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CairoScene
28-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
UAE Tops Global Rankings in Telecom Digital Government & Content
UAE Tops Global Rankings in Telecom Digital Government & Content The UAE ranks first globally in telecom infrastructure, digital government framework, and digital content, as outlined in the latest State of Digital Transformation Report released in Dubai. The United Arab Emirates has ranked first globally in telecommunications infrastructure, digital government framework, and digital content, according to the second edition of the State of Digital Transformation Report. The report was launched by the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation during the Digital Readiness Retreat in Dubai. The document outlines the country's progress in digital governance across 12 sectors including health, education, finance, justice, economy, and infrastructure. It also details the UAE's global positioning in a range of international benchmarks. In addition to topping multiple UN indices, the UAE ranked first in Oxford Insights' Government AI Readiness Index 2024, third for government service delivery, fourth in the World Bank's GovTech Maturity Index, and 11th in both the IMD Digital Competitiveness Index and the UN E-Government Development Index. In 2024, federal government entities processed 173.7 million digital transactions. Federal websites recorded 131.5 million visits, while mobile government applications were downloaded 26.3 million times. The number of digital services reached 1,419, with 195 classified as priority services. The overall satisfaction rate was reported at 91 percent, with more than 57 million users benefiting from these services. There are currently 460 ongoing digital transformation projects across federal institutions. The report states that digital transformation has led to AED 368 billion in user savings and AED 20 billion in reduced government operating costs. It also saved 530 million labour hours and contributed to a reduction of 55.8 million tonnes in carbon emissions. The UAE Pass digital identity system registered 10.8 million users and is now integrated with over 15,000 services. It supports a total of 2.6 billion transactions. In the economic sector, 5.2 million tax filings were processed alongside over 300,000 origin certificates and trademark requests. The finance sector reported thousands of new vendor registrations, market accreditations, and foreign fund renewals. Human resources services included over 13 million work permit applications and employment contract transactions. In healthcare, 2 million prescriptions were dispensed through robotic pharmacies, 1 million AI-assisted chest X-rays were conducted, and 437,900 remote consultations took place. Education platforms supported over a million learners, with hundreds of thousands of university course registrations processed. Justice and security sectors recorded millions of digital fines, vehicle registrations, and criminal record applications. In identity and residency, millions of ID and permit renewals were completed. Infrastructure, logistics, environment, and cultural services were also delivered digitally across thousands of transactions.
Sharjah 24
27-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
UAE ranks first globally in telecom infrastructure
The report highlights the UAE government's digital achievements across 12 key sectors, including the economy, finance, human resources, health, education, community development, culture and youth, immigration and foreign affairs, security and justice, infrastructure and energy, logistics, and the environment. Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future in the UAE Government and Chair of the Committee, said digital readiness and transformation are central to the UAE leadership's vision, aiming to eliminate bureaucracy and enhance quality of life through technology. She noted the report tracks major digital achievements over the past year, showcasing the UAE's leadership in global competitiveness indices related to digital governance. It is intended to motivate further efforts to meet national digital goals. The report notes that the UAE ranked first globally in the UN indices for telecommunications infrastructure, digital government framework, digital content, and digital knowledge. It also topped the global 'Government AI Readiness Index 2024' by Oxford Insights, ranked third in government service delivery, and placed fourth in GovTech Maturity Index according to the World Bank. The country came in 11th in both the IMD's Digital Competitiveness Index and the UN E-Government Development Index. Digital government efforts resulted in significant efficiency gains, including AED368 billion saved for users and AED20 billion in government cost reductions. The transformation also saved 530 million labour hours and cut carbon emissions by 55.8 million tonnes. In 2024 alone, UAE federal government entities processed 173.7 million digital transactions. Federal websites attracted 131.5 million visits, and government apps were downloaded 26.3 million times. A total of 1,419 digital services are now offered, including 195 classified as priority. The satisfaction rate for digital services reached 91 percent, with more than 57 million users benefiting. There are currently 460 active digital transformation projects across federal agencies. In the digital government sector, 10.8 million individuals used the UAE Pass, which now connects to 15,000 services and supports 2.6 billion integrated digital transactions. In the economic sector, 5.2 million tax transactions were completed digitally, alongside 316,800 certificates of origin and 64,100 trademark registration and renewal requests. The finance