HE Huda AlHashimi, Deputy Minister for Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs, UAE

1. How do you use technology/policy to improve citizens’ lives? Tell us about your role or organisation.

As the Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Strategic Affairs in the UAE, my work is deeply rooted in leveraging technology and forward-thinking policies to enhance the quality of life for our citizens. My role revolves around shaping the nation’s vision, streamlining governance across the government and setting strategic initiatives that drive innovation while ensuring that every policy we develop has a tangible impact on individuals and communities.

An example of an interesting program I have worked on is launching the “Government Accelerators," which serves as a platform for federal and local government entities to enhance the delivery of strategic programs, develop policies and regulations, and achieve ambitious goals while addressing pressing challenges within 100 days.

Another program I am particularly proud of is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI). Through initiatives like the “Edge of Government”, we explore and share groundbreaking innovations that tackle global and local challenges. For instance, last year, we highlighted the concept of storing government archives in the DNA of plants—a visionary approach to resource management and sustainability that exemplifies transformative solutions to new challenges.

These programs reflect how we integrate technology and policy to create meaningful outcomes for citizens, fostering innovation while setting global benchmarks for effective governance. 

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2. What was the most impactful project you worked on this year?  

This year, the most impactful project I worked on was the Zero Government Bureaucracy Program, launched during the UAE Annual Government Meetings in November 2023. This initiative represents a natural continuation of the progress we have made over the past 20 years, reaffirming how forward-thinking and proactive we are as a government. It underscores our commitment to leading by example in embracing innovation and creating a governance model that prioritizes efficiency and impact.

The program aims to eliminate redundant government procedures and simplify administrative processes for businesses and individuals alike. With a target of canceling at least 2,000 unnecessary government measures and cutting procedure processing times by 50%, this initiative highlights our determination to address challenges by simplifying and accelerating processes, reducing effort and time, and fostering enhanced collaboration with strategic partners. 

3. What was one unexpected learning from 2024?

One unexpected learning from 2024 was experiencing firsthand the transformative impact of implementing Strategic Intelligence on a national scale. While we have always recognized the power of data, knowledge, and analysis as critical drivers of decision-making, the launch of the We the UAE Strategic Intelligence Platform, this year, demonstrated how these elements can evolve from mere tools into enablers of collaboration, foresight, and meaningful impact. 

By leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and human expertise, Strategic Intelligence helps us identify trends, mitigate risks, and seize emerging opportunities. This year reinforced for me that intelligence, when combined with bold decision-making and a forward-thinking mindset, becomes the compass that steers us toward achieving our national vision. 

4. What’s a tool or technique you’re excited to explore in 2025? 

One tool I’m particularly excited to explore in 2025 is the integration of multi-dimensional intelligence systems, which combine environmental, social, geopolitical, and technological insights into a unified decision-making framework. 

With rapid advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain, we have undeniably entered the “Intelligent Age”, as highlighted by the World Economic Forum. It’s particularly inspiring that the WEF’s Annual Meeting in Davos, themed "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age," will kick off the year by addressing this subject. Exploring the new tools introduced and how they can align with the UAE’s strategic objectives will be key for us. 

5. Everybody’s talking about AI today – give us your hot take on AI and what it means for the public sector. 

AI is one of the most transformative tools shaping our era, and its potential for the public sector is unmatched. For governments, AI is more than just a technological advancement—it’s a means to build smarter systems that are more responsive to people’s needs. From improving public safety and streamlining services to enabling better, data-driven policy decisions, AI opens doors to reimagining governance and delivering impactful results. 

Beyond innovation, AI is driving unprecedented levels of productivity in public sector allowing for fast decision-making, AI enables us to tackle more complex challenges while reducing inefficiencies.

However, with these advancements come significant responsibilities. Governments must prioritize using AI in ways that uphold ethics, inclusiveness, and transparency. In the UAE, AI is a cornerstone of our vision for empowerment, helping us solve problems efficiently and plan ahead for emerging challenges.

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6. What are your priorities for 2025?

My priorities for 2025 focus on ensuring the UAE stays on track to achieve the ambitious goals of "We the UAE 2031." This involves pushing the boundaries of innovation, particularly in emerging technologies, to sustain our leadership in governance. Additionally, we will prioritize delivering strategic, high-impact transformative projects that establish the UAE as a global benchmark for pioneering strategies, innovation, sustainability, and proactive leadership on the world stage.

Another critical priority is onboarding all government entities onto the Strategic Intelligence Platform. By embedding data-driven insights and forward-thinking decision-making across all levels of government, we aim to foster a culture of informed leadership that accelerates our vision and strengthens our global competitiveness.

As an active member of the UAE Gender Balance Council, I am committed to advancing initiatives that empower women in technology and innovation. Encouraging women in these fields not only enhances our national capabilities but also enriches the perspectives that will shape our future. 

7. What advice do you have for public sector innovators? 

My advice to public sector innovators is simple: dream big and never let the fear of failure hold you back. Take inspiration from the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum: "The word impossible does not exist in our dictionary." This powerful statement reminds us that groundbreaking achievements start with bold ideas and belief in their possibility. True innovation begins with the courage to imagine what others see as unattainable and the determination to make it a reality. 

Approach your work with the mindset of building a forward-looking government—one that embraces innovation and experimentation. Explore uncharted territories, even when others hesitate. By pushing boundaries and thinking beyond conventional limits, you can create transformative solutions that drive progress and set new standards of excellence. 

8. Who inspires you today? 

We are blessed in the UAE to have inspiring leaders who are visionaries, innovators, thinkers, and pioneers in pushing boundaries. Both His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum embody these qualities, driving our nation forward with their unwavering belief in possibility and progress. Their commitment to fostering resilience and long-term prosperity serves as a guiding principle for all of us.

They inspire us not just to dream ambitiously but to take decisive action—encouraging us to think boldly, innovate fearlessly, and always strive for excellence. Their leadership reminds us that with vision, determination, and collaboration, we can shape a future filled with opportunity and hope.