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H.E. Dr. Ohoud Shehail, Director General of the Ajman Digital Government, offers a deeply human perspective on what defines success in digital government.
In this compelling conversation, H.E. Dr. Ohoud Shehail, Director General of the Department of Digital Ajman, reveals why putting people, not platforms, at the center of digital transformation is the public sector’s most strategic advantage.
Technology may power modern governance, but Dr. Shehail argues that transformation fails when systems prioritize speed over empathy and data over trust. Speaking at the GovTech 2025 Conclave on the panel Redefining Public Sector Efficiency With AI and Automation, moderated by Abhinav Mishra, Director of MIT Sloan Management Review Middle East, Dr. Shehail offers a deeply human perspective on what truly defines success in digital government.
Dr. Shehail explains why governments must be wary of what she calls “digital disorientation”—a misalignment between rapid AI adoption and the real needs of citizens and public servants.
Building on her extensive experience leading digital change in Ajman, Dr. Shehail challenges the obsession with buzzwords like “disruption” and “agility,” urging leaders to focus instead on continuity, inclusivity, and a mindset that values people over platforms.
Key Takeaways From the Conversation Include:
- AI is an extension of digitization and automation, designed to deliver frictionless, customer-centric services and not just a tech trend to chase.
- Technology complements humans; success hinges on self-driven, skilled employees who continuously upskill to harness AI effectively.
- Avoid “digital disorientation” by focusing on the citizen journey, not just isolated tech touchpoints.
Dr. Shehail’s insights provide a blueprint for aligning digital transformation with human intent, and a reminder that technology should serve people, not the other way around.
For a deeper dive into these themes, watch the full “Redefining Public Sector Efficiency With AI and Automation” panel from GovTech 2025 Conclave.
Our sponsors include Presenting Partner e& enterprise; Strategic Partner TII; Video Collaboration Partners Logitech and ASBIS; Consulting Partner Sia; Education Partner Coursera; Gold Partners TP and Verint; Silver Partners Liferay and Protiviti; and Exhibiting Partners Beinex, ManageEngine, Prezlab, Answered by Aramex, and Airia – Enterprise AI Simplified.
