Abu Dhabi and OpenAI launch ‘world-first’ machine-readable government initiative

Abu Dhabi and OpenAI have launched an initiative to make government regulations readable by AI, helping officials assess applications for permits and certificates.

Called Machine-Readable Government, the project converts a defined set of policies and regulations into a format AI systems can process. Authorities describe it as the world’s first initiative of its kind and a step toward Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the first fully AI-native government, according to the official announcement.

The systems will assist with routine checks on whether applications meet regulatory requirements. Each assessment will be traceable to the rule behind it, with government officials retaining oversight and accountability for final decisions.

The first pilot is already operating at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, where it focuses on food imports. The Department of Government Enablement leads the initiative, and the AI computation runs inside UAE data centers.

The announcement followed a meeting between Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on November 2.

Separate agreements announced the same day will bring OpenAI’s technology into ADNOC’s operations and Mubadala’s investment analysis and risk assessment. A five-year partnership with Inception42, a G42 subsidiary, will support deployment across UAE government, businesses, and education.

“Abu Dhabi and the UAE are setting a bold, global standard for AI integration across both the public and private sectors,” Altman said.