The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its position as a global leader in digital transformation, with world-class infrastructure, rapid technological adoption, and people-first policies driving its success. The country’s forward-looking strategy continues to make digital innovation a cornerstone of sustainable development and economic competitiveness.
According to the United Nations E-Government Survey 2024, the UAE ranked first globally in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, achieving a perfect score of 100 percent — underscoring the extensive reach and high efficiency of its digital networks.
The country also retained its world number one spot in mobile internet speed from July 2024 to June 2025, according to the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla, recording an average download speed of 546.14 Mbps in June, far ahead of its closest competitors.
In 2024, UAE government agencies completed 173.7 million digital transactions, benefiting more than 57 million users with a satisfaction rate of 91 percent. Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked fourth and fifth, respectively, in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, leading the Arab world in smart infrastructure and quality of life.
The UAE further topped the Government AI Readiness Index 2024, issued by Oxford Insights, which assessed government efficiency, technological sector development, and infrastructure readiness.
Industry experts attribute this success to strategic investments in artificial intelligence, advanced telecommunications, and people-centric digital services. Rasha Abdo, Director of Strategic Client Team for the Middle East and North Africa at Infobip, highlighted the Dubai Government’s 360 Services policy as an example of setting new global benchmarks for proactive, integrated services.
Amjad Al Sabbagh, Group Vice-President for the Middle East and Africa at Sprinklr, noted that the UAE’s digital ecosystem has evolved beyond technology adoption to delivering personalised, human-centred experiences, with ambitions to double the digital economy’s GDP contribution by 2030. AI alone is projected to add US$100 billion, or 13.6 percent, to the country’s GDP.
With top global rankings, record-breaking internet speeds, and a thriving AI ecosystem, the UAE is positioning itself not just as a regional technology leader, but as a global model for innovation-driven economies.
–Input WAM
