On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi’s Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council reviewed the emirate’s AI program, including a UAE-US campus and a bilateral task force assigned to speed development of AI tools for military purposes. Task Force Talon Synapse will be based in Abu Dhabi and include about 20 US and Emirati specialists in AI, data and cybersecurity.
Military AI and Cybersecurity
The UAE and the United States agreed in July to create Task Force Talon Synapse. Its stated purpose is to accelerate development of AI tools for military purposes. The task force will bring together about 20 personnel from the two countries, with specialisations in AI, data and cybersecurity, and operate from Abu Dhabi.
The council reviewed AI progress as the emirate pursues broader goals in research, talent development and government technology. The source article didn't detail specific military systems, operational deployments or projects assigned to the task force. It described the group’s purpose and planned composition.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed chaired Tuesday’s council meeting. He is Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi, National Security Adviser and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice Chairman of the council, attended.
Abu Dhabi’s AI Program
The council reviewed the UAE-US AI Campus in Abu Dhabi, AI research, specialised talent development and open AI models. It also reviewed the government’s plan to become the world’s first fully AI-native administration by 2027.
Sheikh Tahnoon said Abu Dhabi’s ambitions extend beyond adopting AI. The emirate aims to develop the underlying technology and shape its economy around it, he said. He also stressed directing investment, research and international partnerships toward building a lasting scientific and technological base.
According to Sheikh Tahnoon, that base is intended to enable people and institutions in Abu Dhabi to establish new industries and develop a model of government with AI at its core. His remarks linked the council’s review to the emirate’s stated objectives for technology, economic development and public administration.
The council serves as Abu Dhabi’s supreme authority for AI and advanced technology projects, investment and research. It sets policies, strategies and priorities across the emirate. Its remit includes the fields covered in Tuesday’s review, from research and specialised talent to government plans and advanced technology investment.
The meeting brought together the council’s chairman and vice chairman as they considered civilian ambitions and the UAE-US AI Campus. The military task force has a separate mandate: speeding development of AI tools for military purposes. It will be based in Abu Dhabi, with approximately 20 personnel drawn from US and Emirati specialists in AI, data and cybersecurity.
The announced details establish the task force’s location, approximate size, areas of expertise and stated purpose. The source article didn't provide further description of its activities. The government’s AI-native administration target remains set for 2027.