Purpose The purpose of this study is to empirically investigate the influence of innovation orientation, information sharing and service innovation in United Arab Emirates (UAE) government institutions. Design/methodology/approach Using a convenient sample approach, data was obtained from the UAE government agencies. The various constructions were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling in SmartPLS. Findings The results show that innovation orientation has an impact on service innovation. Knowledge sharing also functions as a moderator in the link between innovation orientation and government service innovation. Originality/value This paper contributes both theoretically and practically. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is one of the first studies to examine direct correlations between innovation orientation and government service innovation, giving evidence of the moderating function of knowledge sharing in innovation orientation and service innovation.