sector processed 8,300 vendor registrations, 2,500 financial market employee accreditations, and 1,000 foreign investment fund renewals. Human resources saw 13.2 million work permit applications and 8 million employment contract transactions, with 1.2 million training hours delivered through the 'Jahiz' digital learning platform. In health, 2 million prescriptions were filled using robotic pharmacies, 1 million chest X-rays were conducted using artificial intelligence, and 437,900 remote medical consultations were held. The education sector delivered digital learning to 1.4 million individuals and processed 445,700 university course registrations. Community services answered 115,600 digital inquiries and completed 243,800 zakat and donation transactions, as well as 125,700 digital requests for fatwas and zakat calculations. In justice and security, 4.2 million traffic fine payments, 1.5 million vehicle registrations, and 417,800 criminal record certificate applications were processed digitally. The identity and residency sector handled 4.7 million Emirates ID renewals, 1.6 million private sector residency permit renewals, and 596,200 digital document attestations. Infrastructure and logistics services completed 5,900 housing assistance requests, issued 68,500 national transport permits, and granted 3,000 nuclear activity licenses. In the environmental sector, authorities processed 76,600 plant health certificates, 39,600 veterinary export certificates, and 59,900 agricultural product clearance transactions. In the culture sector, 2,400 library memberships were issued, 368 cultural artifacts were registered, and 162 event space rental requests were fulfilled.
TECHx
27-05-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Digital Transformation: UAE Leads Global Rankings
Home » Latest news » UAE Tops Global Rankings in Digital Transformation The UAE has achieved top global rankings in several digital transformation indices, according to the second edition of the State of Digital Transformation Report . The report was released by the UAE's Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation during the recent Digital Readiness Retreat. It revealed the country's progress across 12 key sectors. The UAE ranked first globally in telecommunications infrastructure, the institutional framework for digital government, and the digital content index. It also led the UN indices for digital knowledge and governance frameworks. Additionally, the UAE topped the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 by Oxford Insights. It ranked third in government service delivery and fourth in the World Bank's GovTech Maturity Index . The country also placed 11th in both the IMD Digital Competitiveness Index and the UN E-Government Development Index . Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Chair of the Committee, announced that digital readiness is central to the UAE leadership's vision. She stated that the government aims to eliminate bureaucracy and improve quality of life through technology. The report highlighted digital achievements over the past year and called for continued efforts to meet national digital goals. It reported: AED368 billion saved for users AED20 billion in government cost reductions It also noted that 530 million labour hours were saved and carbon emissions were reduced by 55.8 million tonnes. In 2024, UAE federal entities processed 173.7 million digital transactions. Government websites recorded 131.5 million visits, and apps were downloaded 26.3 million times. Currently, 1,419 digital services are available, including 195 priority services. The report revealed that the satisfaction rate for digital services reached 91 percent. More than 57 million users have benefited. There are now 460 active digital transformation projects across federal agencies. In the digital identity sector, 10.8 million individuals used the UAE Pass. This service now connects to 15,000 offerings and supports 2.6 billion integrated transactions. The economy sector reported 5.2 million digital tax transactions. It also processed 316,800 certificates of origin and 64,100 trademark registration and renewal requests. The finance sector handled 8,300 vendor registrations, 2,500 financial market employee accreditations, and 1,000 foreign investment fund renewals. In human resources, 13.2 million work permit applications and 8 million employment contracts were processed. Additionally, 1.2 million training hours were delivered through the Jahiz digital learning platform. Healthcare achievements included 2 million prescriptions through robotic pharmacies, 1 million AI chest X-rays, and 437,900 remote consultations. The education sector digitally served 1.4 million individuals and handled 445,700 university course registrations. Community services processed 115,600 digital inquiries, 243,800 zakat and donation transactions, and 125,700 fatwa and zakat calculation requests. Justice and security services completed 4.2 million traffic fine payments, 1.5 million vehicle registrations, and 417,800 criminal record certificate applications. The identity and residency sector managed 4.7 million Emirates ID renewals and 1.6 million private sector residency permits. It also completed 596,200 digital document attestations. Infrastructure and logistics revealed 5,900 housing assistance requests, 68,500 national transport permits, and 3,000 nuclear activity licenses. In the environment sector, authorities processed 76,600 plant health certificates, 39,600 veterinary export certificates, and 59,900 agricultural product clearances. In culture, 2,400 library memberships were issued. Officials also registered 368 cultural artifacts and approved 162 event space rentals. The report confirmed that the UAE continues to lead in digital transformation globally.
