
AI’s role in Smart Dubai also extends to blockchain integration, helping to manage everything from land records to financial transactions. The aim is to eliminate paperwork and human error by 100%, turning Dubai into a fully digital government in the near future.
The RTAs autonomous taxis and AI traffic lights
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is driving the future of transport with the integration of AI in autonomous vehicles and traffic management. One of the most exciting developments is the plan for autonomous taxis. In collaboration with companies like Tesla, Dubai has launched AI-driven electric taxis that come with semi-autonomous driving features. The ultimate goal is to have 25% of all trips made by self-driving vehicles by 2030, with full autonomy planned in the future.
Beyond taxis, AI is also revolutionising the way Dubai manages its traffic. Smart traffic systems using AI technology monitor road conditions and traffic patterns, helping to reduce congestion and improve road safety. AI analyses real-time data to optimise traffic light timings and direct drivers to less congested routes. This technology has already proven to reduce travel times and minimise accidents, making driving in Dubai smoother and safer.
Dubai Police’s robocops and predictive analysis
Dubai is one of the first cities in the world to deploy AI-powered robotic police officers. The Dubai Police introduced their first robotic officer in 2017, capable of assisting people in public spaces, answering questions, and even handling minor law enforcement duties. This AI-powered police robot is equipped with cameras, allowing it to send live video feeds to police headquarters. These robots are designed to help with traffic violations, report crimes, and guide visitors to nearby attractions or services.
By 2030, Dubai plans to have 25% of its police force made up of robotic officers. These robots will complement human officers by handling routine tasks, enabling the force to allocate more personnel to critical operations.
In addition to robotics, Dubai Police are also using AI-powered predictive analytics to prevent crimes before they occur. The system analyses patterns in crime data, using algorithms to predict potential hotspots for criminal activity. This proactive approach helps law enforcement allocate resources more efficiently, reducing response times and preventing incidents before they escalate.
Biometric gates in DXB
Dubai International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, has embraced AI to enhance passenger experience and streamline security processes. Biometric gates powered by AI and facial recognition technology allow passengers to pass through immigration seamlessly without the need for passports or boarding passes. The system matches the passenger’s face to their stored data, reducing the time spent in queues and increasing security levels by eliminating the risk of forged documents.
Dubai aims to make paperless travel a reality with its use of AI in airport operations. This technology improves efficiency, cuts waiting times, and enhances the overall passenger experience, making Dubai one of the most advanced airports in the world.
Smarter diagnosis, public health management
AI is also transforming healthcare in Dubai, where the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has deployed AI for diagnostics, patient care, and public health management. AI-powered systems help doctors diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately by analysing medical data and images. In some Dubai hospitals, AI-assisted robotic surgeries are becoming increasingly common, offering more precision than human surgeons can achieve alone.
In public health, AI plays a crucial role in predictive health management. AI analyses vast amounts of health data to detect potential outbreaks or health trends. This system allows the government to allocate healthcare resources more efficiently and respond to emerging health threats with agility.
Emirates NBD and AI
The banking sector in Dubai has also embraced AI, with leading banks such as Emirates NBD deploying AI-powered virtual assistants to enhance customer service. Eva, the bank’s AI chatbot, handles thousands of queries daily, providing instant answers to customer questions and assisting with banking transactions. These virtual assistants are designed to continuously learn from interactions, improving their accuracy and range of services over time.
AI is also making banking safer by detecting fraud in real time. AI systems analyse transaction patterns to identify anomalies that could indicate fraudulent activity, ensuring that customers’ accounts remain secure.
Hotels and AI
Dubai’s luxury hospitality industry has begun using AI to enhance guest experiences. In some high-end hotels, AI-powered robots are used to deliver room service, provide information, and handle concierge tasks. These robots offer 24/7 service, never tiring and handling guest requests with efficiency.
AI is also being used for personalisation in hotels, analysing guest preferences to provide tailored recommendations and services. Whether it’s adjusting room temperatures to a guest’s liking or offering customised dining options, AI helps create a more personalised, luxury experience.
A leading role for Dubai in AI integration
Dubai’s embrace of AI is not just an experiment in futuristic technology—it’s a transformation happening today. Across government, law enforcement, healthcare, and hospitality, AI is quietly reshaping how the city operates. These innovations are making life easier, more efficient, and more secure for residents and visitors alike.
With a clear vision for the future, Dubai is well on its way to becoming a global leader in AI. Whether it’s through autonomous taxis, biometric gates at the airport, or robotic police officers patrolling the streets, the city’s AI-driven future is already here, and it’s just getting started.
