UAE strengthens global leadership in digital innovation and AI
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.
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