Programme Objectives and Scope
The UAE Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy was launched alongside the establishment of the UAE Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR UAE) in partnership with the World Economic Forum. The strategy aims to position the UAE as a global leader in adopting and governing emerging technologies that define the Fourth Industrial Revolution — artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, autonomous systems, 3D printing, biotechnology, genomics, blockchain, and the Internet of Things. The scope extends beyond technology deployment to encompass regulatory innovation, establishing the UAE as a laboratory for governance frameworks that can manage the societal and economic implications of rapid technological change.
Key Targets and KPIs
The programme tracks adoption rates of 4IR technologies across government and private sector operations, the number of regulatory pilots and sandboxes launched, the volume of technology start-ups operating in the UAE, and the economic impact of automation and advanced technology deployment. Specific targets include the deployment of autonomous transport systems, 3D-printed building construction, AI-enhanced government services, and precision medicine applications. The strategy also measures the UAE’s performance in global technology readiness indices and the development of a workforce capable of operating in a technology-intensive economy.
Implementation Status and Progress
C4IR UAE, based in Dubai, has executed multiple pilot programmes in collaboration with government entities. Notable initiatives include regulatory sandboxes for autonomous vehicles, drone delivery services, and AI-driven healthcare diagnostics. The Dubai 3D Printing Strategy, launched as a component of the 4IR agenda, targets 25 percent of buildings in Dubai to utilise 3D printing technology by 2030. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has piloted autonomous taxi services. Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health has deployed AI-assisted diagnostic tools in hospitals. The programme has also contributed to the development of regulatory frameworks for emerging technologies, with the UAE often serving as the first jurisdiction globally to regulate specific 4IR applications.
Lead and Supporting Institutions
The Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications provides strategic oversight. C4IR UAE, affiliated with the World Economic Forum’s global C4IR network, serves as the primary implementation and research body. The Dubai Future Foundation supports the programme through its regulatory and foresight work. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) manages technology standards at the federal level. Emirates-level entities including the Abu Dhabi Digital Authority, Smart Dubai (Dubai Digital Authority), and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park support localised implementation.
Relationship to We the UAE 2031 Pillars
The 4IR strategy is cross-cutting across all four We the UAE 2031 pillars. It supports the economy pillar through advanced manufacturing, automation, and technology industry development. The society pillar benefits from healthcare innovation, education technology, and improved public services. The sustainability pillar is served by smart city technologies, energy efficiency systems, and precision agriculture applications. The global engagement pillar is reinforced by the UAE’s role as a WEF partner and global testbed for technology governance, enhancing the federation’s soft power and international influence in technology policy.
Funding and Resource Allocation
C4IR UAE is jointly funded by the UAE government and the World Economic Forum partnership framework. Individual 4IR initiatives receive funding through their respective sectoral budgets — the 3D printing strategy through Dubai Municipality, autonomous transport through RTA, and healthcare AI through health authorities. The Dubai Future Foundation provides grants and accelerator funding for 4IR start-ups. Federal R&D allocations for technology development are channelled through the National Advanced Sciences Agenda. Total expenditure is difficult to disaggregate as 4IR investments are embedded across multiple government programmes and private sector initiatives.