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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.
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Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
First-ever digital FDI forum kicks off
The collaboration between Raast and Buna will help overseas Pakistanis in instantly sending remittances back home through the digital infrastructure, making cross-border transactions easy and convenient. PHOTO: FILE Listen to article Pakistan marked a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey on Tuesday with the inauguration of the first-ever Digital Foreign Direct Investment (DFDI) Forum 2025, held under the patronage of chief guest of the event, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. According to a press statement, the forum also welcomed the Digital Cooperation Organisation (DCO) Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya as Guest of Honour. Hosted by the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication in collaboration with the DCO, the event signalled Pakistan's commitment to fostering global digital partnerships and investment. The forum brought together over 30 ministers from DCO member states, 75 international investors, and more than 100 leading Pakistani IT companies. As per the statement, with $700 million in digital investment announcements made on Day 1, the forum underscored global confidence in Pakistan's digital economy. Addressing the audience, the statement adds that Federal IT Minister, said, "Pakistan's ICT exports have grown by over 25% in the past nine months, showing the growth of our digital economy." She added, "We have improved our position by 14 places in the UN E-Government Development Index between 2022 and 2024, mirroring our ongoing commitment to digital progress and service delivery." She emphasised that Pakistan's tech sector is open for international collaboration and poised for future growth. At the forum, Federal IT Minister and DCO Secretary-General engaged with over 40 Pakistani startups and companies, applauding their entrepreneurial spirit and investor appeal. The opening day concluded with a strong sense of opportunity, global partnership, and renewed momentum for building Islamabad as Davos of digital investment, reads the press statement.
Express Tribune
05-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
IT exports soar as digital transformation accelerates
Listen to article Pakistan is rapidly transforming into a global tech hub, driven by record-breaking IT exports, policy-driven innovation, and a thriving digital workforce. The government's commitment to digital advancement aims to create a more connected, secure, and innovative future. The Ministry of IT and Telecom remains dedicated to positioning Pakistan as a leading digital economy by fostering innovation, expanding connectivity, and ensuring universal access to telecom services. According to official documents, "These efforts are creating a sustainable digital ecosystem, making Pakistan a rising tech hub." Over the past year, Pakistan's IT and telecom sector has seen remarkable progress, fuelled by government initiatives promoting digitalisation. Key achievements include record IT exports of $3.223 billion in FY 2023-24, reflecting a 24% increase. Broadband penetration surged by 5%, benefiting over 139 million subscribers. Policies supporting AI, cloud computing, and digital entrepreneurship are empowering startups and freelancers. The Digital Economy Enhancement Project (DEEP) is expanding digital infrastructure, boosting IT exports, and enhancing digital skills. Pakistan now ranks in Tier 1 of the Global Cybersecurity Index and has improved its standing in the UN E-Government Development Index. The adoption of e-office solutions has cut decision-making time by 70%, streamlining governance. The launch of the Hajj App and One Patient One ID system has enhanced public service efficiency. Over 600,000 individuals have been trained under equipping the workforce with essential digital expertise. More than 166 startups have emerged, generating 5,000+ jobs and attracting Rs260 million in investments. Pakistan is gearing up for 5G with a scheduled spectrum auction and the National Fiberisation Policy. Broadband expansion has benefited 4.1 million people, while regulatory reforms and the introduction of Wi-Fi 6E and the National Space Policy are paving the way for next-generation connectivity. Pakistan has introduced key policy frameworks to strengthen its digital ecosystem. Provinces, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir, have adopted Cloud First Policy (PCFP). National AI & Semiconductor Policies, finalised to accelerate Pakistan's entry into advanced technology sectors.
