The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat has announced that the upcoming Friday sermon in the UAE will urge worshippers to uphold national loyalty and report activities that may threaten security, while warning against actions that undermine national unity.

Delivered under the title “Whoever betrays our nation is not one of us”, the sermon will emphasise that honesty and trust are core Islamic values, describing betrayal as a grave sin.

Worshippers, particularly youth, will be urged to remain vigilant and not be misled by narratives. The message will stress unity, adherence to authentic teachings, and respect for the country’s laws and leadership.

It will also highlight the role of security services in safeguarding stability and urge individuals to report suspicious behaviour through official channels, noting that concealing wrongdoing is itself a serious offence.

The sermon will pay tribute to the UAE Armed Forces ahead of their unification anniversary on May 6, and conclude with prayers for the nation’s safety, leadership and continued prosperity.

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The UAE will transition 50 per cent of its government services, operations and sectors to autonomous artificial intelligence systems within the next two years, under directives issued by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The major shift was announced on Thursday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said the country would move half of its government services to AI-driven systems as part of a new governance model.

Describing the initiative as a next-generation government system, Sheikh Mohammed said the UAE aims to become the first country in the world to adopt ‘agentic AI’ models capable of independently executing tasks, managing processes and supporting decision-making without direct human intervention.

He noted that advanced AI technologies are now able to monitor changes, analyse data, provide recommendations and carry out sequences of actions autonomously, adding that such systems would function as an executive partner to government entities. The move is expected to enhance efficiency, improve service delivery and enable real-time evaluation and optimisation across public sector operations.

Sheikh Mohammed also said that ministers, directors-general and federal entities would be assessed over the next two years based on how effectively they keep pace with the transformation, including the speed at which they adopt AI tools and implement new operational standards.

As part of the initiative, all federal government employees will undergo specialised training in artificial intelligence to build the capabilities required to support what has been described as one of the largest government transformation projects globally.

How AI shift could affect daily life

• Applications, approvals, and renewals could be processed much quicker.
• Expect fewer in-person visits and more services handled online.
• AI systems don’t sleep, some services may become available 24/7.
• Real-time tracking and instant status updates on requests.
• Policies and services may improve based on data-driven insights.
• Basic processes (like renewals or payments) could be fully automated.
• Problems or delays in services may be identified and fixed sooner.
• Increased reliance on digital systems may bring stronger data controls, but also higher awareness around privacy.

The UAE Central Bank has banned banks from using messaging apps like WhatsApp for customer services, but what does that actually mean for you?

Here’s a simple breakdown 

No more banking over WhatsApp

If you’ve ever:

• Messaged your bank on WhatsApp
• Received account details or updates
• Got verification codes or documents

That’s now completely banned.

Banks are no longer allowed to use messaging apps for any financial communication.

Your data will be safer

The main reason for the ban is security.

Messaging apps can:

• Be used for scams or impersonation
• Allow easy sharing of sensitive info (screenshots/forwards)
• Store or process data outside the UAE

The new rule ensures your banking data stays protected and within the country.

What you can’t do anymore

Through apps like WhatsApp, you will not be able to:

• Transfer money
• Pay bills
• Open or close accounts
• Receive PINs or OTPs
• Share documents like Emirates ID or bank statements

Where you should bank instead

Going forward, banks will direct you to official channels only, such as:

• Mobile banking apps
• Secure websites
• Call centres
• Physical branches

 If someone asks you to share banking details over WhatsApp, that’s a red flag.

Watch out for scams

This change also helps you identify fraud more easily:

Banks will not contact you on WhatsApp for sensitive matters anymore

So if you get such a message, it’s likely a scam.

When this takes effect

Banks have until the end of April to fully stop using messaging apps. After that, violations could lead to penalties.

This isn’t about convenience, it’s about protecting your money and personal data. Expect fewer casual interactions with banks, but much stronger security.