Al Etihad
27-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE ranks first globally in telecom infrastructure, digital government framework, digital content
27 May 2025 09:30 DUBAI (WAM) The UAE has secured the top global ranking in the telecommunications infrastructure index, the institutional framework for digital government, and the digital content index, according to the second edition of the 'State of Digital Transformation Report'. The report was released by the UAE's Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation during the recent Digital Readiness report highlights the UAE government's digital achievements across 12 key sectors, including the economy, finance, human resources, health, education, community development, culture and youth, immigration and foreign affairs, security and justice, infrastructure and energy, logistics, and the bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future in the UAE Government and Chair of the Committee, said digital readiness and transformation are central to the UAE leadership's vision, aiming to eliminate bureaucracy and enhance quality of life through noted the report tracks major digital achievements over the past year, showcasing the UAE's leadership in global competitiveness indices related to digital governance. It is intended to motivate further efforts to meet national digital report notes that the UAE ranked first globally in the UN indices for telecommunications infrastructure, digital government framework, digital content, and digital also topped the global 'Government AI Readiness Index 2024' by Oxford Insights, ranked third in government service delivery, and placed fourth in GovTech Maturity Index according to the World Bank. The country came in 11th in both the IMD's Digital Competitiveness Index and the UN E-Government Development government efforts resulted in significant efficiency gains, including Dh368 billion saved for users and Dh20 billion in government cost reductions. The transformation also saved 530 million labour hours and cut carbon emissions by 55.8 million 2024 alone, UAE federal government entities processed 173.7 million digital transactions. Federal websites attracted 131.5 million visits, and government apps were downloaded 26.3 million times. A total of 1,419 digital services are now offered, including 195 classified as priority. The satisfaction rate for digital services reached 91 percent, with more than 57 million users benefiting. There are currently 460 active digital transformation projects across federal the digital government sector, 10.8 million individuals used the UAE Pass, which now connects to 15,000 services and supports 2.6 billion integrated digital transactions. In the economic sector, 5.2 million tax transactions were completed digitally, alongside 316,800 certificates of origin and 64,100 trademark registration and renewal finance sector processed 8,300 vendor registrations, 2,500 financial market employee accreditations, and 1,000 foreign investment fund resources saw 13.2 million work permit applications and 8 million employment contract transactions, with 1.2 million training hours delivered through the 'Jahiz' digital learning health, 2 million prescriptions were filled using robotic pharmacies, 1 million chest X-rays were conducted using artificial intelligence, and 437,900 remote medical consultations were held. The education sector delivered digital learning to 1.4 million individuals and processed 445,700 university course services answered 115,600 digital inquiries and completed 243,800 zakat and donation transactions, as well as 125,700 digital requests for fatwas and zakat calculations. In justice and security, 4.2 million traffic fine payments, 1.5 million vehicle registrations, and 417,800 criminal record certificate applications were processed identity and residency sector handled 4.7 million Emirates ID renewals, 1.6 million private sector residency permit renewals, and 596,200 digital document attestations. Infrastructure and logistics services completed 5,900 housing assistance requests, issued 68,500 national transport permits, and granted 3,000 nuclear activity licenses. In the environmental sector, authorities processed 76,600 plant health certificates, 39,600 veterinary export certificates, and 59,900 agricultural product clearance transactions. In the culture sector, 2,400 library memberships were issued, 368 cultural artifacts were registered, and 162 event space rental requests were fulfilled.
