In 2026, governments worldwide are grappling with a new strategic question: what it means to be AI-native. The UAE offers an early example of how a pro-AI state is built. Abu Dhabi is committed to advancing an AI-native government, as detailed in its Digital Strategy for 2025–2027. The vision is clear: translating AI ambition into operational reality across government entities and services.
This roundtable convenes senior public-sector and industry leaders to examine how governments can move from experimentation to scalable impact by unifying process orchestration, data, and AI—enabled by process excellence. Experience across departments and ministries shows that AI delivers sustainable, trusted value only when embedded in well-orchestrated, end-to-end processes.
This edition of MIT SMR Connections, in partnership with Appian, explores governance, security, and measurable outcomes, and how platforms like Appian can support the safe, scalable operationalization of AI aligned with strategic and national priorities.
Briefing Points
1. The Greatest Impact on 4.4M
With Process Excellence (PEX) as a systematic approach, what processes possess great potential to transform Abu Dhabi’s 4.4 million citizens and propel its AI-native government ambitions?
2. From Pilot to Scale: A Reality Check
As the UAE pushes for innovation and invention on a large scale, the country faces an embarrassment of riches. However, how many can truly transition into an enterprise-scale deployment? And what barriers need to be addressed and overcome?
3. Next-Gen Capabilities
By 2030, the UAE’s smart government market is projected to reach $785.7 million. Yet realizing its full potential raises a critical question: where should governments focus to accelerate AI’s impact—process orchestration, data foundations, or AI enablement, and why?
A closed-door roundtable discussion examining how Abu Dhabi can translate its AI-native government ambition into execution—operationalizing AI across government entities through scalable, governed, and secure digital foundations.
Apply here to become a speaker at this or other MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East events.
Apply for Next EventFor any queries, please reach out to marketing@mitsloanme.com
