UAE Establishes Federal AI and Data Authority to Centralize Digital Governance

The UAE government has formally established the UAE Artificial Intelligence and Data Authority (UAEDA) following the issuance of Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2024. The new federal entity, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is tasked with centralizing the nation’s digital transformation efforts and consolidating data management across federal institutions. Centralized Digital Mandate The UAEDA operates under the UAE Cabinet and possesses independent legal personality and financial autonomy. The authority replaces previous administrative divisions to provide a unified framework for AI integration, moving digital government functions under a single oversight body. This transition includes the transfer of specific responsibilities previously managed by the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). The primary mandate of the authority involves drafting federal legislation for artificial intelligence and data protection. It is also responsible for supervising the implementation of national digital strategies and managing the federal government's data cloud infrastructure. By centralizing these functions, the government aims to eliminate operational redundancies…