Arab News
02-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
GCC's digital push nears global standards but gaps remain: IMF report
RIYADH: Economies across the Gulf Cooperation Council region are closing the gap with advanced nations when it comes to digital transformation, according to a new International Monetary Fund report. The study found that the region has rapidly advanced in digital infrastructure and government services since the pandemic but still faces challenges in financial inclusion, corporate digital adoption, and workforce readiness for artificial intelligence. The findings come as Gulf states accelerate efforts to diversify their oil-dependent economies through technology-driven growth. Saudi Arabia has launched multi-billion-dollar initiatives such as NEOM, Dubai has pushed forward the Digital Silk Road, while Bahrain and Qatar are emerging as fintech hubs. 'Digitalization is transforming the global economic and financial landscape, with the potential to boost productivity and promote diversification in the Gulf Cooperation Council,' stated the report. 'The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated the digitalization agenda globally, creating new opportunities for the digital economy as an increased number of activities have shifted online,' it added. The IMF report highlighted that the GCC's digital acceleration has been particularly notable in public sector services and connectivity. The region's 'GovTech Maturity Index,' which measures digital government transformation, now rivals or exceeds the average of advanced economies. Saudi Arabia and the UAE lead the region, with their GTMI scores ranking above the 95th percentile globally. 'Most GCC countries have a higher GTMI than the AE (advanced economy) average in 2022, with substantial progress made in every GCC country since the onset of the pandemic,' the report said. Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia saw particularly sharp improvements, driven by initiatives such as Bahrain's Tawasul platform for citizen engagement and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 digital economy push. The report noted that progress has been uneven, with Kuwait lagging in digital citizen engagement and core government systems, while Oman has room for improvement in public service delivery. 'Kuwait, for instance, trails behind its regional counterparts in critical areas, such as digital citizen engagement and the robustness of core government systems,' the IMF report noted. Fintech growth and financial inclusion gaps The financial sector has also seen rapid digitalization, particularly in fintech. Saudi Arabia and the UAE dominate regional investment in this area, with Saudi fintech funding deals surging 80-fold between 2019 and 2022. Regulatory sandboxes, first introduced in Bahrain, have spread across the GCC, fostering innovation in digital banking and payments. Despite these advances, the IMF noted that financial inclusion remains a challenge. While access to bank accounts and digital payments has improved, the GCC still lags behind advanced economies. The report explained that digitalization is strongly correlated with financial inclusion, particularly in emerging markets. A one-unit increase in the IMF's EDAI — a composite measure of digital progress — is associated with a 0.76 percentage point rise in financial inclusion in emerging markets. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia stand out as having the highest potential gains from further digitalization. The estimated coefficients of the interaction term for both the countries are positive and significant, indicating a larger-than-EM average effect of digitalization on financial inclusion, the report stated. Corporate sector and AI The corporate sector's digital adoption varies widely across the GCC. While the region boasts world-class digital infrastructure, local production of digital goods and services remains limited. The report highlighted that Saudi Arabia's share of inputs from digital industries is significantly lower than in countries at the forefront of digitalization. Companies in digitally intensive industries, however, have shown greater resilience during economic downturns. 'Firms in industries with high intensity of digital inputs suffer smaller revenue losses, and so do firms in digital-intensive industries,' the report added. Artificial intelligence adoption is rising, with 62 percent of respondents in a McKinsey survey reporting AI use in at least one business function. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are regional leaders in AI preparedness, but gaps persist in digital innovation and regulations. 'The GCC is better prepared than an average emerging market in embracing AI, but gaps remain relative to advanced economies,' the IMF report stated. Policy priorities: skills, regulation, and inclusivity The report identified several key areas where the GCC needs to concentrate its efforts to maintain and build upon its digital progress. One major focus should be on enhancing digital skills, as the region currently trails behind advanced economies in both basic digital literacy and more advanced ICT capabilities. Implementing comprehensive programs to upskill workers, with particular emphasis on emerging fields like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, will be crucial for future growth. Another critical area is the strengthening of fintech regulations. While regulatory sandboxes have successfully encouraged innovation in the financial technology sector, the GCC now requires more comprehensive regulatory frameworks to ensure long-term stability and proper consumer protections as these digital financial services expand. The report also highlighted the importance of boosting digital adoption among corporations, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. Wider integration of digital tools across businesses could significantly improve overall productivity and make companies more resilient to economic fluctuations. Finally, as automation and AI continue transforming the job market, the IMF findings noted that GCC will need to proactively address potential labor market disruptions. This includes developing robust social safety nets and creating effective retraining programs to help workers transition into new roles, minimizing the negative impacts of technological displacement on the workforce. The IMF emphasized that cybersecurity and data protection reforms are also key to maintaining trust in digital ecosystems. A regional leader with room to grow The IMF report's findings underscore that while the GCC's digital transformation has been impressive, the journey is far from over. With targeted policies, the region can solidify its position as a global digital hub while ensuring that the benefits of technology are widely shared. 'Decisive implementation of the GCC countries' comprehensive reform agendas — with a special focus on bridging the digital divide and ensuring labor market inclusiveness — will support their efforts to further digitalization,' the report said.
