UAE Tops World Rankings in Digital Government Services and Telecommunications Infrastructure Development
UAE Ascends to Global Leadership in Telecommunications and Digital Transformation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has clinched the top position in telecommunications infrastructure, digital government framework, and digital content, according to the latest "State of Digital Transformation Report" released by the Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation. The report was unveiled during the Digital Readiness Retreat.
The UAE's digital progress was outlined across 12 sectors, including health, education, finance, security, and the environment. The ranking was achieved not only in the report but also in the UN's digital knowledge index and the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 by Oxford Insights.
Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future and Chair of the Committee, underlined the report's significance, stating it reflects the UAE's determination to construct a government ready for the future by simplifying services and enhancing the quality of life through digital innovation.
In 2024, substantial efficiency gains were reported. These included savings of AED368 billion for users, AED20 billion in government cost reductions, and the conservation of 530 million labour hours. Transitioning to digital services also resulted in a reduction of 55.8 million tonnes in carbon emissions.
The transition witnessed 173 million digital transactions processed by federal government entities, with 91% satisfaction expressed by 57 million users. The UAE Pass supported 2.6 billion transactions across 15,000 services.
Digital advancements extended to sectors such as tax, trade, finance, health, and justice. Key achievements include 5.2 million tax transactions, 2 million AI-assisted prescriptions, and 4.2 million digital traffic fine payments. In education, 1.4 million people accessed digital learning, while 13.2 million work permit applications were processed online.
With 460 active digital transformation projects and 1,419 services offered, the UAE continues to solidify its standing as a global leader in digital governance.
The UAE's commitment to becoming a pioneer in digital innovation and governance is underscored by its focus on crucial areas such as telecommunications and cybersecurity. In telecommunications, the UAE is planning for 6G technology, with e& UAE releasing a whitepaper focusing on AI-native networks, post-quantum cryptography, and the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs). The country's robust cybersecurity framework, led by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, emphasizes digital trust, infrastructure protection, and operational readiness.
In education, the UAE Ministry of Education integrates digital safety into the national curriculum, focusing on responsible online behavior and data protection. The Central Bank of the UAE has also implemented stringent cybersecurity regulations for financial institutions, ensuring secure digital transactions.
These advancements serve as testament to the UAE's dedication to digital progress and its vision of a future-ready, digital-first nation.
- The UAE government is focusing on crucial areas like telecommunications and cybersecurity, planning for 6G technology, and releasing a whitepaper on AI-native networks, post-quantum cryptography, and the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs).
- A robust cybersecurity framework holds significant importance in the UAE, led by the UAE Cybersecurity Council, ensuring digital trust, infrastructure protection, and operational readiness.
- In education, the UAE Ministry of Education integrates digital safety into the national curriculum, teaching responsible online behavior and data protection.
- The UAE's digital progress extends to various sectors, including finance, where the Central Bank of the UAE has implemented stringent cybersecurity regulations for financial institutions.
- The government is committed to enhancing the quality of life through digital innovation and simplifying services, aiming to construct a future-ready, digital-first nation.
- With innovations in telecommunications, cybersecurity, education, and finance, the UAE continues to lead globally in digital governance, managing 460 active digital transformation projects and offering 1,419 services.
