Exploring Human–AI Collaboration and Strategic Decision-Making in UAE Government Institutions: Reconfiguring Leadership and Human Judgement in the

Abstract

This study investigates human–AI collaboration and strategic decision-making in UAE government institutions, examining how artificial intelligence is transforming leadership practices, decision processes and human judgement. Although AI is integral to the UAE’s digital government transformation, existing research has focused mainly on technological adoption, organisational performance and digital transformation, leaving limited understanding of how human–AI collaboration reconfigures strategic decision-making and leadership responsibilities. The study addresses this gap by examining the relationship between human judgement and AI-enabled decision support, the effects of collaboration on strategic decision-making and organisational transformation, and emerging leadership challenges in AI-enabled governance. An exploratory qualitative research design was employed, drawing on academic literature, policy documents, official government publications and other documentary sources. The data were analysed thematically, guided by Dynamic Capabilities Theory, to identify patterns related to collaboration, decision-making, leadership transformation and human judgement. Findings show that AI is moving strategic decision-making towards collaborative arrangements in which AI provides analytical capabilities, predictive insights and decision support, while human leaders retain responsibility for contextual interpretation, ethical reasoning and final judgement. The study contributes by extending understanding of AI-enabled leadership through a human–AI collaboration perspective, demonstrating how technological capabilities and human judgement can be integrated within government decision processes. It concludes that effective AI governance requires complementarity rather than leadership displacement. Future research should examine these dynamics through empirical studies involving government leaders and employees across different UAE institutions and comparative public-sector contexts and broader institutional outcomes. The study recommends strengthening AI literacy, leadership capabilities, institutional readiness and responsible governance.