UAE Tops Global Digital Transformation Rankings in 2025
According to the UN E-Government Survey 2024, the country secured first place globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index with a perfect score, reflecting its advanced digital networks.
The UAE also maintained its world-leading position in mobile internet speed from July 2024 to June 2025, as per Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, recording an average download speed of 546.14 Mbps in June.
Government digital services continue to expand, with 173.7 million transactions completed in 2024 and a satisfaction rate of 91% across 1,419 services. Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth globally, respectively, in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, highlighting progress in smart infrastructure and quality of life.
The country also topped the region in Oxford Insights' Government AI Readiness Index 2024, reflecting strong investments in AI, research, and innovation. Experts note that the UAE's 'people-first' digital transformation policies, such as Dubai's 360 Services initiative, are setting global benchmarks for service integration, efficiency, and AI-driven solutions.
Economic projections suggest AI could contribute 13.6% to the UAE's GDP — around US$100 billion — by 2030, further cementing the country's role as a global model for innovation and sustainable growth.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
2 days ago
- Gulf Today
ADFD: Strategic partner in advancing comprehensive Arab development
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) has reinforced its position as one of the most prominent contributors in supporting economic and social progresses efforts in Arab countries, financing strategic projects that promote stability, drive growth and enhance quality of life, underscoring the UAE's steadfast commitment to its Arab neighbours. In recent years, the fund has broadened its engagement across the Arab region, translating its mission into tangible projects in vital sectors such as healthcare, energy and infrastructure, areas that are fundamental to the stability and future of communities. Each project represents a solid step forward in the path to comprehensive development. According to its 2024 Annual Report, ADFD's cumulative development financing reached Dhs216.5 billion, benefiting 107 countries across various continents. This total comprises Dhs157 billion in concessional loans, Dhs57.6 billion in government grants, and Dhs1.9 billion in direct contributions. In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the Fund said that in 2024 it managed six UAE government grants to Arab nations worth a combined Dhs810 million, benefiting Jordan, Morocco, Yemen and Mauritania. Jordan received more than Dhs452 million for three key projects: a national digital health transformation programme, budget support, and a reading skills development programme. Morocco was allocated Dhs129 million for the expansion of the Oued Akrach - Ain Aouda Road, Yemen received Dhs45 million for a solar power project in Socotra, and Mauritania was granted Dhs184 million for the Applied Sciences College. Among the standout initiatives is Jordan's recently launched 'Jordan Digital Health Centre', which aims to connect healthcare centres and create an integrated electronic medical records management system through a unified digital platform, to enhance Jordan's healthcare sector in delivering remote care services aligned with international standards. Phase one has already linked five hospitals in remote areas and three health centres across the kingdom, reflecting the depth of the UAE–Jordan cooperation in advancing development through digital innovation. The fund also oversees UAE grants under the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), with Dhs4.6 billion allocated each to Jordan and Morocco between 2012 and 2024 to support projects that directly improve citizens' lives. In the same period, Bahrain received an Dhs9.2 billion grant under the GCC Development Programme for major projects across various sectors. In 2025, ADFD has continued to implement high-impact investment projects across the Arab world. These include Egypt's 'Sofitel Legend Pyramids Giza' to support the tourism sector, an integrated tourism venture in Salalah, Oman, and the expansion of Bahrain International Airport. The fund has also advanced renewable energy in the Comoros through a solar power station, supported community stability in Somaliland with a housing project, and in June signed a financing agreement with the GCC Interconnection Authority for a strategic project to strengthen regional energy security. By championing strategic, high-value initiatives, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development continues to act as a vital bridge for progress, reflecting the UAE's enduring commitment to spreading stability and prosperity across the Arab region and beyond. WAM
Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Hi Dubai
UAE Tops Global Digital Transformation Rankings in 2025
The UAE has reinforced its global leadership in digital transformation, earning top spots in multiple international rankings for 2025. According to the UN E-Government Survey 2024, the country secured first place globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index with a perfect score, reflecting its advanced digital networks. The UAE also maintained its world-leading position in mobile internet speed from July 2024 to June 2025, as per Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, recording an average download speed of 546.14 Mbps in June. Government digital services continue to expand, with 173.7 million transactions completed in 2024 and a satisfaction rate of 91% across 1,419 services. Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth globally, respectively, in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, highlighting progress in smart infrastructure and quality of life. The country also topped the region in Oxford Insights' Government AI Readiness Index 2024, reflecting strong investments in AI, research, and innovation. Experts note that the UAE's 'people-first' digital transformation policies, such as Dubai's 360 Services initiative, are setting global benchmarks for service integration, efficiency, and AI-driven solutions. Economic projections suggest AI could contribute 13.6% to the UAE's GDP — around US$100 billion — by 2030, further cementing the country's role as a global model for innovation and sustainable growth. News Source: Emirates News Agency
Sharjah 24
3 days ago
- Sharjah 24
UAE strengthens global leadership in digital innovation and AI
People-centric transformation approach Both public and private sectors are implementing policies that center on people—recognising them as both the drivers and beneficiaries of digital progress. Numerous international reports highlight the UAE's rapid advancement in digitalisation and its top rankings in major global indices. Global recognition in digital infrastructure According to the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, the UAE ranked first globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, with a perfect score of 100%, underscoring the robustness and efficiency of its digital infrastructure. World-leading mobile internet speed In the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla, the UAE held the top global position for mobile internet speed from July 2024 to June 2025. In June 2025 alone, it recorded an average download speed of 546.14 Mbps, outpacing all other countries. Milestone achievements in government digital services In 2024, the UAE government successfully completed 173.7 million digital transactions. Over 57 million beneficiaries accessed 1,419 digital services, with a 91% satisfaction rate, reflecting the effectiveness and reach of its digital government services. Smart City success in global rankings In the IMD Smart City Index 2025, Dubai ranked 4th globally and 1st in the Arab world, while Abu Dhabi ranked 5th globally. These rankings highlight the UAE's commitment to smart infrastructure and improving quality of life. AI leadership in the region The UAE also topped the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 for the MENA region, issued by Oxford Insights, placing it ahead of 193 countries. This ranking acknowledges government efficiency, data availability, and tech sector development. Strategic investments in AI and innovation The Interregional Centre for Strategic Analysis in Abu Dhabi emphasised the UAE's progress toward AI leadership, thanks to focused investments in research, skills development, and innovation. Expert insights: UAE as a global model According to experts interviewed by Emirates News Agency (WAM), the UAE has not only led the region but emerged as a global model in comprehensive digital transformation. Industry perspectives on digital excellence Rasha Abdo, Director at Infobip, highlighted the UAE's perfect score in the Telecommunications Index as evidence of its strong digital foundation. She praised initiatives like Dubai's 360 Services policy for enhancing proactive, people-first services across sectors. Abdo added that both government and private sectors are leveraging AI and automation to redefine digital service delivery, especially in banking, retail, and healthcare. Human-centered digital innovation Amjad Al Sabbagh, VP at Sprinklr, noted that the UAE's digital ecosystem now goes beyond technology adoption to delivering personalised user experiences. He emphasised the country's forward-thinking approach that anticipates user needs and focuses on human-centric innovation. Vision for the future: Economic impact of AI Al Sabbagh also pointed to the UAE's plan to double the digital economy's GDP contribution by 2030. With AI projected to contribute 13.6% to GDP (US$100 billion), the nation is well-positioned to achieve its goals of economic diversification and sustainable innovation.
