The UAE is steadily reinforcing its role as a global frontrunner in digital transformation, driven by a visionary approach and national strategies that emphasise digital innovation as essential for sustainable development and economic growth.
Policies across both public and private sectors focus on people, acknowledging them as the main agents and beneficiaries of digital advancement. Various international reports showcase the UAE’s swift progress in digitalisation and its leading positions in key global rankings.
The United Nations E-Government Survey 2024 placed the UAE at the top worldwide in the Telecommunications Infrastructure Index, achieving a flawless score of 100%, highlighting the strength and efficiency of its digital infrastructure, Sharjah 24 reports.
In addition, the UAE secured the number one spot globally for mobile internet speed in the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla from July 2024 to June 2025. In June 2025 alone, it recorded an average download speed of 546.14 Mbps, surpassing all other nations.
In 2024, the UAE government processed 173.7 million digital transactions, with over 57 million users accessing 1,419 digital services, achieving a 91% satisfaction rate, demonstrating the effectiveness and broad reach of its digital government offerings.
Furthermore, according to the IMD Smart City Index 2025, Dubai ranked 4th globally and 1st in the Arab world, while Abu Dhabi secured 5th place worldwide, underscoring the UAE’s dedication to smart infrastructure and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
The UAE also led the MENA region in the Government AI Readiness Index 2024 by Oxford Insights, ranking ahead of 193 countries. This achievement reflects the country’s strengths in government efficiency, data accessibility, and technology sector growth.
Additionally, the Interregional Centre for Strategic Analysis in Abu Dhabi highlighted the UAE’s advancement toward AI leadership, driven by targeted investments in research, skill-building, and innovation.
Experts interviewed by Emirates News Agency (WAM) state that the UAE has not only taken the lead in the region but has also become a global benchmark for comprehensive digital transformation.
Rasha Abdo, Director at Infobip, pointed to the UAE’s perfect score in the Telecommunications Index as proof of its robust digital infrastructure. She commended initiatives such as Dubai’s 360 Services policy for promoting proactive, people-centred services across various sectors.
Abdo also noted that both government and private sectors are harnessing AI and automation to transform digital service delivery, particularly in banking, retail, and healthcare.
Whereas Amjad Al Sabbagh, VP at Sprinklr, highlighted that the UAE’s digital ecosystem has evolved beyond mere technology adoption to delivering personalised user experiences. He underscored the country’s forward-looking approach, which anticipates user needs and centres on human-focused innovation.
Al Sabbagh also noted the UAE’s ambition to double the digital economy’s GDP contribution by 2030. With AI expected to add 13.6% to GDP, equivalent to $100 billion, the nation is well-positioned to achieve its aims of economic diversification and sustainable innovation.