In most countries, the usual ministries still reign: defense, finance, health. But in others, governments are now taking charge of happiness, loneliness—and even the future.
🇦🇪 UAE: Ministry of Artificial Intelligence
In 2017, the United Arab Emirates became the first country in the world to establish a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence. The role was given to 27-year-old Omar Al Olama. The goal? To integrate AI wherever possible: in government, the economy, and daily life. Like it or not—AI is now a state affair.
🇦🇪 UAE: Ministry of Happiness
A year earlier, in 2016, the UAE launched another bold idea: the Ministry of Happiness. Its task? To make people happier. That meant changes to architecture, healthcare, even public services. Because happiness isn’t just for vacations—it’s also for your everyday commute.
🇬🇧 UK: Ministry of Loneliness
No, this isn’t a joke. In 2018, the UK appointed a Minister for Loneliness—Tracey Crouch—after research revealed alarming levels of social isolation. The initiative focused on the elderly, but programs are still evolving to help people feel less alone. And not just on TikTok.
🇧🇹 Bhutan: Gross National Happiness Center
Bhutan doesn’t lose sleep over GDP. Instead, they’ve got GNH—Gross National Happiness. It’s a real government body, working like a ministry, that factors in nature, spirituality, traditions, and life quality. Rain showers and inner peace included.
🇯🇵 Japan: Cybersecurity Minister Without… a Computer
In 2018, Japan appointed Yoshitaka Sakurada as cybersecurity minister. The twist? He admitted he’d never used a computer. Not once. Unsurprisingly, the move sparked outrage, especially with the Tokyo Olympics approaching. But hey—at least he couldn’t download a virus.
🇮🇸 Iceland: Tourism Meets Digital Future
Iceland merged tourism and digital development into one ministry. Because to them, the future is more than geysers—it’s also about fast and beautiful digital services. Hot springs, meet broadband.
🇫🇮 Finland: The Council for the Future
Finland runs a government council dedicated to innovations and foresight. Their job is to spot where the world is headed—and invest accordingly. It’s like a public-sector futurist club, with real funding.
🇮🇱 Israel: AI & Gender Equality
In 2025, Israel created the Directorate of AI and Autonomy under the Ministry of Defense. Its portfolio includes everything from combat drones to civilian tech. Previously, Israel had a dedicated ministry for women’s advancement—but it was dissolved in early 2024. Gender issues now fall under the Ministry of Social Equality.
While some countries are still debating how many ministries are “enough,” others are drafting the future—appointing ministers for loneliness, AI, and digital dreams. Some departments handle missiles. Others handle happiness. And perhaps that’s the clearest sign of our era: in the 21st century, the world no longer splits into left or right—but into those terrified of change, and those bold enough to lead it.
